El Dorado Beach boat ramp to remain closed this summer due to Lake Tahoe water levels

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Due to low lake levels, the City of South Lake Tahoe has announced it will not be opening its boat ramp for motorized vessels at El Dorado Beach this summer.

The natural rim of the lake is 6,223 feet. As of Friday, May 7, 2021, the elevation of Lake Tahoe is 6,225.25 feet. In comparison, the elevation on May 7, 2020 was 6227.75 feet and the lake level has been steadily decreasing since June of 2020 due to a fairly dry fall and winter. The water level in the lake fluctuates from year to year depending on winter snowfall and snowpack. At this time, the water is too low to safely launch a motorized boat at this location.

(To read the chart above use the base figure of 6,220 feet and add the figure on the left side.)

At El Dorado Beach, non-motorized boats can access the lake from the boat ramp provided they are Cleaned Drained and Dry.

Boat inspections are now available in Meyers, Spooner Summit, and Alpine Meadows (make reservations here).

To find an open boat ramp, a list if provided HERE. Check ahead this summer as lake conditions may affect other operations.