South Lake Tahoe, CA- A Winter Storm, Avalanche and Blizzard Warning remains in effect for the City. City of South Lake Tahoe Crews are working around the clock to keep people safe.
Snow fighters are out with plows, we have one plow in each of the City’s eight zones (Stateline, Heavenly, Bijou, Al Tahoe, Tahoe Sierra, Tahoe Keys, Tahoe Island, and Gardner Mountain). We also have two sander trucks out and other personnel are clearing City Parking Lots and building entry’s. Snow fighting operations will continue in all zones in 12 hour continuous operational periods until the storm is over.
“We are proud of all the city employees who are working so hard to keep the city safe,” said Frank Rush, South Lake Tahoe City Manager, “This storm is challenging in its own way, but our staff is up to that challenge.”
As a reminder conditions are expected to deteriorate through the day, including blizzard-like conditions. Drivers should anticipate delays and increased travel time.
Travel is not advised during this time period. To check road conditions in real-time, click here.
City staff anticipates widening of roadways to begin Tuesday night through next week depending on the total snowfall. Bike trails will be secondary operations.
“Right now some of the biggest issues we are having is with illegally parked or abandoned cars,” said Jim Marino, Asst. Public Works Director, “Not only is it illegal, it’s dangerous for our snow fighters and makes clearing the roads even harder.”
“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 in 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.
Plows are already out and will continue to maintain roads as needed.
- 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.