Pacific Southwest Research Station

Lake Quality

To “Keep Tahoe Blue” is a primary goal in the Tahoe basin. A specific objective is to reverse the long-term decline in open-water clarity. Lake quality is also threatened by the spread of attached algae (periphyton) and non-native organisms including Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum), curlyleaf pondweed (Potamogeton crispus), Asian clam (Corbicula fluminea), and numerous warmwater fishes.

Current Research Projects

Research projects are measuring conditions and trends across the lake and understanding processes that influence near-shore water quality and its linkage to open-lake water quality. Research is also examining the effects of invasive plants and fishes, how to hinder or reverse their spread, and how to prevent introduction of new invaders.

Development of a risk model to determine the expansion and potential environmental impacts of Asian clams in Lake Tahoe

Evaluating indicators of nearshore clarity and fish habitat

Changes in near-shore water quality

Using remote sensing to monitor water quality