In The News – The Smoke Effect: How are wildfires impacting lakes like Tahoe
August 10, 2024 | Member Submitted
Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 08/09/2024, Written by Clare McArther
Three summers ago, the Caldor Fire burned its way up the Western Slope into the Tahoe Basin, scorching 221,835 acres. The fire burned for over two months, cloaking the lake and its surrounding communities in unprecedented smoke. While hundreds fled the area — by choice or mandatory evacuation — scientists took to the water to try and better understand how the smoke and ash were impacting the lake.
With wildfires increasing in frequency and intensity, especially in California, understanding their impact on such a vital resource is key. Ten of the largest California wildfires in recorded history have occurred in the last 20 years with five taking place in 2020 alone, according to the National Integrated Drought Information System.
“Fire is going to be a bigger component of the landscape for the next 100 years, without question, under best case scenarios,” confirms Dr. Steve Sadro, U.C. Davis associate professor of environmental science and policy.
Photo: Researchers from all around the basin collected data on water quality, ash nutrient content, algae growth and more. Photos by Linda Carter