What To Expect At Lake Tahoe Inspections

Keeping Tahoe beautiful and free of invasive species requires education and proper boat inspections.   Don’t let these inspections discourage you from enjoying Lake Tahoe. They may pose some inconvenience but are very worthwhile in protecting one the countries most beautiful lakes.

These inspection stations are looking specifically for invasive species that are prevalent in other lakes, mostly our southern lakes. There are things that you can do to make the inspection process go smoothly and hassle free, along with saving some added expense.

The mussels that we are guarding against can survive in wet areas for up to a month or more. They can even survive our dry climate up to a week or more attached to the outside of your boat. Here are some tips to help keep your boat mussel free.

• Know what lakes are infected by these species. Lake Mead is a very popular lake that is infected. You don’t need to avoid these lakes, but knowing where they are and how to prevent them from clinging to your boat.
• Keep your bilge drained and dry. Every time you use your boat, remove the drain plug at the ramp before you leave. This is to allow any water to help drain completely on the drive home.
• Store your boat with the bow up and drain plug out to prevent water from accumulating in the bilge
• Wash your boat AND trailer after each use
• Use bleach in the bilge compartment if there is any doubt or questions

Before going to Tahoe and the inspection stations, here are a few tips to help the process go smoothly:

• Make sure your bilge is drained and dry. Take a moment and wipe down your bilge with a clean dry towel.
• Lower your engine and drive unit to allow it to drain thoroughly
• Carefully crank your engine over to blow any excess water out. If the motor starts, let it run BRIEFLY, less than 15 seconds
• Arrive to the inspection station with your drain plug removed
• Be honest as to the last lake your boat was in, remember the end goal is to protect lake Tahoe

Avoid going to the inspection station on a Saturday or Sunday morning. If you know you are going to Tahoe ahead of time, it will be worth your time to have your boat inspected previously during the week.

If you are a Tahoe Only boat, you’re done. Go enjoy the summer and skip the inspection station for the rest of the time your boat is only used in Tahoe.

If you enjoy going to the 30 something nearby lakes, then plan your Tahoe trips accordingly and visit Tahoe a few times in a row before going to another lake.

Inspection Station Locations

• Alpine Meadows Inspection Station, CA – Off HWY 89 (River Rd.) on Alpine Meadows Rd. in the Deer Park parking lot across from the transfer station.
• Truckee-Tahoe Inspection Station, CA – Off HWY 267, 10183 Truckee Airport Rd., in parking lot behind the Town Hall Building
• Meyers Inspection Station, CA – 2175 Keetak Street, on the South Shore near the intersection of HWY 89 and 50.  Turn on Pomo St. off of HWY 89.
• Spooner Summit Inspection Station, NV – Near the intersection of HWY 28 and US 50, off of HWY 28 in the Snow Park area.   Larger Vessels over 30’ should call 1-888-824-6267 for options.
• Homewood Inspection Station, CA – Off of HWY 89 on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe in the Homewood Ski Resort Parking lot.

For more information visit www.tahoeboatinspections.com