roads
South Lake Tahoe ski, snowboard and weather report for Thursday
Submitted by paula on Thu, 02/18/2016 - 7:48am
The following is the ski, snowboard and weather report for Thursday, February 18, 2016 for South Lake Tahoe brought to you by Lake Tahoe SkiBum.
Winter Storm Warning until to noon Thursday. Heaviest snow is expected before 8:00 a.m. where snowfall rates could briefly reach 2 to 3 inches per hour.
Wind Advisory from noon to 6:00 p.m. Thursday.
The following report is from reports at 7:30 a.m. Wind will be an issue at some resorts today so call ahead or follow the links provided to check on current conditions.
Information and education key to eliminating South Lake Tahoe traffic jams
Submitted by paula on Fri, 02/12/2016 - 4:53pm
With the massive traffic jam created by travelers trying to get out of South Lake Tahoe during the snowstorm January 31, several options have been discussed to prevent a repeat, especially with a large holiday crowd this weekend.
Public gets chance to ask questions about US50 Revitalization project
Submitted by paula on Thu, 02/11/2016 - 9:11pm
The public once again had the opportunity to participate in the planning of the US50/South Shore Revitalization plan (also known as the Loop Road) during a meeting held at South Tahoe Middle School Wednesday evening. About 100 people took advantage of having the opportunity.
A panel made up of three representatives from the project, Tahoe Transportation District's Carl Hasty and Russell Nygaard, and the Project Manager Mark Rayback from Woods Rodgers.
Hwy 89 road construction by Fanny Bridge may cause delays
Submitted by paula on Mon, 02/08/2016 - 8:48pm
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will be performing grinding and paving work on sections of State Highway 89 in the Tahoe City area the next three days.
The work will take place from Blackwood Creek Road to and including the Truckee River (“Fanny”) Bridge in Tahoe City. It’s scheduled from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, Feb. 9-11 and will require one-way traffic control.
Nine tons of patching used on South Lake Tahoe roads so far this winter
Submitted by paula on Sat, 02/06/2016 - 10:42am
We've all seen them, or driven through them. They are a sure sign of winter, filling with water at every storm. They are small, they are large, and in some states they joke they are big enough they can swallow a small car.
What are they? Potholes.
South Lake Tahoe ski, snowboard and weather report for Saturday
Submitted by paula on Sat, 02/06/2016 - 7:50am
The following is the ski, snowboard and weather report for Saturday, February 6, 2016 for South Lake Tahoe brought to you by Lake Tahoe SkiBum.
Weather - South Lake Tahoe will have a high today of 50 and a low tonight of 17. Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 50. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 17. East wind around 5 mph.
Lake Valley Fire seeks public's help to clear out over 1,000 hydrants
Submitted by paula on Tue, 02/02/2016 - 5:45pm
With over 1,000 fire hydrants within the borders of the Lake Valley Fire Protection District, they have unveiled the "Adopt a Hydrant" program.
It is impossible for fire crews to shovel and maintain all of them in a timely manner and since the California Fire Code requires fire hydrants to be free of obstructions and immediately identifiable, LVFPD is asking for the public's help.
CHP advises winter tourists not utilize side roads to circumvent traffic
Submitted by paula on Tue, 02/02/2016 - 1:42pm
Winter has been welcomed back to the Lake Tahoe basin after a few years of drought and less-than-average snowfall, but a resurgence of winter brings with it not only more visitors to enjoy the snow, but poor traveling conditions for the driver.
South Lake Tahoe ski, snowboard and weather report for Monday
Submitted by paula on Mon, 02/01/2016 - 7:08am
The following is the ski, snowboard and weather report for Monday, February 1, 2016 for South Lake Tahoe brought to you by Lake Tahoe SkiBum.
Special statement from the National Weather Service: Due to cold temperatures last night, many roads across Western Nevada, the Sierra, and Northeast California will remain snow and ice covered for the morning commute. Allow extra time to reach your destination. Brisk winds will continue today, especially in Mono and Mineral counties, and points south.
Chain controls and road closures as latest storm passes through Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Sun, 01/31/2016 - 10:47am
4:15 P.M. UPDATE: Road controls are back in place, along with closure of I-80 at the Nevada/California state line due to a 25-car pile-up.
Traffic on Highway 50 over Echo Summit is still slow moving with the back up for westbound travel backed up near the intersection of Hwy 50 and 89 at the Y.
* * *
1:15 P.M. UPDATE: Many chain controls have been lifted throughout the Tahoe basin and passes. Check ahead at Caltrans Road Info.
* * *
Last storm helped Lake Tahoe gain 7.89 billion gallons of water; More on the way
Submitted by paula on Sat, 01/30/2016 - 7:06pm
The most recent storm to hit the Lake Tahoe basin brought with it more rain than snow, but it allowed the lake to rise .20 feet which equals 7.89 billion gallons of water.
The Truckee River in Reno rose 3.71 feet and Donner Lake added 1.72 feet, or 385 million gallons of water.
Ski areas in the basin all got a boost in snow with Mt. Rose seeing the most at 16 inches. Heavenly added 4" and both Sierra-at-Tahoe and Kirkwood saw 10" added to their base.
South Lake Tahoe ski, snowboard and weather report for Saturday
Submitted by paula on Sat, 01/30/2016 - 8:23am
The following is the ski, snowboard and weather report for Saturday, January 30, 2016 for South Lake Tahoe brought to you by Lake Tahoe SkiBum.
Winter Storm Warning until 10:00 a.m.
Weather - South Lake Tahoe will have a high of 36 and a low tonight of 18. Today: Snow. High near 36. West wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible. Tonight: RSnow. Low around 18. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.
South Lake Tahoe ski, snowboard and weather report for Friday
Submitted by paula on Fri, 01/29/2016 - 8:00am
The following is the ski, snowboard and weather report for Friday, January 29, 2016 for South Lake Tahoe brought to you by Lake Tahoe SkiBum.
Lake Wind Advisory 1/29/16 from 4:00 a.m. to 1/30/16 at 4:00 a.m.
Winter Storm Watch 1/29/16 from 4:00 a.m. to 1/30/16 at 10:00 a.m.
Flash Flood Watch 1/26/16 from 10:00 a.m. to 1/30/16 at 10:00 a.m.
South Lake Tahoe ski, snowboard and weather report for Tuesday
Submitted by paula on Tue, 01/26/2016 - 7:36am
The following is the ski, snowboard and weather report for Tuesday, January 26, 2016 for South Lake Tahoe brought to you by Lake Tahoe SkiBum.
Weather - South Lake Tahoe will have a high of 42 and a low tonight of 21. Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 42. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 21. South wind around 5 mph becoming west after midnight.
Lake Tahoe Restoration Act passes committee in Washington
Submitted by paula on Wed, 01/20/2016 - 5:00pm
The Lake Tahoe Restoration Act of 2015, a bipartisan bill sponsored by Nevada Sen. Dean Heller, passed the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works on Wednesday.
The legislation, created alongside senators Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., Harry Reid, D-Nevada and Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., provides federal, state, and local partners important tools to reduce wildfire threats, improve water clarity, jumpstart innovative infrastructure projects, and combat invasive species.
South Lake Tahoe ski, snowboard and weather report for Tuesday
Submitted by paula on Tue, 01/19/2016 - 7:25am
The following is the ski, snowboard and weather report for Tuesday, January 19, 2016 for South Lake Tahoe brought to you by Lake Tahoe SkiBum.
A lake wind advisory is in effect until 7:00 p.m..
Skies clearing, leaving behind fresh snow and avalanche warning
Submitted by paula on Fri, 01/15/2016 - 9:36am
The ski resorts are welcoming new snow as a storm that passed through left behind up to 15 inches of it behind on the slopes. Crews are cleaning up the roads around the lake with many controls in place.
There is an avalanche warning for slopes steeper than 30 degrees. Human triggered avalanches are likely and natural avalanches are possible according to the National Weather Service.
As of 9 a.m., chain controls are up on Highway 50 over Echo Summit, requiring all cars to have chains unless 4WD with snow tires on all four wheels from 3 miles east of Kyburz to Meyers.
Chance of rain and snow in South Lake Tahoe for next week
Submitted by paula on Thu, 01/14/2016 - 4:53pm
The snow in South Lake Tahoe on Thursday started almost exactly at the time the winter weather advisory said it would: 2 p.m. The advisory is in effect until 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 15.
Chain controls are up on all mountain roads around Lake Tahoe, and with 3-5" snow expected during the evening, expect them to stay up all night.
Chain controls as of 4:30 p.m. Thursday:
Kingsbury Grade - Chains or snow tires
Spooner Summit / Hwy 50 - Chains or snow tires
Echo Summit / Hwy 50 - Chains or 4WD with snow tires from 1.5 miles west of Kyburz to Meyers
South Lake Tahoe ski, snowboard and weather report for Saturday
Submitted by paula on Sat, 01/09/2016 - 7:58am
The following is the ski, snowboard and weather report for Saturday, January 9, 2016 for South Lake Tahoe brought to you by Lake Tahoe SkiBum.
Loop Road project the topic at South Lake Tahoe Chamber
Submitted by paula on Wed, 01/06/2016 - 8:13pm
The public has been on a long journey with the Tahoe Transportation District over the US50/South Shore Community Revitalization project, one that has followed twisted roads and endured roadblocks and detours.
Now it appears the project, also known as the Loop Road, is on the back straightaway, approaching the final turn and homestretch.
Nevada fatalities on the road rose in 2015
Submitted by paula on Tue, 01/05/2016 - 12:27pm
While California figures are not in yet, Nevada has released a report on their traffic fatalities for 2015.
Preliminary data shows that there were 321 Nevada traffic deaths in 2015, an increase by 30 deaths over the previous year.
When compared with the number of miles driven in Nevada, though, traffic deaths have dropped from an average of 1.54 deaths per every 100 million miles traveled in 2008 to 1.13 fatalities per 100 million miles in 2013. Statewide, traffic fatalities reached an all-time high of 432 in 2006.
Chance of snow all week long in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Sat, 01/02/2016 - 6:37pm
The National Weather Service in Reno says that an active winter weather pattern will be returning to the Lake Tahoe region next week as several winter systems are poised to impact the Sierra and western Nevada every one to two days beginning Monday and possibly lasting into next weekend.
South Lake Tahoe ski, snowboard and weather report for Saturday
Submitted by paula on Sat, 01/02/2016 - 8:32am
The following is the ski, snowboard and weather report for Saturday, January 2, 2016 for South Lake Tahoe brought to you by Lake Tahoe SkiBum.
Weather - South Lake Tahoe will have a high of 33 and a low tonight of 22. Today: Isolated snow showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 33. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 22. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
South Lake Tahoe ski, snowboard and weather report for Saturday
Submitted by paula on Sat, 12/26/2015 - 7:10am
The following is the ski, snowboard and weather report for Saturday, December 26, 2015 for South Lake Tahoe brought to you by Lake Tahoe SkiBum.
Weather - Lake wind advisory until 10:00 a.m. South Lake Tahoe will have a high of 31 and a low of 3. Today: Sunny, with a high near 31. East wind around 10 mph. Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 3. East wind around 5 mph.
Heavy snow for the Sierras today
Submitted by paula on Thu, 12/24/2015 - 9:23am
It's going to be a white Christmas in Lake Tahoe, with heavy snow expected throughout the day Thursday, leaving an expected extra foot of snow at lake level by Friday morning.
If you are traveling you can expect road controls from chains or snow tire requirements to chains or 4WD with snow tires.
Winter mountain travel requires caution and preparedness
Submitted by paula on Tue, 12/22/2015 - 5:15pm
The holiday travel week may not have started out as many hoped it would as a storm hit Lake Tahoe on Monday, stranding many travelers for hours. I was one of those stranded between Kyburz and South Lake Tahoe on Highway 50, making the 1.5 hour drive from Cameron Park in 8.5 hours.
This caught me off guard since I've been driving the mountain roads for the past 36 years and my four-wheel drive car with snow tires has been very steady and dependable. I normally don't drive the mountain passes when a storm is headed our way, but I had to pick my daughter up from the San Francisco Airport.
Kudos: League to Save Lake Tahoe and Lake Tahoe Humane Society
Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 12/17/2015 - 11:25am
The business of second chances is everyone’s business. Choose your path!
Dear League To Save Lake Tahoe and the Humane Society,
First of all, I want to say thank you on behalf of the students at Mt. Tallac High School and to tell you we appreciate all of you for your hard work. Without you it would be difficult to earn lab science credits. I think everything you guys do for Tahoe is great!
More snow on the way for Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Fri, 12/11/2015 - 8:36am
Here is an update for road conditions and weather forecast for Friday, December 11.
Chain controls are widespread this morning:
At 8 a.m., chains or 4WD with snow tires are required all the way on Highway 50 from Meyers to Pollock Pines.
Chains are required on all vehicles except 4WD with snow tires on Hwy 89 from Pickett's Junction to 2.7 miles south of junction with Highway 50 in Meyers; from 4.5 miles north of Y to Bliss State Park, then chains or snow tires from Bliss State Park to junction of I80.
New tool gives insight to Lake Tahoe's environmental improvements
Submitted by paula on Mon, 12/07/2015 - 5:25pm
A new website puts comprehensive information about the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program at everyone’s fingertips, allowing people to easily learn more about “Lake-Saving Projects” completed in their own neighborhoods and all around Lake Tahoe.
The new Environmental Improvement Program Project Tracker is online at www.conservationclearly.org/tracker.
Significant storm headed to Lake Tahoe; 1-2 ft of snow at lake level
Submitted by paula on Mon, 12/07/2015 - 4:56pm
It is still a few days away, but the warnings are already being issued for a winter storm headed to the Sierra Nevada.
A winter storm warning has been issued for Lake Tahoe, starting late Wednesday day and going until Thursday night. The National Weather Service issued the warning, saying there is a potential for significant snow accumulations that may create hazardous driving conditions.
USFS want public's input on how they handle maintenance and events on their Lake Tahoe land
Submitted by paula on Thu, 12/03/2015 - 6:00pm
The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) is seeking comments on a proposal for the management and uses of existing roads, trails and facilities located on National Forest System (NFS) lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin.
Increased law enforcement for Click-it or Ticket campaign in Nevada
Submitted by paula on Fri, 11/27/2015 - 8:14pm
Douglas County and Lyon County Sheriff's Officers are joining law enforcement from around the state in a Click It or Ticket campaign to remind motorists that seat belts save lives and that failing to buckle up can result in costly ticket fees.
Plan for heavy traffic during Thanksgiving holiday
Submitted by admin on Wed, 11/25/2015 - 8:01pm
Anyone on the roads today noticed a big influx of travelers, both inside the Tahoe basin and on the state's highways.
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) advises motorists that experts are predicting a slight increase in all methods of travel nationwide, with about 47 million people traveling either by car or airplane for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Winter storm warning for Lake Tahoe; 4" - 8" of snow at lake level
Submitted by paula on Mon, 11/23/2015 - 7:40pm
The National Weather Service has upgraded the system heading to the Sierra. They have put in a Winter Storm Warning from noon Tuesday, November 24 to 4 a.m. on Wednesday. Since the storm is coming from the north, forecasters expect snow to hit Washoe County by 10 a.m. and South Lake Tahoe by 12:00 p.m.
Holiday travelers can expect roads to be impacted with heavy snow Tuesday afternoon and evening, and slick roads on Wednesday.
A high wind warning is in effect from 4 p.m. Monday until noon on Tuesday, prior to the snow falling.
South Tahoe Greenway plans moving forward
Submitted by paula on Wed, 11/18/2015 - 10:17pm
Sometime in the future, one will be able to hop on a bike at Van Sickle Bi-State Park and travel on Class 1 trails to Sierra Tract, and hopefully beyond.
The concept for the trail where people would walk and bike safely off the main roads actually began in 1985. Caltrans owned land through the middle of neighborhoods where a highway was proposed, but when it was apparent that would never be built, the California Tahoe Conservancy (CTC) joined Caltrans in discussions to obtain the land.
Meeting the transportation challenges of tomorrow
Submitted by paula on Wed, 11/18/2015 - 4:24pm
This past summer was Lake Tahoe’s busiest tourist season in recent memory. With the economy rebounding and major population growth projected for nearby metropolitan areas, this summer is also a harbinger of change. We must be prepared to meet the challenges of increased visitation in the future.
Guest Columnist: Tips for winter disaster preparedness
Submitted by paula on Tue, 11/17/2015 - 5:39pm
In today’s world, the reasons for being prepared seem to be escalating. From threats of terrorist attacks to huge storms that could knock out the power supply, the only way you can make sure your family will survive is to take steps to ensure you are prepared. It’s not always going to be possible to count on the government or community resources in times of trouble, so taking some time to put together your own emergency provisions can be the determining factor in whether your family eats or even survives the emergency.
South Lake Tahoe road and school report
Submitted by paula on Tue, 11/10/2015 - 7:27amThe snow forecast for Monday night arrived this morning in South Lake Tahoe, prompting morning commute road controls and school news.
All Lake Tahoe Unified Schools are open with no delays Tuesday morning,
Douglas County schools at the lake are "main bus stops only."
The Douglas County bus stops are designated as:
The corner of Tina Court and Ski Court for students living in the Tramway and Kingsbury Village area:
WHS - Bus will arrive at 6:35 a.m. and depart at 6:57 a.m.
ZCES - Bus will arrive at 7:55 a.m. and depart at 8:22 a.m.
Buckeye Creek project on Douglas County Planning Commission agenda Tuesday
Submitted by paula on Mon, 11/09/2015 - 2:24pm
Much like the lake side of El Dorado County and the west slope don’t always see eye to eye, the Douglas County portion at the lake, and the valley residents are in the same situation.
The topic currently at the forefront is Buckeye Creek Reservoir, located in the eastern portion of Douglas County. BLM has most of the land in this undeveloped area, and the Douglas County Sewer Improvement District (DCSID) owns 1,001 of those acres.
Snow, wind and sunshine all in the forecast for South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Sun, 11/08/2015 - 11:06am
There is a lake wind advisory in South Lake Tahoe Sunday with waves two to four feet expected until 7 p.m., with the biggest wave action on the east and northeast shores. Winds will be from the southwest 15-25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph.
The winds are in front of a fast moving low pressure system that will move across the Sierra and Western Nevada through Monday. It brings with it cold and snow showers starting on Sunday night.
Author Ellen Osborn, great granddaughter of John Calhoun "Cock-eye" Johnson, at SLT Library
Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 11/04/2015 - 2:10pm
Event Date:
January 9, 2016 - 1:00pm Author Ellen Osborn will share her book, "Lovely & Comfortable Heritage Lost", giving us a unique history of El Dorado County, beginning with the early days of the gold rush and the first conflicts with the Native American tribes of the region. Her book also traces the evolution of California's Highway 50 from its beginning as the Native American trade trail that became a popular Gold Rush route and explains why it has come to be called one of the most storied and romantic roads in American history.
Location
South Lake Tahoe Library
1000 Rufus Allen Blvd.
South Lake Tahoe, CA
United States
38° 56' 43.5084" N, 119° 58' 22.296" W
See map: Google Maps
SLT Police Chief on Officer Hounsell, auto theft, violent crime and winter driving
Submitted by paula on Wed, 11/04/2015 - 1:21pm
Tragedy at the Police Department. The department is deeply appreciative of the support given to the family of Mark Hounsell who was killed, along with his wife Jeanne and her friend Laura Fisher, in a motor vehicle accident. They are survived by 4 children who have been the recipients of beautiful and heartfelt support from the entire community. The fund for the Children is now approaching the goal of $130,000. See this at: https://www.gofundme.com/hounsellchildren
Letter from STPUD: Not all potholes are the same
Submitted by paula on Sat, 10/31/2015 - 7:09pm
Potholes in our streets are a popular discussion item in Tahoe. Some potholes are simply holes in the asphalt paving, while others are actually low spots located over a utility pipeline. This summer, several articles have addressed potholes at various lengths. The South Tahoe Public Utility District (District) would like to provide some information concerning the “utility” potholes. There are multiple types of “utility” potholes:
1. Manhole structure on sanitary sewers (stamped STPUD)
2. Manhole structure on storm drain sewers (usually slotted)
NDOT wants people to report illicit drainage and discharge into roads
Submitted by paula on Mon, 10/26/2015 - 7:28pm
The Nevada Department of Transportation is urging residents to help protect water quality by preventing and reporting illicit drainage and discharge onto state roads and transportation facilities.
Illicit discharge is anything entering a roadway drainage system that is not natural stormwater. Pesticides, construction dirt or materials, as well as materials from neighboring properties and roadway runoff containing fertilizers, vehicle oil and chemicals are examples.
Prescribed burning is more than just igniting fuels
Submitted by paula on Thu, 10/22/2015 - 10:02pm
With more than 4,000 acres of land in the Lake Tahoe basin being burned by the U.S. Forest Service annually, prescribed burns have become an important part of keeping forests healthy.
On Thursday, I followed the Tallac Hotshots as well as Engines 41 and 42 from the U.S. Forest Service as they burned an eight acre parcel off Grass Lake Road in Christmas Valley.
Amgen Tour for both men and women returns to South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Thu, 10/22/2015 - 11:13am
Exciting news for South Lake Tahoe, the cycling community and local tourism today when it was announced that the Amgen Tour of California will be returning to the South Shore for both men's and women's events.
Professional cyclists will return to the lake for the men's Stage 5 finish and the women's Stage 1 start on Thursday, May 19, 2016. The men will take off in Lodi, Calif. and finish at Heavenly Mountain Resort’s California Base Lodge in South Lake Tahoe. The women will also start/finish at Heavenly Mountain Resort on May 19.
Money secured for Hwy 89 improvement projects at Meeks Bay and Tahoe City
Submitted by paula on Wed, 10/21/2015 - 7:11pm
There will soon be a new Fanny Bridge in Tahoe City now that the Tahoe Transportation District has secured all of the $33 million needed to complete the State Route 89/Fanny Bridge Community Revitalization Project and Meeks Bay Trail Project.
City addressing complaints about Caltrans projects in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Tue, 10/20/2015 - 5:53pm
There's an old joke about the seasons in Lake Tahoe: There are two seasons in Lake Tahoe. Winter, and Road Construction.
While the "winter" comment may not be as it once was, there is no question about "road construction" as it now goes from May through October.
Part of living in the mountains is sharing our best weather months with construction workers, road controls and traffic cones. Residents get that. But what drivers went through during the 2015 construction on highways 50 and 89 was not only inexcusable, it was preventable.
TRPA and backcountry skiers working to address winter recreation access
Submitted by paula on Mon, 10/19/2015 - 7:58pm
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, El Dorado County, and members of Tahoe Backcountry Alliance announced today they are partnering to create a coalition of stakeholders to maintain and enhance public access for winter backcountry skiing and snowboarding.
“We’re optimistic about this opportunity to work together to get back some of the access that we have lost in the past, and work to enhance access in the future. Let’s together reclaim and preserve backcountry access in the Tahoe Basin,” said Mike Schwartz and Todd Offenbacher, of Tahoe Backcountry Alliance.
Flash flood warning issued for El Dorado and Placer Counties
Submitted by paula on Sat, 10/17/2015 - 8:10am
The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for the King Fire area in Placer and El Dorado Counties. Doppler radar has indicated heavy rain moving into the burn area, prompting the warnings.
A warning is in place until 11 a.m. Saturday, October 17.
The severely burned areas of Rubicon River, Silver Creek and the South Fork of the American River are areas of concern due to the terrain's inability to absorb rainfall, leading to enhanced rainfall.
