Winter Driving in South Lake Tahoe
By: Ryn Muat
Winter driving is like mountain life activities – with practice, patience, and the right guidance, you can do it! Here are a few things you can do to get up to your favorite mountain safely:
For the easiest way to get around, we highly recommend using Lake Link, South Shore’s free public microtransit service, once you are settled in. Lake Link is an app-based, on-demand service that uses 9-12-passenger vans. Basically, it’s like Uber or Lyft, but free to the user.
Before you go…
- Always check the weather and road conditions by dialing 511 within Nevada (or 1-877-NV-ROADS outside of Nevada) or visit NVRoads.com and CA Road Conditions.
- The National Weather Service’s Reno office offers an online Lake Tahoe weather report.
- Carry chains – and know which tires they go on. And how to put them on. Always comply with all posted traction device requirements.
- If you’ve never driven in snow, do a little homework. More winter driving tips from Caltrans and CalTrans Quick Map Winter Driving Tips video
- Share your travel itinerary, so others know when to expect you.
On your way to Tahoe…
- Drive slowly, and avoid sudden actions like braking, acceleration, or turns.
- Give plenty of following distance.
- Watch carefully for snow removal equipment.
- Maintain a high fuel level.
- Remember: a “4 wheel drive” vehicle does not have “4 wheel stop.”
- Use extra caution on bridges, ramps, overpasses, and shaded areas- they may freeze first.
- Turn on headlights to see and be seen.
- Turn off cruise control.
- Reduce speed. Speed limits are based on normal road and weather conditions, not winter road conditions.
- If the vehicle begins to skid, steer in direction of slide and slowly remove foot from the accelerator.
- If parked or stuck in the snow, leave a window slightly cracked for ventilation and make sure the vehicle exhaust system is clear of snow.
- Do not rely solely on GPS to find alternate routes, as it could lead to unmaintained roadways or hazardous areas.
Once you arrive…
- Remove snow and ice from all vehicle windows, mirrors, lights, turn signals, and license plates.
- Even around town, avoid quick starts, stops, and fast turns. Accelerate, brake, and steer smoothly and gradually.
- Do not slam on the brakes. Apply steady pressure on ABS-equipped (antilock braking system) vehicles and pump the brakes if necessary on non-ABS vehicles.
Check before you go:
- Wipers
- Tires / tread
- Brakes
- Lights
- Battery
- Radiator
- Belts / hoses
- Exhaust / fuel / ignition system
- Heater / defroster
- Thermostat
- Vehicle fluid levels –(anti-freeze oil, windshield, brake fluid, etc.)
- Full gasoline tank
Snowplow Safety
- Use caution when following, passing, or approaching snow removal equipment.
- Drive a safe distance behind snowplows. Plows often travel slower than other vehicles to remove snow, apply sand and liquid anti-icer,s and assist stranded vehicles.
- Before attempting to pass snow removal equipment, check the direction of snow discharge to avoid snow and debris thrown from the equipment. Remember that plows are wider than most vehicles, and the plow and blade portions may be obscured by snow.
- Don’t crowd the plow. Only pass snow removal vehicles when a safe, legal passing area is available and adequately clear of snow and/or treated with salt and sand.
- Don’t travel beside a snowplow. They can shift sideways after hitting snow packs or drifts. Plows also are not able to automatically stop sanding when other vehicles pass. Therefore, sand may unintentionally hit vehicles if not driven a proper distance from snow removal equipment.
- When a plow approaches you, allow the plow room to operate by reducing speed and moving to the right side of the road if there is room to safely do so.
- Do not brake with unnecessary sudden movements when in front of a snowplow – plows cannot stop as quickly as an automobile.
- Don’t drive through white out conditions caused by swirling snow around a snowplow. Safely pull to the side or slow to allow visibility to improve.
- Remember that a snowplow operator’s field of vision is restricted. You may see them, but they may not see you.
The advantage in a mountain town is that we know how to clear snow from the roads. While a few inches can immobilize a coastal community, we bring out the heavy equipment here at Lake Tahoe. Snow removal vehicles work around the clock to keep the roads clear and safe for travel. Remember, the main roads will be cleared first, then the secondary roads and neighborhoods.
For the most up-to-date information on snowfall, mountain base depths and road conditions in South Lake Tahoe, check area ski resort websites and cams or call snow phones:
- Heavenly Web Cams – 775-586-7000
- Sierra-at-Tahoe Web Cams – 530-659-7475
- Kirkwood Web Cams – 209-258-3000
- Heavenly Village Web Cams
- Lake Tahoe Web Cams
Be safe, and have fun this winter!
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