Sadly, there will be no Truckin’ on the Truckee anytime soon.
The Lake Tahoe summer vacation tradition of floating the Truckee River from Tahoe City to River Ranch will not be happening during June and July—and maybe not even all summer.
The winter snowpack has filled the lake to a point where runoff into rivers and reservoirs would be too great. Without Tahoe waters being released into the Truckee, there will not be enough water flow to allow for safe rafting of the river.
The Truckee River Rafting company announced yesterday that it would not be taking any reservations for June and July bookings but may be able to open by August, depending on water conditions.
The “Big Melt” of winter snow has caused California’s rivers to be extremely dangerous this year. The runoff has left seven people dead or missing as of Friday.
The news is especially frustrating for rafting operators who have struggled in recent years through the pandemic and drought seasons, which also left water levels too low for rafting.
If it's any consolation, the record year of snow means that Tahoe visitors will be able to make snowballs and go skiing well into the summer: Palisades will have runs open on select days through July 4.
Correction: The cause and location of the river rafting season closure has been clarified.