Lake Tahoe’s economy depends on tourism. Nevada County, which includes the areas to the north and east of Lake Tahoe, raked in $343.7 million in 2017. Much of that is tied to outdoor recreation, and areas south of the lake similarly rely on skiers, mountain bikers, hikers, boaters, and more to keep the economy chugging.
But it’s hard to do those outdoor activities when the air outside is some of the most toxic in the world. On Wednesday morning, the air quality index in Tahoe City, located on the lake’s northeast shore, was a vile 406. Anything above 300 is considered hazardous, as defined by the Environmental Protection Agency. When the index reaches that level, it indicates “everyone may experience more serious health effects … [and] should avoid all outdoor exertion.” The horrifying part is that isn’t even the worst air quality the region has seen over the past 24 hours. Federal data shows the air quality index maxed out at 827, nearly triple the hazardous threshold.
I’m suddenly very worried for golfing guy.
Campsites were also closed around the region, and even Heavenly ski area’s famed gondola that gives riders views across Nevada and California was shut down.
“We’ve never seen this much smoke here, ever,” Joe Stella, a manager at the Powder House ski, snowboard, and bike rental shop, told the San Francisco Chronicle.
When asked if he was surprised people weren’t breaking down the door to rent bikes, Stella wiped ash off a seat and told the Chronicle, “I wouldn’t recommend it. Think of all the stuff you’re breathing in.”
