Then and now: Extreme weather in Tahoe

Weather in Tahoe is always a topic of conversation. It doesn’t matter if it’s a drought or mega-storm, it affects the way of life in the basin.

The Highway 89 bridge and Taylor Creek at South Tahoe as viewed from the adjacent bicycle/pedestrian crossing, October 2015.

The Highway 89 bridge and Taylor Creek as viewed this month from the adjacent bicycle-pedestrian crossing. Photo/Bill Kingman

The infrastructure is not built to sustain every possible scenario — like a Godzilla El Nino — which some have forecast for this winter.

Approaching the bridge from Camp Richardson in dry, fall weather. Photo/Bill Kingman

Approaching the bridge from Camp Richardson on dry, fall day. Photo/Bill Kingman

While Highway 89 at times around Emerald Bay closes because of avalanche danger, rain has also been an issue on this road near Camp Richardson.

(#3) Approaching the bridge from Camp Richardson, (October as I recall) in 1964, when heavy rains and Taylor Creek washed over the bridge. Three saw-horses block the roadway.

Approaching the bridge from Camp Richardson in October 1964. Water from heavy rain and Taylor Creek washed over the bridge. Three saw-horses block the road. Photo/Bill Kingman

— Bill Kingman