"As is the case in communities around the nation, the grading season at Lake Tahoe allows us to conduct business in an environmentally sensitive way within a time window wide enough to keep projects moving," said Jeff Cowen, TRPA Community Liaison. "But the inclement weather here now requires everyone to stop a few days early."

Grading guidelines are put in place to prevent precipitation from washing loose soil through watersheds, affecting water quality. In Tahoe, the Lake’s famed clarity is at stake. While active digging is required to stop during any precipitation, historic weather surveys for the Tahoe Region show the period from May through mid-October as the driest part of the year, so that is the time most appropriate for open digging.

Following October 14, grading is generally only allowed for emergency projects or work involving water quality or public health and safety. Such circumstances must receive TRPA authorization before grading begins. Grading Season Exception applications are available online at www.trpa.org or at TRPA’s office in Stateline, NV. A nominal filing fee applies to exception applications.

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency cooperatively leads the effort to preserve, restore, and enhance the unique natural and human environment of the Lake Tahoe Region now and in the future. For additional information, call Jeff Cowen at 775-589-5278, or email