New Alchemy

Emerald Bay

Lake Tahoe was formed when a gigantic block of granite slipped down in an earthquake to form what geologists call a graben. The 193 sq. mi. block that slipped rests on the bottom of the lake 1,645 feet from the surface. The precipitous mountains that ring the lake rise to 10.000 ft and give it its magical and unique qualities. Perhaps these features are best seen in one cove of the lake known as Emerald Bay. Emerald Bay is on the southwest corner of the lake. Its walls are formed by granitic mountains that are a pale pink color. The shallowness of the bay creates a unique coloring to the remarkably clear water when the sun shines off of the bottom of the granite and reflects through the water. The color is a striking emerald green. This color vanishes when the clouds overhead are gray from storm activity.

In this image a hole in the clouds is letting rays of light penetrate into Emerald Bay. The pink granite walls of the mountains of the Desolation Wilderness create the backdrop. The white strip of the 400 ft. Eagle Falls is seen in the crux of the mountains bringing water into the lake from the snow fields above. In the crepuscular light the focal point shows the blush of emerald hue. On the edges where the shadows of the storm have created the pewter color of the water the miraculous green is gone. The magical play of light, shade and color that is the magical aura of Lake Tahoe is at its best in these moments of transition.