The State - News from May 31, 1988

Truckee River rafters have helped keep Tahoe City’s raft rental economy afloat ever since downstream drifting became big business, but drought conditions are threatening the sport that puts 2,000 to 3,000 rafters on the river on a good holiday weekend. Federal Water Master Garry Stone said the level of Lake Tahoe could fall below its natural rim by the end of the summer. The Truckee River, which the lake feeds, could be too shallow for rafting by Aug. 1, he added. Bob Bell, who owns Mountain Air Sports Raft Rental, said he began the rental season on April 1, quite a bit earlier than usual, at the Chamber of Commerce’s request because there was no skiing. Now summer sports could also be ruined by the drought, he said.