One of the most popular destinations in the world, Lake Tahoe is a winter wonderland where snowboarders and skiers can go for a powder day. The magic formula is storms that come in feet rather than inches, with predictable sunny skies to follow - making for legendary bluebird powder days.
In the winter, Lake Tahoe averages more than 370 inches of snow, keeping its slopes well-clad in fresh powder. It's a big draw for the winter sports industry, and the area is home to many top ski resorts, including Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows.
While snowfall is common in February, it doesn't get too heavy, so you can still enjoy the outdoors without getting stuck inside. It is also a popular month for visiting Lake Tahoe, so you'll want to plan ahead.
Climate change could reduce the amount of snow that falls in Tahoe by the end of the century, according to a draft climate vulnerability assessment for the Lake Tahoe Basin. If emissions of greenhouse gases continue to rise, the percentage of water falling as snow in the area could drop by half.
This would be a serious problem for Tahoe, which relies on snow for its winter season. It's a key source of income for many of its local residents, and professional athletes rely on the snow for training. And it's also a big problem for the region's water supply, which is heavily dependent on the lake for storage.
