The last storm raised the lake level of Folsom Lake from a historic drought low by 14 feet and counting. This storm should add lots more, and hopefully more snow in the high Sierra so ski resorts can recoup some of their losses this season. Skiers are paying $75 a day for lift tickets, which is quite a sum, however it is their passion and their money and the locals who serve them are very grateful for the income. While there are more and more summer activities at resorts, its skiing that brings in the big bucks and justifies the facilities in the first place.
I'm more of a hiker and cyclist, using my camera to snap photos of eye catching images. I'm glad I worked up here a dozen years ago. I've seen a lot of the Sierras from places most people don't. I look forward to better trails map uploads so my GPS can enjoy them better, and I'll know where I'm going and not simply meandering between bushes optimistically. The paved bike trail running from the public parking lot near Squaw Valley up to Tahoe City is a great place to bike with family, even small children, because you can stop anywhere you like and the traffic is well separated from the trail over most of its length, meaning your kids can't get into much trouble. The bike rental shop across the street also does brisk business, and the rafting company about a mile up the road is also very busy. These and the sandwich shops and burger-bars keep Tahoe City and its many places to stop and sightsee near Lake Tahoe totally worth summer visits. Being attractive to Tourism other than skiing is important. Hopefully these rains will also keep the water levels up at Tahoe. The Truckee River spills out at Tahoe City at the coffer-dam, and if the levels drop too low, no water, no rafting, and less interest for bicyclists.
Normal rains for this town in the Gold Country is 48 inches a year. We've still got 30 something to go. I am hoping there will be many more storms.
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