South Lake Tahoe, CA- The National Weather Service says a pair of pacific storms will impact the Tahoe Basin over the Christmas weekend which could result in significant snow and travel delays. A Winter weather advisory goes into effect tomorrow from 4:00 PM-10:00 AM Saturday.
Heavy snow is possible with anywhere from 3-8 inches at lake level with more than 1 ft. Expected over the passes. The storm systems will also bring with them high winds, gusting over 100 mph in some spots. The brunt of the snowfall is expected Friday evening into early Saturday morning.
A colder storm is expected to move into the area Sunday night, into Monday. The duration and impacts of this storm are less clear than the Christmas Day storm.
If you insist on traveling during a winter storm, remember to pack some essentials like patience, extra food, water, battery packs for mobile devices, and holiday cheer.
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 Friday into early Saturday morning. For up-to-date weather information check the National Weather Service website.
“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.