South Lake Tahoe, CA- A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for South Lake Tahoe by the National Weather Service, with a Winter Storm Warning to go into effect tomorrow.
It’s already snowing in South Lake Tahoe with moderate to heavy snowfall anticipated tonight through Thursday. According to the National Weather Service, snow could total 2 to 5 feet above 6,000 feet, with 8 to 12 inches of snow possible down to 5,000 feet. Strong wind gusts of 50 to 65 mph in the mountains may create blizzard-like conditions at higher elevations and hinder travel for drivers. Drivers should anticipate delays and increased travel time throughout the week. Travel is not advised during this time period. To check road conditions in real-time, click here.
“Snow Safe” suggestions when snow conditions exist:
- City snow plows are deployed when an average of three (3) inches of snow have fallen (accumulated) on the ground citywide. 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.