A Beginner’s Guide to Dealing With Snow in Lake Tahoe
How to Handle Snow in Lake Tahoe
For those of you who are from warmer locales, the snow and winter conditions in Lake Tahoe can come as a big surprise when you’re visiting for the first time. With an average of 274” of snowfall in the region, it’s safe to expect intense snowy conditions anytime from October to May. And if you’ve never visited a winter wonderland like this before, it can be intimidating and confusing to know how to handle the snow, whether driving or dealing with a big snowstorm coming through the area.
Fear not, however, as we’ve compiled this guide just for first-time Tahoe visitors. We’ll cover how to handle driving in snowy conditions if you’ve never done it before and go over some tips for staying safe during snowstorms to help you feel more comfortable with your first Tahoe trip.
Tips for Navigating Lake Tahoe’s Snow-Filled Roads
Look into Renting a Vehicle with 4-Wheel Drive for the Drive to Tahoe
Road conditions will vary wildly depending on what time of year you decide to visit Tahoe, but if you decide to come during the winter or early springtime, it’s a good idea to reserve a vehicle with 4-wheel drive to complete your trip. These types of vehicles fare much better on the snow and the ice than your typical 2-wheel drive cars, and they are much safer to drive in intense snow conditions. Be aware that 4-wheel drive doesn’t mean you can drive completely normally on snowy roads–it just gives you a bit more protection from slipping and sliding. It’s important to still be cautious in snowy weather conditions regardless of whether you’re driving a 4-wheel vehicle or not.
Check Weather and Road Conditions Before Planning A Drive
Because the weather can be so variable and unpredictable in the Sierras, storms can sometimes come in without much warning. If you happen to be up on the mountain skiing your heart out when a storm hits, it can be tough to make it back to your lodging. So, before heading out for the day, check weather and road conditions on both sides of the state borders. The Caltrans website has a helpful page for road conditions, while NVRoads.com offers information on conditions on the Nevada side of Tahoe.
Clear Off the Windshields, Windows, and Top of Car Before Getting on the Road
After heavy snowfall, your car is likely to be completely covered in snow, and this can lead to hazardous driving conditions if you’re not careful. Before you head out for the day, do your best to completely clear off your vehicle of any excess snow and ice.
At the very least, clear the windshields, windows, and the top of the car off, in addition to clearing your headlights of snow. When you’re driving, snow and ice can fly off and obstruct the view of other vehicles. Even if you just slow down too fast while on the road, snow from the top of the vehicle can shift and obstruct your own windshield, so ensure you clear it off for your safety and the safety of others.
Go Slow and Give Yourself More Time Than Expected
The most important thing to keep in mind when driving on snowy roads for the first time is this: go slower than you think you need to.
While more confident drivers might be rushing past you in a hurry to get wherever they are going, it’s safest to drive slowly when there is snow on the ground and to avoid sudden stops or acceleration. In addition, it’s also essential that you give yourself more time than you think you need to drive anywhere. Because conditions force you to go slower, you probably won’t get to your destination as fast the GPS says or as quickly as you think you will. Go slowly and plan a bit of buffer time into your schedule to ensure you arrive safely.
How to Stay Safe During a Snowstorm
Prepare Before the Storm Hits
Heavy snow is no surprise in Lake Tahoe, and there’s a chance of encountering severe snowstorms if you visit during the winter and early spring months. So if a big storm is on the horizon, it’s best to prepare ahead of time to hunker down in your lodging and wait out the storm.
In order to prepare for a winter storm, here’s a few steps you should take:
Prepare a winter storm kit containing things like flashlights, extra phone chargers, and an emergency radio.
Stay updated on the latest weather forecasts to help you accurately predict how much snow will fall.
Bring your pets in the house to ensure they stay safe during the storm.
Have Someone to Check In With During and After the Storm
While the storm is bearing down and immediately afterwards, you’ll want to have someone to inform in case you should run into any trouble. Whether that’s someone at home or just your vacation rental owner, plan to have a buddy to check in with to keep you safe.
Once you have an accurate estimate of when the storm will hit, inform your buddy and check in regularly while the heavy weather is in the area. Afterwards, send a quick message to let them know you go through okay. Not only does this help ensure your safety, especially when you’re away from home, but it also can alleviate any worries you might have about making it through the storm.
Planning a Visit to Lake Tahoe? We’ve Got All the Guides For You
Snowy weather can be intimidating if you’ve never dealt with it before, and if you’re planning to visit Lake Tahoe, you can be almost certain you’ll run into it at some point. However, if you keep yourself safe while driving and while waiting out a storm, you should have no problems handling whatever the weather throws your way.
On the hunt for more tips and tricks for Tahoe? Check out our recommendations for the best ski resorts in North Lake Tahoe or take a look at some of the best state parks in the North Lake Tahoe area.