Lots of water in Lake Tahoe means smaller beaches, sunbathers ‘packed like sardines’ – SFGate

Photo: Jay Howard / Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park

Even packed on a Monday: The beach at Sand Harbor, Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, is packed on Mon., June 19, 2017. In the summer, even Mondays are busy at this popular beach.

Regan Beach, South Lake Tahoe on June 29, 2017: With Lake Tahoe at nearly full capacity, the beach is practically nonexistent.

The same spot on Lake Tahoe on July 7, 2016: Amid the drought, the lake level is low and lakebed is exposed creating a larger beach.

The same spot on Lake Tahoe on August 22, 2015: Amid the drought, the lake level is low and lakebed is exposed creating a larger beach.

Even packed on a Monday:The beach at Sand Harbor, Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, is packed on Mon., June 19, 2017. In the summer, even Mondays are busy at this popular beach.

On a summer day in late June, 2017, the parking lot at Sand Harbor, Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, is filling up fast.

Don't mind the traffic on this epic March 2017 day with gorgeous weather and snow-capped peaks. The scenery is stunning around Mount Rose.

A summer day? No, that's Lake Tahoe at winter in March 2017.

A snow-covered cabin on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe, March 2017

A picturesque view of Lake Tahoe in March 2017

Winter in Lake Tahoe, March 2017

Tahoe City, winter, March 2017

Snowy trees on theWest ShoreofLake Tahoe, March 2017

Guidebook writer Jannine Sprout took this photo of people along the snowy shores of Lake Tahoe on March 14, 2017.

Heavenly Ski Resort, Presidents' Day weekend, February 2017

Winter day at Tahiti Beach, Lake Tahoe, March 13, 2017

Worm Moon Setting on the Sierras, March 2017, Mike Herron Photography

"With how amazing the Worm Moon looked rising last night, I knew I wanted to capture a shot of it setting this morning," wrote Mike Herron on his Facebook page. "I set my alarm, and was thinking about going somewhere special for a shot. When I woke up, I realized I didn't need to make any special trips, I could see this amazing moon right out my bedroom window, so I just got my camera out, and went outside to watch it set. It sure looked beautiful in the Alpenglow on top of the snowy Sierras, and I am very happy I was able to capture this shot, as I've been craving getting a good moon capture. I hope everyone has an amazing day and can take a minute or two to enjoy this view of the 'Worm Moon Setting on the Sierras.'"

Worm Moon Setting on the Sierras, March 2017, Mike Herron Photography

"With how amazing the Worm Moon looked rising last night, I knew I wanted to capture a shot of it setting this morning," wrote Mike

Tahoe resident and photographer Sean Sarsfield captured the beauty of Lake Tahoe in March 2017. "It was an amazing day with hours spent seeking out light and shadow in the pristine wildness by her shores," wrote Sarsfield.

Lake Tahoe snowy and beautiful, March 2017

Perfect day hiking into Fallen Leaf Lake, March 2017

Lake Tahoe, winter, March 2017

A dog named Levi enjoys the snow and pretty Lake Tahoe view, March 2017

Winter wonderland, Lake Tahoe, March 2017

Photo taken from atop Diamond Peak on Jan. 12, 2017

First visible sunrise for sometime in the Tahoe area, Feb. 25, 2017

Lake Tahoe dazzles with natural beauty, March 2017

This garage has about 10 feet of snow piled on it and as the weather warmed, it curved down like a wave.

Clearing storm over Lake Tahoe, with sun streaming through the trees, making shadows through the clouds, March 2017.

Nalu the husky enjoying the awesome Tahoe winter, March 2017

Clearning a driveway in Tahoe, March 2017

Nalu the husky enjoying the awesome Tahoe winter, March 2017

The Lake Tahoe area under a bluebird sky and blanketed with snow, March 2017

Nalu the husky enjoying the awesome Tahoe winter, March 2017

A snowy beach on Lake Tahoe, March 2017

The river glistens and the snow sparkles under the sun's rays. Photo taken in the Tahoe region, March 2017.

The Lake Tahoe area blanketed with snow, March 2017

Diamond Peak skiing, March 2017

Footsteps through the snow, March 2017

Dog play in the Tahoe snow, March 2017

East shore of Lake Tahoe, March 2017

Kingsbury view, Lake Tahoe area, March 11, 2017

Kingsbury view, Lake Tahoe area, January, 2017

The Lake Tahoe area in all its natural beauty, March 2017

The Lake Tahoe Area covered in a carpet of snow, March 2017

Emigrant sunrise, Lake Tahoe area, March 2017