Northwoods Tahoe Winter 2023

Photo by Aaron Jones

NEW ART FOR A NEW YEAR

“FALL BREAK” GLASS BEAD MOSAIC SABRINA FREY

“KINDA STUBBORN” ORIGINAL OIL ON CANVAS TERI SWEENEY

“HALF DOME” WATER COLOR LAVONNE VASIK

publisher: harryJONES

editors: allisonJONES

MelanieCano

layout design: aaronJONES

Contributing Writer: MarkMclaughlin

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The Big One: 40th Anniversary

by Mark McLaughlin

This winter started off at a blistering pace precipitation-wise, as did winter 2011, which ultimately became the eighth wettest season since 1946 and ninth snowiest since 1878. But neither year could keep up with the precipitation trajectory set by the winter of 1983. That epic season is still the wettest in Sierra history and the benchmark by which all others are measured.

Forty years ago, the West endured one of the most brutal winters in the annals of Sierra weather. Nearly 67 feet of snow fell at Norden on Donner Pass in 1983, the sixth greatest all-time total for that location. The incessant storm activity and heavy snowfall took its toll on local residents and businesses, as well as visitors looking to ski some of the deepest powder in decades.

Typically, California can expect about four or five major storms during the course of the five-month rainy season, November through March. But in 1983 potent storms came early, originated in various regions of the Pacific Ocean, and persisted until early May with only

short reprieves. Heavy snow buried the mountains, torrential rain lashed the lowlands and 25-foot waves pounded the coast from Fort Bragg to San Diego.

The big winter of ‘83 was not a complete surprise. An unusually strong El Niño event in the Pacific Ocean was adding more juice to the jet stream and climatologists warned of increased potential for a wet winter. A persistent, deep low pressure system in the Gulf of Alaska combined with an intensified high pressure dome in the central Pacific to “squeeze” the jet stream and effectively double the speed of the westerly flow of air across the ocean. Fast moving storm systems embedded in the jet stream were fueled by released energy from exceptionally warm sea water as they raced toward the West Coast. Depending on your perspective, it was either a recipe for disaster or a powder hound’s ultimate fantasy.

The Storm King wasted no time in fulfilling the prophecies for a heavy season. As a harbinger of things to come, rare September snowfall hit the mountains. Enough, in fact, that twice that month CalTrans was forced to require chains on Interstate 80 and other local roadways. Nearly two inches fell in Reno, the city’s first September snowfall since 1889 when about half an inch covered the ground. The unusually early snowfall was an ominous omen:

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Southern Pacific crews shovel snow from a collapsed building near the snowshed. Courtesy of Mark McLaughlin.

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the winter of 1889-90 is known as the “Great White Ruin” and considered the worst in Nevada’s history.

In late October, activity picked up again as a strong flow of moist, subtropical air from near Hawaii inundated the Sierra with heavy rain and high elevation snow. More than 10 inches of rain soaked Blue Canyon that month, more than double its October average. The jet stream soon shifted, however, and a week later the first in a series of cold storms from the Gulf of Alaska slammed the West Coast. This relentless stream of powerful weather systems buried the TruckeeTahoe region. Most resort operators had never seen anything like it.

To top off November, the last storm was a wild one, dumping four feet of snow in downtown Truckee, which paralyzed traffic and closed schools for two days. Alpine Meadows Resort picked up 87 inches of snow that month, which got the ski season off to a great start. By Dec. 1, more than 6 feet of snow covered the ground at Norden, compared to an average

of 11 inches for that time of year. In many locations in the Sierra, it was the wettest fall season (Sept.-Oct.Nov.) on record.

After that barrage there was a three-week lull between storms, typical for December or January in the Sierra. And then, just before the economically important ChristmasNew Year’s holiday period, the most intense storms so far roared in with damaging winds and 10 feet of new snow. The final cold front set a new record for low barometric pressure at Sacramento. Fierce winds associated with this dynamic and tightly wrapped weather system exceeded 90 mph at Mt. Tamalpais in Marin County and closed down the Golden Gate Bridge for only the third time in history. In the mountains, Norden received another 7 feet of snow and the snowpack rose to a solid 11 feet deep. Despite all the holiday traffic, CalTrans shut down westbound Interstate 80 for two full days. Power lines were ripped down by the tempest and communities in Truckee and Lake Tahoe went dark. Walt Sady, spokesman for Pacific Gas and Electric said, “We’re suggesting to

people to prepare for the worst and be aware that they may be out of power for three or four days.” In fact, some customers in the Truckee area were without electricity for 13 days while temperatures plummeted to 7 degrees below zero.

By New Year’s Day, mountain highways were clear for everyone to enjoy some of the best holiday ski conditions in memory. Alpine Meadows reported a base of 10 to 15 feet while Sugar Bowl boasted 12 to 18 feet of white gold. A strong ridge of high pressure dominated for the first half of January, blocking the Pacific storm track. Sunny days and warmer temperatures gave locals hope that the destructive storms had abated. (The same mid-winter dry pattern encouraged members of the Donner Party to assume that the spring thaw was upon them and they could make their escape to safety in the Sacramento Valley.) But in both 1847 and 1983, heavy snow storms returned during the third week of January dashing all hopes for some relief. On January 21, 1983, another juiced-up Pacific storm barreled onshore, pounding California with heavy rain and snow, high winds, and massive waves and surf along the coast. Santa Cruz was inundated with an incredible 25 inches of rain in 36 hours and up to 10 feet of new snow immobilized Lake Tahoe. By early February, the snowpack at Sugar Bowl had reached 26 feet deep.

The bottomless snow along the Mt. Rose Highway got rave reviews from participants indulging in the hottest winter rage at the time— snowboarding. Southern California resident, Steve Cathey, a former surfing and skateboarding champion, had begun manufacturing his patented “Slicker Snowboard” in 1980. His prototype snowboard was about three feet long with two plastic straps running from tip to tail on the top of the board. Riders

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Satellite view of relentless storms pounding California in January 1983. Courtesy of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

About The Cover

Six thousand feet above the Carson Valley, Jobs Peak towers and connects the monolithic wall of granite and forests holding Lake Tahoe’s water in place. This season’s moisture has been nothing short of epic with the Eastern Sierra seeing snow depths much larger than years past. The valley and mountains create some of the most interesting winter weather patterns from pogonip to inversion layers. To see this image in person (and other fine art) visit The Genoa Gallery at 2292 Main Street, Suite 101 in Genoa Nevada.

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Southern Pacific telegrapher’s home buried in 1983. Courtesy of Richard Steinheimer

placed their feet beneath the straps, and then attached nylon safety straps to each foot. Cathey was in the area to help set up the first championship competition for snowboarding in the Lake Tahoe basin. He said, “Lake Tahoe is the nicest place I’ve found for snowboarding. The terrain is great, the weather perfect and the lake beautiful.”

Storms in February, March and April continued to batter California with rain, wind and snow. The statewide precipitation averaged 200% of normal in February and 300% of normal in March. A huge cyclone dumped another 7 feet on Norden from February 28 to March 3. Cold storms during March triggered tornadoes in the southern Sacramento Valley and Los Angeles County. In Truckee and Lake Tahoe, where residents were longing for sunshine, it snowed every day from April 18-30, including 40 inches on the last weekend of the month. Snow depths at Norden exceeded 17 feet; some of the deepest snow since World War II. At the Sugar Bowl ski area, General Manager Don Schwartz proclaimed the snowfall of ’83 to be the greatest ever. Schwartz said, “This is an all-time record. Right now you can walk off our porch onto 25 feet of snow.”

The skies finally cleared in May and warmer temperatures began to quickly melt the awesome snowpack. Snow was gone from Blue Canyon by May 24 and at Norden by June 22. Fortunately, cool temperatures in June and an effectively managed reservoir storage system avoided uncontrolled releases and damaging downstream flooding, thus sparing lowland Californians from what could have been the worst flood since 1862.

The unrelenting storms broke many weather and stream flow records in the Golden State. New rainfall benchmarks were established at 49 locations throughout the state. In terms of precipitation amounts, runoff volumes and the geographical extent of winter flood damage, 1983 is unparalleled in California’s modern history. The impact was so great here and around the world that winter ’83 is the year that put the previously littleknown words “El Niño” into the lexicon of the media and popular culture.

Tahoe historian Mark McLaughlin is a nationally published author and professional speaker. His awardwinning books are available at local stores or at www.thestormking.com.

Cold Weather Activities’ Impact on Heart Health

Clearing sidewalks and driveways of snow may be essential to keep from being shut in, however, it’s important to use caution when picking up a shovel or starting the snowblower. Research shows many people face an increased risk of a heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest after shoveling heavy snow.

In fact, snow shoveling is among the physical activities that may place extra stress on the heart, especially among people who aren’t used to regular exercise, according to the American Heart Association’s scientific statement, “Exercise-Related Acute Cardiovascular Events and Potential Deleterious Adaptations Following Long-Term Exercise Training: Placing the Risks Into Perspective - an Update.” Numerous

other scientific research studies over the years have also identified the dangers of shoveling snow for people with and without previously known heart disease.

“Shoveling a little snow off your sidewalk may not seem like hard work,” said Barry Franklin, Ph.D., FAHA, lead author of the scientific statement, long time American Heart Association volunteer and a professor of internal medicine at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine. “However, the strain of heavy snow shoveling may be as, or even more, demanding on the heart than taking a treadmill stress test, according to research we’ve conducted. For example, after only 2 minutes of snow shoveling, study participants’ heart rates exceeded 85% of maximal heart rate, which is a level more commonly expected during intense aerobic exercise testing. The impact is hardest on those who are least fit.”

Franklin said winter weather in general can contribute to increased risks. Cold temperatures may increase blood pressure while simultaneously constricting the coronary arteries. Those factors, combined with higher heart rate from extra physical effort, may increase the risk for acute cardiac events. There are

even studies showing an increased risk for heart attacks among people using snowblowers. Similar to the exertion of pushing a shovel, pushing a snowblower can raise the heart rate and blood pressure quickly.

“The impact of snow removal is especially concerning for people who already have cardiovascular risks like a sedentary lifestyle or obesity; being a current or former smoker; or having diabetes, high cholesterol or high blood pressure; as well as people who have had a heart attack or stroke,” Franklin said. “People with these characteristics and those who have had bypass surgery or coronary angioplasty simply should not be shoveling snow.”

If you experience chest pain or pressure, lightheadedness, heart palpitations or irregular heart rhythms, stop the activity immediately. Call 911 if symptoms don’t subside shortly after you stop shoveling or snowblowing. If you see someone collapse while shoveling snow, call for help and start Hands-Only CPR if they are unresponsive with no pulse.

Learn more about cold weather and cardiovascular health at Heart.org.

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Keep Your Car Safer and On the Road Longer

For many families, cars are huge, long-term investments second only to homes. Many are looking for ways to keep their cars on the road longer and make them safer to continue to serve their needs for years to come.

No matter what or where you drive, you can keep your current vehicle looking and performing its best – and even update it to make it safer – with these tips inspired by eBay Motors’ Parts of America tour, a cross-country tour exploring unique car cultures across America.

Choose the Right Tires

If it’s time to trade your tires in, take the time to learn what options are available for your vehicle. For those in fair weather states, summer performance tires offer the best possible fuel efficiency all year round. Families living in milder states with occasional snow may consider allseason tires that trade efficiency for safety on a variety of surfaces. Finally, when it comes to driving in a winter wonderland, there is no substitute for specialized rubber and tread patterns – purchase a dedicated set of snow tires to ensure you’re safe all winter long. No matter your situation, a new set of tires can maximize safety and extend the life of your car.

New Look, New Ride

One way to breathe new life into your ride is to take it to the next level aesthetically. With enthusiast communities growing around nearly every make and model of vehicle, it’s easy to find parts to make your vision

additions is a new set of wheels, and there are thousands of brands, styles and sizes to choose from for every car. The addition of front, side and rear aerodynamics kits, such as front splitters or rear spoilers, can give any ride that athletic look. Upgrading stock headlight and taillight units – many fitted with high-visibility LEDs – has never been easier.

Upgrade Your Tech

Safety and creature comforts alike can add to your enjoyment of your vehicle, even if you’ve been driving it for several years. Many cars can be updated with the latest and greatest features available in new rides, including high-tech infotainment equipped with digital assistants, front and rear cameras, parking sensors, blind spot warning and even collision avoidance systems. As families look to extend their cars’ lifespans, these technology upgrades can make driving comfortable and safer.

Power and Performance

While looks and tech can bring new experiences to your car, no change has quite the same impact as improving its performance. Options abound for those looking to improve the power and handling of their ride, such as replacing the exhaust system, lowering springs, adding a coilover kit or conducting a full suspension replacement.

Find Purpose-Built Parts

Whether you’re an amateur DIY-er looking to maintain and make small upgrades to your vehicle or an expert

finding parts and accessories that fit your vehicle is crucial. From hard-tofind performance modifications to made-to-fit cosmetic accessories, eBay Motors offers parts and accessories for nearly any vehicle, skillset and project. The app offers an entire catalog of inventory with 122 million live parts listings at any given time, giving auto enthusiasts the ability to purchase from an expansive inventory from the convenience of a smartphone. What’s more, features like Buy It Now, My Garage and Fitment Finder enable users to easily search parts and accessories, verify the items fit their vehicle and make immediate purchases for what they need.

Skip the Wait

The global supply chain continues to recover from disruptions that have stretched back several years, and many customers are feeling the strain when it comes time to upgrade, maintain or repair their vehicles. Some shops around the country are quoting waiting times of several months just to have the right part delivered for service. However, families can find relief and get their car back on the road quicker by looking online to source their much-needed parts. In fact, many technicians work with customers to have parts delivered directly to their shop from online sources to expedite and simplify the process.

Auto enthusiasts can find more helpful tips, tricks and resources at ebaymotors.com

Upgrading Your Oasis

Picture this: You’ve purchased your home. You’re on the land you’ve dreamt about and you’ve got great ideas to turn your property into the personal oasis you’ve always wanted.

As you consider developing your land, building with environmentally sensitive choices becomes more important than ever. According to LightStream’s 9th Annual Home Improvement Trends Survey, more than 93% of homeowners see the benefits of undertaking renovations that have positive environmental impacts. Yet, one of the top barriers to making eco-friendly upgrades is that people don’t know what to do (27%) nor where to begin (24%).*

As a first step, homeowners can take on renovations to make their existing home or building greener. Among the many smaller-scale eco-projects are new insulation, HVAC systems, lighting or appliances.

“One popular upgrade is installing custom windows and doors that are thermally broken, meaning they’re designed to keep out cold or hot temperatures,” said Sean Cain, president of Morton Buildings, a specialized construction company with decades of experience in eco-conscious construction. “It’s a big improvement that is not only energy-efficient, but it will immediately impact the overall comfort of your building and save money on energy expenses.”

Reflecting larger visions, the survey also found that many homeowners are thinking outside the home itself, enhancing their properties by adding a separate garage, hobby shop, barn, office or accessory dwelling unit.

“Today’s homeowners are looking for a solid property improvement investment as well as construction specialists with the unique knowledge and know-how to deliver eco-friendly best practices and sustainable products,” said Todd Nelson, senior vice president at LightStream, an online lending division of Truist Bank.

In addition to return on investment and environmentally sustainable upgrades, homeowners are also increasingly interested in the longevity of their improvement projects.

“People today are keenly interested in the long-term sustainability of their building decisions including construction of ancillary buildings on their property,” Cain said. “Post-frame buildings with steel exteriors have advantages both for longevity and recyclability whereas shingle roofs or vinyl siding may need replacement more frequently, which often results in additional waste that cannot be recycled. Moreover, they have protective benefits as well, helping to mitigate inclement weather and extreme climate events. Most of all, their design flexibility makes them modern and stylish.”

FROM START TO FINANCE

Sustainability begins with material selection and production.

“There are many ways to make the manufacturing processes more sustainable, such as recycling or repurposing unused or misdirected materials and even capturing and reusing water,” Cain said.

MANAGING THE COSTS

Sustainable building options can also be more affordable, particularly if you’re looking at cost savings over time.

“Reducing energy costs is important to many building owners,” Cain said. “Make sure your building or home is well-insulated because this can save you a considerable amount of money.”

CONSIDER THE OPTIONS

As consumers seek sustainability in their residential structures, more are considering their long-term financial impacts, too.

“We’re in era of rising interest rates,” Nelson said. “A fixed rate loan can save money and be the right choice for many reasons.”

Visit LightStream.com to see how unsecured, affordable home improvement loans can help finance your renovation. *The 9th Annual LightStream Home Improvement Survey was distributed by Ipsos among 1,301 U.S. homeowners, between January 4, 2022 and January 13, 2022. Truist Bank is an Equal Housing Lender. Member FDIC. Photos courtesy of Morton Buildings, Inc.

WHAT IS TORPOR?

We have always thought of bears as hibernators…but their winter sleep is considered light hibernation, or torpor.

Torpor versus Hibernation

Torpor is the short-term reduction of body temperature (for bears, up to 100 days). Torpor is controlled by ambient temperature and food availability or, in a bear's case, energy stores. Torpor allows a bear to regain consciousness in a matter of seconds and be ready for action (running, attacking, eating). For animals in true hibernation, such as ground squirrels, bats and wood frogs, it may take hours to days, to gain back the energy they had before they began their long sleep.

How do Bears Survive During Torpor? Bears prepare their dens well before they need them and rarely use the same den two years in a row. Once they settle down for the cold months, their bodily functions change great-

ly. The flow of blood becomes concentrated to the heart, lungs and brain. The bear is then further protected from the cold by their fur and up to four-inches of fat under the skin. The digestive system shuts down while asleep as no water or food is entering and waste is not exiting.

The bear still needs sustenance every day consisting of water, protein and 4,000 calories. The animal’s energy stores provide this through its own metabolic system. Fat is broken down into calories and water, and muscle is broken down into protein and Nitrogen Urea. Nitrogen Urea is normally highly toxic in an animal’s system, but a bear’s metabolism recycles this through the liver and kidneys to produce amino acids. Those attach themselves to muscle tissue and are broken down into protein yet again.

Not only do bears survive during light torpor, but they give birth and nurture cubs as well.

What can Wake a Bear from Torpor?

A bear’s torpor is a lethargic state in which it can awaken from in just seconds. Loud noises such as trees falling, avalanche blasting caps or even a garbage truck can wake a bear from torpor. Here in Tahoe and Truckee we have bears that do not enter torpor at all and roam our neighborhoods looking for food all winter long. Our civilization in their habitat has changed the way they expect food and thus changed their torpor and breeding patterns.

Precautions

At this time of year, bears have been sleeping for some time, but if awoken they are desperately looking for food. Remember to always put your trash in a secure location: bear box, your garage, or indoors. Also, double check that you have secured your doors and windows. In wilderness areas, just be cautious. For those of you who go out and enjoy the outdoors with the new fresh snow be loud and aware in your surroundings to avoid surprising a bear. If you see one in a populated area this season don’t approach it; it is probably hungry and defensive. Call #911 in an emergency or the Tahoe Bear League 24/7, at (530) 525-7297. Also, visit their website at http://www.savebears.org/.