Class 1 tahoe geology and native americans 2015

• David Borges, D.C.
• “I love Tahoe’s
white snow
covered
mountains, deep
blue water, bright
blue skies and
brilliant green
trees.”
E a g le R o c k .
F r o g R o c k 3 1 .
F a n n y B r id g e 3 5 .
3 4 . B ig C h ie f
3 3 . L ib e r t y B e ll
S h a k e s p e a r e ’s R o c k 3 0 .
2 5 . L in e u p E a s t P e a k
2 4 . 7 7 a n d 1 1
2 3 . L in c o ln ’s F a c e
2 2 . P y r a m id P e a k
.
S o u t h
L a k e T a h o e
ToSacramento
ToSanFrancisco
ToTruckee
T o
R e n o
T o
C a r s o n
C ity
T a h o e
C i t y
8 98 9
8 9
2 8
2 8
4 3 1
5 0
2 0 7
L a k e T a h o e
N a t u r a l W o n d e r s
1 . B a r k e r P e a k
2 . R a b b it P e a k
3 . T w in P e a k s
4 . N a p o le o n ’s H a t
F r o g R o c k 5 .
B a b y C h ic k R o c k 6 .
7 . F o u r L o a v e s o f B r e a d
8 . G la d ia to r
O ld K in g C o le 9 . 1 0 . S t o n e S e a l
O ld e r M a n P r o f ile 1 1 . 1 2 . M a n L o o k in g T o w a r d S k y
O w l 1 3 .
B a la n c in g R o c k 1 4 .
G o r illa P r o file 1 7 .
I n d ia n P r o f ile 1 8 .
M o u n t T a lla c 2 0 .
A n g o r a C a t 2 1 .
2 7 . R o u n d H ill
2 6 . C a s tle R o c k
2 8 . C a v e R o c k - L a d y o f t h e L a k e
2 9 . C a v e R o c k - G o r illa P r o f ile
3 2 . B e a r C la w
1 5 F a n n e t te I s la n d
1 6 . E m e r a ld B a y S lid e
1 9 . M a g g ie ’s P e a k ( s )

David Borges, D.C.David Borges, D.C.
• Family moved to South Lake Tahoe in May 1965 at age 12Family moved to South Lake Tahoe in May 1965 at age 12
• Parents, Sam and Rosie Borges started Sleigh Ride businessParents, Sam and Rosie Borges started Sleigh Ride business
in 1967 telling Tahoe storiesin 1967 telling Tahoe stories
• Tahoe Valley Elementary School; South Tahoe IntermediateTahoe Valley Elementary School; South Tahoe Intermediate
(now Middle School) School; Graduated STHS 1972(now Middle School) School; Graduated STHS 1972
• Under grad 5 years concluded at Pacific University, ForestUnder grad 5 years concluded at Pacific University, Forest
Grove OR. 1977Grove OR. 1977
• Western States Chiropractic College grad 1980Western States Chiropractic College grad 1980
• Taught at Life Chiropractic College-West 1981 to 1984Taught at Life Chiropractic College-West 1981 to 1984
• Started South Lake Tahoe Chiropractic practice 1985Started South Lake Tahoe Chiropractic practice 1985
• Started giving Tahoe history lectures for Elementary SchoolsStarted giving Tahoe history lectures for Elementary Schools
and service organizations in 1986. Involved with Lake Tahoeand service organizations in 1986. Involved with Lake Tahoe
Historical SocietyHistorical Society
• Started teaching at Lake Tahoe Community College Fall 2006Started teaching at Lake Tahoe Community College Fall 2006

Tahoe is theTahoe is the
“jewel”“jewel”
between thebetween the
silver andsilver and
gold states.gold states.
Perfectly setPerfectly set
high in thehigh in the
SierraSierra
NevadaNevada
(snow(snow
capped)capped)
rangerange.

You know you’reYou know you’re
a Tahoe Local if:a Tahoe Local if:
You know
Carson Pass is
in Alpine
County, Carson
Lake is in
Churchill
county, Carson
City is in Eagle
Valley, and
Minden and
Gardnerville are
in Carson
Valley.

You know
Placerville is in
El Dorado
County and
Nevada City is
in Placer
County and
Nevada City
was named in
1850 before the
State of Nevada
in 1864.

Tahoe HistoryTahoe History
• class experience.class experience.
• Each class starts on time, ends on time and weEach class starts on time, ends on time and we
have a great time.have a great time.
• At 6:00 pm class starts, 5 minute break at 6:45,At 6:00 pm class starts, 5 minute break at 6:45,
ends 7:30 pm.ends 7:30 pm.
• Lyn LandauerLyn Landauer The Mountain SeaThe Mountain Sea ChapterChapter
review. Dated reading assignments are in thereview. Dated reading assignments are in the
class syllabus.class syllabus.
• ““Tahoeology” the whimsical study of Tahoe’sTahoeology” the whimsical study of Tahoe’s
people, places and things.people, places and things.

Further Tahoe UnderstandingFurther Tahoe Understanding
• It is from studying the past that we gain insight for theIt is from studying the past that we gain insight for the
future.future.
• This class is designed to enhance your personal TahoeThis class is designed to enhance your personal Tahoe
experience by becoming more aware of what is alreadyexperience by becoming more aware of what is already
around us.around us.
• Lake Tahoe Historical SocietyLake Tahoe Historical Society PO Box 404 South LakePO Box 404 South Lake
Tahoe CA 96156 (530) 541-5458. $25 individual, $40Tahoe CA 96156 (530) 541-5458. $25 individual, $40
Family, $65 Business, $300 Life membership.Family, $65 Business, $300 Life membership.
• You will get to see what the tourists see and understandYou will get to see what the tourists see and understand
historical perspective.historical perspective.
• If, at any time, you feel this class should get in moreIf, at any time, you feel this class should get in more
depth in any Tahoe subject let me know so I can improvedepth in any Tahoe subject let me know so I can improve
the class now and for future students.the class now and for future students.

Class One –Class One –
Mountains,Mountains,
NativeNative
AmericansAmericans
• 1: How the Lake Was1: How the Lake Was
FormedFormed
• Chapter 2: NativeChapter 2: Native
Americans in the TahoeAmericans in the Tahoe
areaarea

If you haveIf you have
switched fromswitched from
heat to A/C andheat to A/C and
back in theback in the
same day.same day.
If you realizeIf you realize
that you shouldthat you should
have had yourhave had your
firewoodfirewood
stacked by thestacked by the
time thetime the
KokaneeKokanee
Salmon start toSalmon start to
spawn inspawn in
October.October.

Chapter 1: How Was TahoeChapter 1: How Was Tahoe
Formed?Formed?
• Genesis 1:1 In the beginning, God createdGenesis 1:1 In the beginning, God created
the heavens and the earth.the heavens and the earth.
• God did an especially great job in theGod did an especially great job in the
Tahoe region.Tahoe region.
• This hour we will discuss how Lake TahoeThis hour we will discuss how Lake Tahoe
was not formed by the collapse of awas not formed by the collapse of a
volcanic crater, the Basin was actuallyvolcanic crater, the Basin was actually
formed by the rise and fall of the shifting offormed by the rise and fall of the shifting of
the geologic faults, volcanic action andthe geologic faults, volcanic action and
glaciers.glaciers.

Tahoe’s Geological Formation –Tahoe’s Geological Formation –
Approximate NumbersApproximate Numbers Landauer
• 200 million years ago the Pacific Tectonic Plate pushed east200 million years ago the Pacific Tectonic Plate pushed east
against the North American plate diving beneath…Subductionagainst the North American plate diving beneath…Subduction
• 75 million years ago the final up-thrust. Fault lines exist 7 miles75 million years ago the final up-thrust. Fault lines exist 7 miles
deep beneath the base of the Carson Range.deep beneath the base of the Carson Range.
• 65 million years ago volcanic activity and the emergence of65 million years ago volcanic activity and the emergence of
mammals.mammals.
• Mt. Pluto (North Star Ski Resort) volcano lava flow created aMt. Pluto (North Star Ski Resort) volcano lava flow created a
lateral ridge at the northern end of the valley blocking waterlateral ridge at the northern end of the valley blocking water
from escaping.from escaping.
• 3 million years ago temperatures dropped in North America3 million years ago temperatures dropped in North America
creating glaciers.creating glaciers.
• 1 million years ago earth's atmosphere began to warm leaving1 million years ago earth's atmosphere began to warm leaving
terminal and lateral moraines. Fallen Leaf Lake, Cascade Lake,terminal and lateral moraines. Fallen Leaf Lake, Cascade Lake,
Emerald Bay and may others.Emerald Bay and may others.
• Temp lowered again re-establishing smaller glaciers.Temp lowered again re-establishing smaller glaciers.

HowHow
Does theDoes the
Earth’sEarth’s
CrustCrust
Move?Move?
Tectonic Plates

Geological Evidence
• The continuity of mountain chains also provide evidence for Pangea. One
example of this are the similar rocks of North American Appalachian
Mountains chain which extends from the northeastern United States to
same rocks of the Caledonides of Ireland, Britain, Greenland, and
Scandinavia. As well as the similar rocks (magma) of North America and the
rocks of Mauritandes in Western Africa.
Appalachain - Caledonies
Mauritandes chains

Fossil Evidence of Tectonic Plates

SierraNevada
Farallon
PlateSan
Andreas
Fault
Farallon
Plate
Farallon
Plate
Convergent
boundaries
Transform
boundaries
Divergent boundaries
approx 3 cm /year
Convergent
boundaries
Pacific
Plate

1906 Earthquake change of ground
slippage in feet

Missouri River
Sierra Nevada
gold mines
History is all explained by geography.
- Robert Penn Warren
Hard Road WestHard Road West Keith MeldahlKeith Meldahl
Keith Meldahl
Physical Sciences Department
Mira Costa College

250 Million Years Ago – Tectonic250 Million Years Ago – Tectonic
Plate MovementPlate Movement
North American Plate
Sea level
4,500 feet
elevation
Sierra Nevada
growth - 11,000
feet elevation
West East
Farallon Tectonic is Plate
subducting the North American
Plate
Farallon Tectonic Plate
Coastal
Range 500
to 2500 feet
Sacramento
Carson City
SF
Pacific Tectonic Plate
moving north

2 million to 65 Million Years Ago
Volcanic Activity

How the Lake Tahoe Basin WasHow the Lake Tahoe Basin Was
FormedFormed
Sierra Nevada-
Crystal Range
Sierra
Nevada
-Carson
Range
Tahoe
Graben

Whose Fault Was it?Whose Fault Was it?
• The Lake Tahoe Basin was formed by geologicThe Lake Tahoe Basin was formed by geologic
block (normal) dip slip faulting. A geologic blockblock (normal) dip slip faulting. A geologic block
dip-slip fault is a fracture in the earth's crustdip-slip fault is a fracture in the earth's crust
causing blocks of land to move up or down.causing blocks of land to move up or down.
• Uplifted blocks created the Sierra Nevada –Uplifted blocks created the Sierra Nevada –
Crystal Range on the west and the SierraCrystal Range on the west and the Sierra
Nevada - Carson Range on the east.Nevada - Carson Range on the east.
• The down-dropped block (graben) created theThe down-dropped block (graben) created the
Lake Tahoe Basin in between.Lake Tahoe Basin in between.

““Living with Faults”Living with Faults”
Mark McLaughlinMark McLaughlin
• The Sierra is actually enormous blocks of graniteThe Sierra is actually enormous blocks of granite
tilted toward the Pacific Ocean, which produce a 35-tilted toward the Pacific Ocean, which produce a 35-
mile gradual slope on the west, and a steep, 10-milemile gradual slope on the west, and a steep, 10-mile
descent on the east.descent on the east.
• The westward tilt of the large fault blocks in theThe westward tilt of the large fault blocks in the
Sierra uplift generated towering walls of graniteSierra uplift generated towering walls of granite
along its eastern edge which today represent thealong its eastern edge which today represent the
highest peaks in the Tahoe Basin, such as Freelhighest peaks in the Tahoe Basin, such as Freel
Peak (10,881’), Pyramid Peak (9,983’) in DesolationPeak (10,881’), Pyramid Peak (9,983’) in Desolation
Wilderness), and Mt. Tallac (9,735’).Wilderness), and Mt. Tallac (9,735’).

.
T o
R e n o
T o
C a r s o n
C ity
8 98 9
8 9
2 8
2 8
4 3 1
5 0
2 0 7
L a k e T a h o e
North Tahoe –
Incline Village
fault
West Tahoe -
Dollar Point
fault
Tahoe-Sierra
frontal fault
Carson Range
fault

Is There Any Evidence of aIs There Any Evidence of a
Tsunami in Tahoe?Tsunami in Tahoe?
• Schweickert have foundSchweickert have found
evidence of underwaterevidence of underwater
landslides and tsunamislandslides and tsunamis
in the Lake Tahoein the Lake Tahoe
Basin. ComputerBasin. Computer
modeling shows thatmodeling shows that
magnitude 7magnitude 7
earthquakes onearthquakes on
submerged faults couldsubmerged faults could
generate tsunamis.generate tsunamis.

Tahoe TsunamiTahoe Tsunami
• 7,000 to 15,000 years ago a Tsunami-generated7,000 to 15,000 years ago a Tsunami-generated
boulder ridge in Lake Tahoe, California-Nevadaboulder ridge in Lake Tahoe, California-Nevada
was discovered,"was discovered," GeologyGeology November 2006, aNovember 2006, a
journal of the Geological Society of America.journal of the Geological Society of America.
• In Tahoe’s northwest shore, several cubic milesIn Tahoe’s northwest shore, several cubic miles
of boulders and soil plunged more than 1,500of boulders and soil plunged more than 1,500
feet to the lake bottom.feet to the lake bottom.

Tahoe’s northwest shoreTahoe’s northwest shore
7,000 to 15,000 years
ago, a massive
underwater landslide on
the West Tahoe - Dollar
Point fault triggered a
tsunami that hit Tahoe’s
East shore.
Tahoe City-
Dollar Point
McKinney Bay

.
T o
R e n o
T o
C a r s o n
C ity
8 98 9
8 9
2 8
2 8
4 3 1
5 0
2 0 7
L a k e T a h o e
West Tahoe -
Dollar Point
fault
Tsunami
Wave
7 to 15
million
years ago

.
T o
R e n o
T o
C a r s o n
C ity
8 98 9
8 9
2 8
2 8
4 3 1
5 0
2 0 7
L a k e T a h o e
North Tahoe –
Incline Village
fault Mt Rose
Tsunami
Wave
Barton Hospital is 8 feet above Tahoe’s high shore lineBarton Hospital is 8 feet above Tahoe’s high shore line
Next
predicted
Tsunami

What was the Estimated Richter MagnitudeWhat was the Estimated Richter Magnitude
for the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake?for the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake?• Richter magnitudes increase logarithmically, meaning the energy increases 10 times for eachRichter magnitudes increase logarithmically, meaning the energy increases 10 times for each
magnitude number. In 1979 Moment Magnitude Scale is the current successor to the Richtermagnitude number. In 1979 Moment Magnitude Scale is the current successor to the Richter
Scale.Scale.
Richter Magnitude Intensity DescriptionRichter Magnitude Intensity Description
• 22 Usually not felt,Usually not felt, 3 F3 Felt by many indoors, dishes and doors disturbed,elt by many indoors, dishes and doors disturbed, 44 Felt by nearlyFelt by nearly
everyone.everyone. 55 Felt by all. Furniture moves. Slight damage occurs,Felt by all. Furniture moves. Slight damage occurs, 66 Moderate to major damage.Moderate to major damage.
Minor damage to chimneys and walls collapse,Minor damage to chimneys and walls collapse, 77 All buildings suffer major damage. GroundAll buildings suffer major damage. Ground
cracks, pipes break, foundations shift. Structures destroyed. Ground is badly cracked.cracks, pipes break, foundations shift. Structures destroyed. Ground is badly cracked.
Landslides occur.Landslides occur.
• 7.8 intensity, duration 2.6 minutes and in one day more than7.8 intensity, duration 2.6 minutes and in one day more than
half of the 400,000 population became homeless. “Outside ofhalf of the 400,000 population became homeless. “Outside of
war the 4 day SF fire was bigger in any metropolitan fire inwar the 4 day SF fire was bigger in any metropolitan fire in
history.”history.” Smith SF is Burning p Plumew 2006 pg 3.
• 88 Almost all structures fall. Objects thrown into the air. All construction destroyed.Almost all structures fall. Objects thrown into the air. All construction destroyed.
• 99 Devastating in areas several thousand miles across –Devastating in areas several thousand miles across –
• The 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake 9.2 Sumatra, Indonesia second largestThe 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake 9.2 Sumatra, Indonesia second largest
recorded in history Tsunami 100 feetrecorded in history Tsunami 100 feet (30 meters) high. Duration lasting between(30 meters) high. Duration lasting between
8.3 to 10 minutes.8.3 to 10 minutes.
• Highest magnitude was the Great Chile Earthquake 9.5 May 22, 1960 localHighest magnitude was the Great Chile Earthquake 9.5 May 22, 1960 local
Tsunami 75 feet high.Tsunami 75 feet high.
• http://mistupid.com/geology/richter.htm

GrabenGraben
• AA grabengraben is ais a
depressed block ofdepressed block of
land bordered byland bordered by
parallel faults.parallel faults.
• Horsts are parallelHorsts are parallel
blocks aboveblocks above
grabens.grabens.
• "Graben" is the"Graben" is the
German word forGerman word for
"ditch“ or “grave”."ditch“ or “grave”.
Carson
Range
Tahoe
Basin
Sierra
Nevada
Sacramento
Valley
Coastal
Range
Pacific
Ocean

Lahonton -Lahonton - Pleistocene epochPleistocene epoch
North American Plate
Sea level
Lahonton -4,500
feet elevation
West East
Farallon Tectonic Plate subducting
the North American Plate
Farallon Tectonic Plate
Pacific Plate is
moving north

Mark TwainMark Twain
on the Greaton the Great
BasinBasin
Half a dozen littleHalf a dozen little
mountain brooks flowmountain brooks flow
into Mono Lake, butinto Mono Lake, but
not a stream of anynot a stream of any
kind flows out of it. Itkind flows out of it. It
neither rises nor falls,neither rises nor falls,
apparently, and what itapparently, and what it
does with its surplusdoes with its surplus
water is a dark andwater is a dark and
bloody mystery.bloody mystery.

GREAT BASIN
Origin of the Basin & Range ProvinceOrigin of the Basin & Range Province
and the Great Basinand the Great Basin

• Ancient Lake Lahontan that existed
during the ice age, covering much of
northwestern Nevada, extending into
northeastern California and southern
Oregon. At its peak approximately 12,700
years ago, the lake had a surface area of
over 8500 square miles.

WorldWorld Endorheic basinsEndorheic basins
• From the Greek: νδον,ἔ éndon, "within" and ε ν,ῥ ῖ rheîn, "to flow"; also
terminal or closed basin) is a closed drainage basin that retains water and
allows no outflow to other bodies of water such as rivers or oceans. Frémont
is credited with determining the Great Basin as endorheic
http://www.astrotheme.com/portraits/kmKyV7E534wm.htm

Where Does Tahoe Water Stop?Where Does Tahoe Water Stop?
104 miles long

The Great Basin “the Big Graben”The Great Basin “the Big Graben”
and the Weatherand the Weather
• The Great BasinThe Great Basin is a large, arid region of the westernis a large, arid region of the western
United States, commonly defined as the contiguousUnited States, commonly defined as the contiguous
watershed region, roughly between the Rocky Mountainswatershed region, roughly between the Rocky Mountains
and the Sierra Nevada, that has no natural outlet to theand the Sierra Nevada, that has no natural outlet to the
sea.sea.
• TheThe Great Basin DesertGreat Basin Desert is defined by the extent ofis defined by the extent of
characteristic plant species, and covers a somewhatcharacteristic plant species, and covers a somewhat
different area.different area.
• TheThe Great Basin Culture AreaGreat Basin Culture Area, home to the Great, home to the Great
Basin Indian tribes also extends further to the north andBasin Indian tribes also extends further to the north and
east than the hydrographic basin. Paiute and Washoe.east than the hydrographic basin. Paiute and Washoe.

Rain (precipitation) Shadow?Rain (precipitation) Shadow?
• A rain shadow (or more accurately,A rain shadow (or more accurately, precipitationprecipitation
shadowshadow) is a dry region on the surface of the Earth) is a dry region on the surface of the Earth
that isthat is leewardleeward or behind a mountain with respect toor behind a mountain with respect to
the prevailing wind direction.the prevailing wind direction.
• **A rain shadow area is dry because, as moist airA rain shadow area is dry because, as moist air
masses rise to top a mountain range or largemasses rise to top a mountain range or large
mountain, the air cools and water vapor condensesmountain, the air cools and water vapor condenses
as rain or snow, falling on theas rain or snow, falling on the windward sidewindward side oror toptop
of the mountain.of the mountain.
• This process is calledThis process is called orographic precipitationorographic precipitation..
(Related to, or caused by, physical geography ('o`ros,(Related to, or caused by, physical geography ('o`ros,
a mountain + -graphy ).a mountain + -graphy ).

Rain (precipitation) Shadow?Rain (precipitation) Shadow?
• The Death Valley is behind both the Pacific CoastThe Death Valley is behind both the Pacific Coast
Ranges of California and the Sierra Nevada, and isRanges of California and the Sierra Nevada, and is
one of the driest places on the planet.one of the driest places on the planet.
• Hawaii also has rain shadows, with some areas ofHawaii also has rain shadows, with some areas of
the islands being desert.the islands being desert.
• Chile’s Atacama Desert the most arid place in theChile’s Atacama Desert the most arid place in the
world with mountains 22,590 feet on the windwardworld with mountains 22,590 feet on the windward
side. The average rainfall is 1 mm per year, and atside. The average rainfall is 1 mm per year, and at
one time no rain fell for 400 years. Some weatherone time no rain fell for 400 years. Some weather
stations never received rain.stations never received rain.

Windward side vs Leeward sideWindward side vs Leeward side
Orographic
precipitation
Wet side!!
Arid land
West East
Windward side
Prevailing wind direction
Leeward
sideAverage Rainfall
Sacramento Placerville Reno
17.4 inches 38.3 inches 7.5 inches

The Great
Basin region
Orographic
Rain
Shadow
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basin_
and_Range
Windward
Wet
Leeward
Dry
West East
Prevailing winds

2 Million to 65 Million Years Ago
Volcanic Activity

The Tahoe Basin is SealedThe Tahoe Basin is Sealed
• About 2 million years ago, lava flowingAbout 2 million years ago, lava flowing
from north shore's Mt. Pluto (the mountainfrom north shore's Mt. Pluto (the mountain
is now known as the Northstar Ski Resort)is now known as the Northstar Ski Resort)
formed a barrier across the basin'sformed a barrier across the basin's
northeastern outlet.northeastern outlet.
• Water from rivers and streams then filledWater from rivers and streams then filled
the Lake Tahoe Basin over 600 feetthe Lake Tahoe Basin over 600 feet
higher than its present level.higher than its present level.

.
T o
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T o
C a r s o n
C ity
8 98 9
8 9
2 8
2 8
4 3 1
5 0
2 0 7
L a k e T a h o e
Mt Pluto

Krakatoa Volcano 1883Krakatoa Volcano 1883
• Light colored magma plugged the dark colored magma.Light colored magma plugged the dark colored magma.
• The explosions were heard on Rodriguez Island, 2800 milesThe explosions were heard on Rodriguez Island, 2800 miles
(4653 km) distant across the Indian Ocean.(4653 km) distant across the Indian Ocean.
• Three months after the eruption ash products had spread toThree months after the eruption ash products had spread to
higher latitudes causing such vivid purple sunset. Unusualhigher latitudes causing such vivid purple sunset. Unusual
sunsets continued for 3 years. Lowered Earth’s temp 2sunsets continued for 3 years. Lowered Earth’s temp 2
degrees for a few years. Theory: the ash in the air caused adegrees for a few years. Theory: the ash in the air caused a
reflective field around the planet and the Sun’s rays werereflective field around the planet and the Sun’s rays were
reflected away from earth.reflected away from earth.
• The blast had the power of 100 megatons (million tons) of TNT.The blast had the power of 100 megatons (million tons) of TNT.
Hiroshima atomic bomb 20 kilotons (thousand tons)Hiroshima atomic bomb 20 kilotons (thousand tons)
• Ash fell on Singapore 500 miles (840 km) to the NorthAsh fell on Singapore 500 miles (840 km) to the North
• The tsunami generated by theThe tsunami generated by the 1883 eruption of Krakatoa,1883 eruption of Krakatoa,
IndonesiaIndonesia. The wave reached heights of 40 meters (140 feet). The wave reached heights of 40 meters (140 feet)
above sea level.above sea level.

Rivers of IceRivers of Ice
• A Daily GrindA Daily Grind during the last Ice Age,during the last Ice Age,
huge glaciers grew in the surroundinghuge glaciers grew in the surrounding
mountains. The broad U-shaped valleys ofmountains. The broad U-shaped valleys of
Emerald Bay, Fallen Leaf Lake andEmerald Bay, Fallen Leaf Lake and
Cascade Lake were carved by these riversCascade Lake were carved by these rivers
of ice.of ice.

MoraineMoraine
• (mo rān´), a formation composed of(mo rān´), a formation composed of
unsorted and unbedded rock and soilunsorted and unbedded rock and soil
debris called till, which was deposited by adebris called till, which was deposited by a
glacier. The till that falls on the sides of aglacier. The till that falls on the sides of a
valley glacier from the bounding cliffsvalley glacier from the bounding cliffs
makes up lateral moraines, runningmakes up lateral moraines, running
parallel to the valley sides.parallel to the valley sides.

Geological RemnantsGeological Remnants
• Hot springs - natural geothermal activityHot springs - natural geothermal activity
• North Shore Lake Tahoe - Brockway SpringsNorth Shore Lake Tahoe - Brockway Springs
• Grover's, Markleeville - Used by John C. FremontGrover's, Markleeville - Used by John C. Fremont
in 1844.in 1844.
• Carson City Hot Springs, by the Carson CityCarson City Hot Springs, by the Carson City
Airport – 1849Airport – 1849
• David Wally’s, Genoa 1862David Wally’s, Genoa 1862
• Steamboat, South Reno on highway 395Steamboat, South Reno on highway 395
• University of Nevada Reno is using theirUniversity of Nevada Reno is using their
geothermal resources to be energy selfgeothermal resources to be energy self
sustaining.sustaining.
“Behold a steamboat in the
desert” – Mark Twain 1861

Tahoe TreesTahoe Trees
1.1. Sugar Pine ( Pinus Lambertiana) – most prized in the basin –Sugar Pine ( Pinus Lambertiana) – most prized in the basin –
was used for building because of its clear lumber.was used for building because of its clear lumber.
2.2. Incense Cedar (Calocedrus decurrens) – Federally protectedIncense Cedar (Calocedrus decurrens) – Federally protected
– was used for ground contact and shingles because of the– was used for ground contact and shingles because of the
resistance to decay.resistance to decay.
3.3. Jeffery Pine (Pinus Jeffrey) - used for general purposes. IfJeffery Pine (Pinus Jeffrey) - used for general purposes. If
alive preserve (Cousin to the lower elevation Ponderosa Pine.alive preserve (Cousin to the lower elevation Ponderosa Pine.
Slight differences and both are called Yellow Pines.) ConesSlight differences and both are called Yellow Pines.) Cones
differences - gentle Jeffery, prickly Ponderosa.differences - gentle Jeffery, prickly Ponderosa.
4.4. Lodgepole Pine (Pinus contorta) – used for tee-pee polesLodgepole Pine (Pinus contorta) – used for tee-pee poles
straight. (Sometimes mistakenly named Tamarack by locals.straight. (Sometimes mistakenly named Tamarack by locals.
Tamarack is actually only found on the East Coast.)Tamarack is actually only found on the East Coast.)
5.5. White-Fir/ Red-Fir - used for firewoodWhite-Fir/ Red-Fir - used for firewood
6.6. Douglas Fir - used for strengthDouglas Fir - used for strength
7.7. Quaking AspenQuaking Aspen
Sessions S. Wheeler Tahoe Heritage the Bliss Family of Glenbrook, Nevada
University of Nevada Press1992 page 28

Ranger Randy needle bundle countRanger Randy needle bundle count
and tree identificationand tree identification
• 1 – one needle makes an “I” = Fir1 – one needle makes an “I” = Fir
• 2 – two needles makes a “L” = Lodgepole2 – two needles makes a “L” = Lodgepole
• 3 – three needles makes an “Y” = Yellow Pine3 – three needles makes an “Y” = Yellow Pine
(Jeffery and Ponderosa)(Jeffery and Ponderosa)
• 4 – no trees with bundle of four4 – no trees with bundle of four
• 5 – (-1) four needles makes a “W” = White pine5 – (-1) four needles makes a “W” = White pine
(white bark) – Sugar Pine(white bark) – Sugar Pine

One Minute ReviewOne Minute Review
• What was the most useful or meaningfulWhat was the most useful or meaningful
thing you learned during this session?thing you learned during this session?
• What question(s) remain upper-most inWhat question(s) remain upper-most in
your mind as we end this session?your mind as we end this session?

Week #1 hour 1 summaryWeek #1 hour 1 summary
• Hour 1 How Tahoe wasHour 1 How Tahoe was
formedformed
• Next hour #2.
• Hour 2 Ancient peopleHour 2 Ancient people

Tahoe Basin = Water Shed LandTahoe Basin = Water Shed Land
Area and Lake Tahoe Surface AreaArea and Lake Tahoe Surface Area
• Tahoe Basin = 500Tahoe Basin = 500
square milessquare miles
(506)(506)
• Land portion = 300Land portion = 300
(314)(314)
• Water portion = 200Water portion = 200
(192)(192)

Does Tahoe Ever Freeze?Does Tahoe Ever Freeze?
• No, because the lake water is always inNo, because the lake water is always in
motion. Each winter the cold water on themotion. Each winter the cold water on the
surface sinks while warm water rises fromsurface sinks while warm water rises from
the deep.the deep.
• This mixing motion keeps the lake fromThis mixing motion keeps the lake from
freezing over, though Emerald Bay will onfreezing over, though Emerald Bay will on
occasion freeze.occasion freeze.

How Cold is Tahoe Water?How Cold is Tahoe Water?
• The surface water in Lake Tahoe rangesThe surface water in Lake Tahoe ranges
from 41 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit,from 41 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit,
depending the season.depending the season.
• At 600 feet below the surface theAt 600 feet below the surface the
temperature stays a constant 39 degreestemperature stays a constant 39 degrees
Fahrenheit.Fahrenheit.

The First PeopleThe First People
• The Washoe tribe of Nevada andThe Washoe tribe of Nevada and
California will tell you that it cannot be saidCalifornia will tell you that it cannot be said
when the first people came to the lake, aswhen the first people came to the lake, as
the Washoe have always been at Tahoe.the Washoe have always been at Tahoe.
• http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/ltbmu/documents/faqs/index

**What were the Names of the FourWhat were the Names of the Four
Indian Tribes that Lived or TradedIndian Tribes that Lived or Traded
in the Lake Tahoe Basin?in the Lake Tahoe Basin?
Paiute-Paiute- NevadaNevada
Pyramid LakePyramid Lake
Nisenan Maidu-Nisenan Maidu-
California Sierra foothills –California Sierra foothills –
Miwok-Miwok- California Coast to SierraCalifornia Coast to Sierra
foothills – El Dorado Hills Casinofoothills – El Dorado Hills Casino
Lyndall Laundauer, Ph.D. “The Mountain Sea” 1996 Flying Cloud Press pg
9
WashoeWashoe – (may have– (may have
descended from Martis) Easterndescended from Martis) Eastern
Sierra and Great BasinSierra and Great Basin

Roseville CARoseville CA
MaiduMaidu
NisenanNisenan
CulturalCultural
CenterCenter

Piute
Paiute
Chief Truckee - Murphy
Townsend Stevens
Party.
Son - Chief
Winnemucca – leader
of the 1860 Pyramid
Lake War
Granddaughter Sarah
Winnemucca - writer
historian
California Nisenan

PaiutePaiute
• Chief Truckee helped Walker party in 1833,Chief Truckee helped Walker party in 1833,
Military Fremont in 1844, private StevensMilitary Fremont in 1844, private Stevens
party later in 1844 and many others toparty later in 1844 and many others to
cross the Sierra. Helped in the Mexicancross the Sierra. Helped in the Mexican
War 1846.War 1846.
• Chief Winnemucca – (Truckee’s son)Chief Winnemucca – (Truckee’s son)
Paiute War of 1860. 76 of the 105 USPaiute War of 1860. 76 of the 105 US
militiamen were killed. Numagamilitiamen were killed. Numaga
(Winnemucca’s Nephew) also fought.(Winnemucca’s Nephew) also fought.
• Sarah Winnemucca: (Winnemucca’sSarah Winnemucca: (Winnemucca’s
daughter) became an author.daughter) became an author.
ChiefChief
WinnemuccaWinnemucca
-1882-1882
SarahSarah
WinnemuccaWinnemucca
1842 -18911842 -1891
Chief TruckeeChief Truckee
- 1859- 1859

Why was Fort Churchill built?Why was Fort Churchill built?
It was built to protect emigrants and local settlers from theIt was built to protect emigrants and local settlers from the
1860 Paiute attacks.1860 Paiute attacks.
Fort Churchill as occupied by US soldiers after the Paiute WarFort Churchill as occupied by US soldiers after the Paiute War
from July 1860 through 1869 to patrol and keep the Emigrantfrom July 1860 through 1869 to patrol and keep the Emigrant
trial open.trial open.
The silver and gold mining increased white settlement, whichThe silver and gold mining increased white settlement, which
resulted conflicts. Silver in Virginia City 1859, Pony Expressresulted conflicts. Silver in Virginia City 1859, Pony Express
1860 to 1861, Telegraph 1861, Civil War 1861 to 1865,1860 to 1861, Telegraph 1861, Civil War 1861 to 1865,
Transcontinental Railroad 1869.Transcontinental Railroad 1869.

Tahoe Native Trade DevelopmentTahoe Native Trade Development
• Many of the roads we use today to travel in theMany of the roads we use today to travel in the
mountains and foothills of the Sierra were first usedmountains and foothills of the Sierra were first used
by Washoe and Maidu people.by Washoe and Maidu people.
• They traveled to and from their winter and summerThey traveled to and from their winter and summer
camps, and they traveled between summer camps ofcamps, and they traveled between summer camps of
neighboring tribes.neighboring tribes.
• Evidence – obsidian for arrow heads were found inEvidence – obsidian for arrow heads were found in
the Western Sierras near Wright’s Lake where therethe Western Sierras near Wright’s Lake where there
is no obsidian. (6 miles north of Kyburz). Obsidianis no obsidian. (6 miles north of Kyburz). Obsidian
rocks from each volcano produces a distinguishablerocks from each volcano produces a distinguishable
type of obsidian, making it possible fortype of obsidian, making it possible for
archaeologists to trace the origins of a particulararchaeologists to trace the origins of a particular
artifact.artifact.
• Conclusion - the obsidian was brought to WesternConclusion - the obsidian was brought to Western
Sierra Nisenan Miadu by the Eastern Sierra Washoe.Sierra Nisenan Miadu by the Eastern Sierra Washoe.

• This map shows the
general overlap in
territory between the
Washoe (white) to the
east and the Maidu (red)
to the west.
Tahoe
Every summer forEvery summer for
hundreds of years,hundreds of years,
Maidu (from theMaidu (from the
western Sierra footwestern Sierra foot
hills) and Washoehills) and Washoe
peoples came to thepeoples came to the
higher elevation (fromhigher elevation (from
the eastern Sierrathe eastern Sierra
foothills).foothills).
Some items gatheredSome items gathered
locally were traded forlocally were traded for
items from other areas.items from other areas.
They quickly becameThey quickly became
very sophisticated invery sophisticated in
bargaining.bargaining.

Example of aExample of a
PetroglyphPetroglyph
• Bedrock mortars orBedrock mortars or
grinding rocks weregrinding rocks were
used to grind.used to grind.
• Summer camp sitesSummer camp sites
have fragments ofhave fragments of
rock used to makerock used to make
scrapers,scrapers,
arrowheads,arrowheads,
hammers and otherhammers and other
items.items.
• This is a photo of aThis is a photo of a
petroglyph found nearpetroglyph found near
Donner Pass.Donner Pass.

The Court of AntiquityThe Court of Antiquity
• This rock art site is on theThis rock art site is on the
edge of Interstate 80, justedge of Interstate 80, just
minutes from downtownminutes from downtown
Reno. Some rock art isReno. Some rock art is
located on those verticallocated on those vertical
surfaces but most are foundsurfaces but most are found
on the horizontal bedrock thaton the horizontal bedrock that
looks out over the Truckeelooks out over the Truckee
River.River.

The LagomarsinoThe Lagomarsino
Rock Art SiteRock Art Site
• The Lagomarsino Rock Art SiteThe Lagomarsino Rock Art Site
is roughly 12 miles north ofis roughly 12 miles north of
Virginia City. It consists of moreVirginia City. It consists of more
than 2,000 panels of rock artthan 2,000 panels of rock art
scattered over 1/4 mile on ascattered over 1/4 mile on a
south facing rim rock and thesouth facing rim rock and the
talus slope below. There istalus slope below. There is
abundant ground stone amongabundant ground stone among
the rock art and a largethe rock art and a large
habitation feature across thehabitation feature across the
wash. The rock art is primarilywash. The rock art is primarily
non-representational but therenon-representational but there
are a small number of animalare a small number of animal
(including 2 big horn sheep) and(including 2 big horn sheep) and
human motifs as wellhuman motifs as well

Pyramid Lake –Pyramid Lake –
Tahoe water terminus North/East RenoTahoe water terminus North/East Reno
• The petroglyphs found on limestone boulders nearThe petroglyphs found on limestone boulders near
Pyramid Lake in northern Nevada’s high desert arePyramid Lake in northern Nevada’s high desert are
similar in design to etchings found at a lake insimilar in design to etchings found at a lake in
Oregon that are believed to be at least 7,600 yearsOregon that are believed to be at least 7,600 years
oldold
• Whether they turn out to be as old as 14,800 yearsWhether they turn out to be as old as 14,800 years
ago or as recent as 10,500 years ago, they are stillago or as recent as 10,500 years ago, they are still
the oldest petroglyphs that have been dated in Norththe oldest petroglyphs that have been dated in North
America,” said Benson, a former research scientistAmerica,” said Benson, a former research scientist
for the U.S. Geological Survey and current curator offor the U.S. Geological Survey and current curator of
anthropology at the University of Colorado Naturalanthropology at the University of Colorado Natural
History Museum in Boulder.History Museum in Boulder.
• http://www.laketahoenews.net/2013/08/n-americas-oldest-petroglyphs-found-in-nev/?
utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+LakeTahoeNews+
%28Lake+Tahoe+News%29&utm_content=Yahoo%21+Mail

Landauer’s VocabularyLandauer’s Vocabulary
• These roaming families were not the firstThese roaming families were not the first
to come over the land bridge to theto come over the land bridge to the
Western Hemisphere from Asia but wereWestern Hemisphere from Asia but were
among the native groups that dispersedamong the native groups that dispersed
through thethrough the salubrioussalubrious (se(se lōōlōō brē es)brē es)
land at the western edge of the continent.land at the western edge of the continent.
page 7page 7
• Answer: “To promote health or favorableAnswer: “To promote health or favorable
to health.”to health.”

Ancient PeopleAncient People
• Indian artifacts found in Squaw Valley andIndian artifacts found in Squaw Valley and
Donner area have been dated 8,000 years ago.Donner area have been dated 8,000 years ago.
Landauer pg 7
• The earliest people have been identified asThe earliest people have been identified as
belonging to Hokan (Washoe) and Penutianbelonging to Hokan (Washoe) and Penutian
(Maidu and Miwok) language. Shoshone or Uto-(Maidu and Miwok) language. Shoshone or Uto-
Azetecan (Paiute) languageAzetecan (Paiute) language. Landauer pg 8

Nisenan MaiduNisenan Maidu
MiwokMiwok

Ancient PeopleAncient People
Known Washoe sites areKnown Washoe sites are
in King’s Beach andin King’s Beach and
Tallac PointTallac Point. Landauer pg 11
Big Metate, WashoeBig Metate, Washoe
Indians food grinder.Indians food grinder.
Meeks Bay was known by the Washoe asMeeks Bay was known by the Washoe as
magulu watah, one of a number of well-magulu watah, one of a number of well-
established sites around Da-ow-a-ga.established sites around Da-ow-a-ga.
Long time locals have stated small IndianLong time locals have stated small Indian
summer camps were near the current Safewaysummer camps were near the current Safeway
parking lot and Park Avenue / Stateline beachparking lot and Park Avenue / Stateline beach
existed beforeexisted before WWIIWWII..
http://www.tahoecountry.com/oldtimetahoe/maguluwatah

**Physical Evidence of Indians in thePhysical Evidence of Indians in the
South ShoreSouth Shore
• Squaw Rock
• Indian Baskets - room B103
• Tallac Site - Washoe Indian hut built by
Scouts some summers

Which Was More Lethal to theWhich Was More Lethal to the
California Native Indians - Guns orCalifornia Native Indians - Guns or
Disease?Disease?
• Before 1845 estimate was between 100,000 toBefore 1845 estimate was between 100,000 to
300,000 Native Indians.300,000 Native Indians. Landauer pg 13
• Disease – 1849 only 20,000 Native Indians left.Disease – 1849 only 20,000 Native Indians left.
• 1900 few thousand native Indians in California1900 few thousand native Indians in California
were able to maintain any aspect of their age-oldwere able to maintain any aspect of their age-old
society.society.
• 1919 Ishi was the last known “wild” Native Indian1919 Ishi was the last known “wild” Native Indian
in California.in California.
• Dat-So-La-Lee master Washoe Indian basketDat-So-La-Lee master Washoe Indian basket
weaver in Tahoe 1900’sweaver in Tahoe 1900’s.. Landauer

California NativesCalifornia Natives
• California Indians had a style of living builtCalifornia Indians had a style of living built
around food gathering and fishing ratheraround food gathering and fishing rather
than sowing, planting or harvesting.than sowing, planting or harvesting.
• Called “Digger Indians” by the localsCalled “Digger Indians” by the locals..
• Resolved differences between tribesResolved differences between tribes
peacefully.peacefully.
• Landauer pg 15 Rolle/Graines The Golden State: A History of
California 2nd
ed Harlan Davidson Inc. 1979 Pg 13

IshiIshi
• In August ofIn August of
1911, a “wild”1911, a “wild”
Yana IndianYana Indian
walked into awalked into a
slaughterhouseslaughterhouse
near Oroville,near Oroville,
California, whereCalifornia, where
he was turnedhe was turned
over to the localover to the local
sheriff.sheriff.
http://www.thebicyclingguitarist.nethttp://www.thebicyclingguitarist.net
/ishi/ishi

Ishi –Ishi –
Yana tribeYana tribe
• A UC Berkeley AnthropologyA UC Berkeley Anthropology
professor, Alfred L. Kroeber,professor, Alfred L. Kroeber,
sent an associate, Thomassent an associate, Thomas
T. Waterman, with a list ofT. Waterman, with a list of
words (Rosetta Stone ofwords (Rosetta Stone of
sorts) to communicate withsorts) to communicate with
this last of the a "wild men"this last of the a "wild men"
(Riffe and Roberts, 1992).(Riffe and Roberts, 1992).
• The Bureau of Indian AffairsThe Bureau of Indian Affairs
gave permission for Ishi togave permission for Ishi to
go to the San Franciscogo to the San Francisco
museum as a study. Ishi,museum as a study. Ishi,
became a popular sensation.became a popular sensation.
He lived several years at theHe lived several years at the
museum, even working as amuseum, even working as a
janitor there to earn his ownjanitor there to earn his own
keep, before dying ofkeep, before dying of
tuberculosis in 1916.tuberculosis in 1916.
http://www.thebicyclingguitarist.net/ishihttp://www.thebicyclingguitarist.net/ishi//

Tahoe’sTahoe’s
Washoe IndianWashoe Indian
master basketmaster basket
weaver - Dat Soweaver - Dat So
La LeeLa Lee Landauer pg 16Landauer pg 16

Piute
Last Week We LearnedLast Week We Learned
 Week #1- Ancient Peoples,
Tahoe Geology, Tahoe’s trees
 Week #2:Week #2:
 United States History prior to
1844
 Emigrant Trail beginnings
 Chapter 3- John C. Fremont –
1844
 Chapter 4 – Gold California and
Tahoe Gold

Class 1 tahoe geology and native americans 2015

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