Sound an Issue at Day 1 of SnowGlobe in South Lake Tahoe

With a lack of snow in South Lake Tahoe to act as a buffer, the sound from SnowGlobe has more of an effect on area residents.

The concert has a maximum of 95 decibels allowed for sound, the same as last year. But with the reports received Sunday night on the City of South Lake Tahoe's SnowGlobe hotline, the reach of the sound is much greater and more bothersome to the callers than last year.

The City sought expert opinions of scientists to determine what sounds levels and location of the stage would have the least impact on those not attending the concert at the Lake Tahoe Community College. Sound bounces against sound waves, and therefore travels. Because of this, those at the concert won't hear the same sounds as those living a half mile or a mile away. Residents in the Black Bart and Plateau Circle neighborhoods reported high levels of sound all night.

According to City Manager Nancy Kerry, the first year's SnowGlobe has an impact on residents because the speakers and the woofers were up high. The following year (and this year), the woofers are set low and the higher speakers are tilted towards the concert goers. The tents placed on the low hill between Al Tahoe Blvd and the concert are placed there to also act as a buffer. Kerry said "we were very worried about about the lack of snow this year" as the sound reducing buffer would be gone.

Many feel the area needs SnowGlobe, especially in a low snow year such as this. Lodging properties are filling up with those here for the concert, which replace those who cancelled due to no snow. "Lodging properties are appreciative because they are now booked," according to Kerry.

"I feel bad if people are upset," says Kerry. She told SouthTahoeNow.com that its hard to make everyone happy. The business community and lodging properties are very thankful for SnowGlobe, while nearby residents are not.

The city has sound monitors in place, to make sure the 95 decibel range is not exceeded. Fireworks mark the official end of the concert at 10 pm on Monday night, but in order to prevent the mass exodus from the concert which caused big delays on the transportation out of the venue, one of the warming tents will offer non-amplified music for an extra hour. The Tuesday night show will have fireworks around midnight and end at 12:30 am.