Lake Tahoe’s scenery often steals the spotlight, but the environment itself can catch travelers off guard. The elevation sits at over 6,000 feet, with weather patterns that flip without warning. This alpine lake may look calm and inviting, yet strong winds and frigid water can turn a scenic paddle into a struggle. First-time visitors sometimes arrive unprepared for the area’s unique challenges. Safety here isn’t about paranoia, it’s about understanding where nature might test a