Wind readings from Kirkwood show the extreme speeds gusts reached on the night of January 7.
© Kirkwood Mountain ResortWind readings from Kirkwood show the extreme speeds gusts reached on the night of January 7.
Kirkwood Mountain Resort, near Lake Tahoe, experienced an extraordinary weather event on Tuesday night when winds at the summit reached a staggering 206 miles per hour. The gusts were measured at the resort's summit weather station, situated at an elevation of approximately 9,186 feet.

This extreme wind speed is among the highest ever recorded in California. In February 2020, a similar event saw winds peak at 209 mph at the same resort, which would be a California record, but the National Weather Service questioned the validity of the reading, according to a social media post shared by Kirkwood. Either way, last night's measurement stands as one of the most significant wind events in the state's history.

The Dangers of East Winds

The wind direction—an east wind—adds another layer of concern. East winds are particularly notorious around Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada region for their destructive potential. Unlike the region's more typical westerly winds, east winds often bring intensified fire risks, hazardous conditions for skiers, and potential damage to infrastructure. The sheer force of these gusts can topple trees, disrupt resort operations, and create dangerous wind drifts on the slopes, increasing avalanche potential.

Record or Not?

Scientists say a 199-mph gust that blasted a mountaintop at the Alpine Meadows ski resort in February 2017 was the strongest wind ever recorded in California. If the data on this wind measurement reads correctly, this makes Tuesday night's wind gust the highest wind reading ever recorded in California.

Regardless of the record, visitors and locals are advised to exercise caution, especially during periods of strong east winds, which can transform Tahoe's serene beauty into a landscape of potential hazards. Kirkwood's summit remains a prime example of the Sierra Nevada's power—and unpredictability.