Winter Storm to Bring Blizzard, Avalanche Conditions to the Basin

South Lake Tahoe, CA… A powerful winter storm will hit the City of South Lake Tahoe and has City staff gearing up for its first round of intense winter weather this year.

An avalanche watch is already in effect, and a blizzard warning goes into effect this evening and will remain in effect through January 29. The National Weather Service says we could expect feet of snow, even more in higher elevations. Heavy snow, combined with high winds, could make travel difficult, if not impossible.

“We all know how important snow is for our community, but we also want to make sure people stay safe,” said City Manager Joe Irvin, “Our snow removal teams are the best in the business and will work tirelessly to make sure that happens.”

Drivers should anticipate delays and increased travel time throughout the weekend. Travel could be very difficult as conditions worsen. To check road conditions in real-time, click here. Caltrans also has up to the minute information on their Facebook page.

“City staff will work hard to keep roads as clear as possible during this winter storm, but we’ll need your help,” said Ray Jarvis, Public Works Director, “Keep anything that could inhibit snow removal teams out of the City right of way. Illegally parked vehicles can hamper snow removal efforts.”

When snow conditions, snowplows have the right of way on streets, and vehicles left unattended in the streets are subject to citation and/or tow. For complete, snow safe information, click here.

“Snow Safe” suggestions when snow conditions exist:
• When snow conditions, snow plows have the right of way on streets and vehicles left unattended in the streets are subject to citation and/or tow. The best policy is to keep your vehicle(s) parked off the streets at all times.
• Cars subject to citation and/or tow are those parked in the street right-of-way. The City right-of-way extends beyond the edge of the pavement to the property line, generally 5 to 10 feet beyond the edge of the pavement.
• The primary purpose of snow removal is to clear snow from streets for emergency vehicles, school buses, hospital entry, refuse trucks and all vehicle traffic.
• The City is asking that you keep all trash containers behind the berm, on your property. Improper placement of trash containers can result in damaged containers and/or snow removal equipment. This affects the level of service we are able to provide to the community.
• When shoveling snow from your driveway, shovel to the right as you face the street. This way, the plow will move the snow further down the road, rather than move the shoveled snow back into your driveway.
• Child Safety-please keep children indoors while snow removal operations are underway.
• Pedestrian Safety-Don’t watch snow removal operations from the edge of the road.
• Back Off – Keep a safe distance (40+ feet) when driving/standing behind snow removal equipment.
• Slow Down! – The maximum speed when chain controls are in effect is 25 mph.
As a reminder, we ask the community to not park on the streets during snow removal. Please remove all trashcans, mailboxes, vehicles, etc. from city right of way to prohibit equipment damage to the blowers.
• The City of South Lake Tahoe’s snow removal phone line is (530) 542-6030.
• For County residents, the snow removal phone number is (530) 573-3180.