South Lake Tahoe, CA- The National Weather Service has issued a “Winter Weather Advisory.” That order goes into effect from 10:00 PM tonight until 10:00 AM Thursday morning.
South Lake Tahoe could expect between 3-8 inches of snow and winds from 15-25 MPH with gusts up to 45 MPH.
Travel could be slow and difficult with chain restrictions likely. The hazardous conditions will impact the morning commute Thursday.
“We know folks around here know how to handle the snow, we just want to make sure you're prepared to take extra time for your morning commute,” said Communications Manager Chris Fiore, “Even a little snow can cause traffic issues, so take your time and leave extra space between the vehicle in front of you.”
Snow levels could be close to 12 inches over 7000 ft., and 100 MPH wind gusts are expected over the passes.
Even with a minimal amount of snow accumulation in the Sierra, travel is anticipated to be hazardous along the passes during this time. Southwest winds will be strong as well which could lead to blowing snow, reducing visibility in these areas. Please check with Caltrans for the most updated road information if traveling over any Sierra passes Wednesday into Thursday morning. You can also dial 511 for the most up to date road conditions.
“Snow Safe” suggestions when snow conditions exist:
- City snowplows are deployed when an average of three (3) inches of snow have fallen (accumulated) on the ground citywide. 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. 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's 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.
