(NORTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nevada) � As abundant as the snow is known to be in North Lake Tahoe (with an average of 400 inches each ski season), occasionally even Mother Nature needs a nudge to boost the snow pack, and when it does, the Desert Research Institute is happy to step in.

With research facilities in Reno and Las Vegas, the Desert Research Institute (DRI) has been applying its cloud seeding program in Lake Tahoe since the 1960s in order to augment snowfall and increase snow pack, subsequently increasing spring runoff and water supplies of municipalities, agricultural regions and recreational lakes.

Cloud seeding is the release of particles of silver chloro-iodide into winter clouds, thus helping along the natural process of snow formation. According to the DRI, when winter storm conditions are right, mountaintop generators are signaled via radio or cell phone to start burning a solution of silver iodide, sodium iodide and salt in acetone to release silver chloro-iodide particles into the clouds. Introducing these particles helps turn the cloud�s water drops to ice crystals that can then form snow. There are five generators in the North Lake Tahoe area. According to the DRI, a seeding aircraft is at times used to augment ground-seeding operations.

�Bringing more moisture benefits the area as well as the community,� Andy Chapman, tourism director for the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association, said. �It makes for a great ski and snowboard season, as well as for fantastic summer rafting conditions along the Truckee River.�

In addition to Mother Nature and the work of DRI, area ski resorts are constantly upgrading their snowmaking equipment, improving conditions and prolonging the season to the delight of countless travelers every year. Squaw Valley USA, site of the 1960 Winter Olympics, has even hosted skiing on select Fourth of July holidays.

North Lake Tahoe is a 45-minute drive from the Reno Tahoe International Airport, two hours from Sacramento International Airport and just over three hours from San Francisco International Airport. For lodging reservations, recreation and event details, call North Lake Tahoe at 1-877-949-3296 or visit www.GoTahoeNorth.com. Visitor information centers are located at 380 North Lake Boulevard in Tahoe City and 969 Tahoe Boulevard in Incline Village. The North Lake Tahoe Visitors Bureaus, Incline Village Crystal Bay Visitors Bureau and the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association, work together to promote North Lake Tahoe as a premier, year-round destination.

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Pettit Gilwee
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