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Lake clarity measurements have been taken continuously by UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC) since 1968, when a white disk, called the Secchi disk, could be seen down to 102 feet. It is one of the longest, unbroken clarity records in the world. Secchi depth is the most widely used method of clarity measurement, and the values are consistent with laser-based measurements also taken by TERC researchers. Water transparency in Lake Tahoe is controlled by fine particles blocking light penetration either by scattering or by absorption. The decline in transparency is the result of accumplation of fine sediment particles and growth of small phytoplankton (algae). Fine sediments and nutirents are transporated to the lake by stormwater runoff, stream erosion, and through atmospheric deposition.
- Pelagic Water Quality (Clarity)
- Water Quality
Measurements are taken in Lake Tahoe using a 25 centimeter, all white Secchi disk. The disk is lowered into the water column from a boat to a depth at which it is no longer visible by the observer, and then raised slowly until visible again. The midpoint of these two depths is called the Secchi depth. Between 18 and 37 individual Secchi depth measurements have been collected each year at an established index station.
To download all of the water clarity data on this page please see Tahoe Open Data.
- 8/6/2024
- Tahoe Science Advisory Council Brief Description of water quality monitoring programs. Adapted from: S. Geoffrey Schladow, John M. Melack, Sudeep Chandra, Alicia Cortés et al. 2022. Lake Tahoe Clarity Analysis and Modeling Phase I: Biogeochemical and Ecological Modeling