Winter is Here! Are you Prepared?

By Derek Moore and Ali Dickson

Living in Truckee and the Sierra is wonderful. However, mountain life comes with its challenges, especially in the winter. Did any of us expect February 2019 to drop more than 22 feet of snow in one single month? Or the multiple power outages we have experienced over the past few years? We live in Tahoe Donner for the beautiful seasons, the outdoor adventure and the love for our mountain community. Summer is generally carefree; we enjoy life in flip-flops and sunny days at the lake and the river. Winter, however, is often a different story. As much as we smile making fresh turns on the mountain and drinking hot cocoa by the fire during the snowfall, we will experience extreme weather and conditions from December through April.

Luckily, we have the time and the resources to prepare for the upcoming winter season to help ensure the safety of ourselves, our families and our neighbors. Please do your part to be aware and stay safe so we all can enjoy a wonderful and happy winter ski season in Tahoe Donner and Truckee.

TIPS FOR WINTER SUCCESS + ENJOYMENT

SNOW REMOVAL
As aesthetic as it might be, the snow that falls around your home usually needs to be removed. If you have a snow-removal contract for your driveway, you are responsible for clearing the snow when it snows less than four inches. A snow removal company will clear the snow from your driveway when it snows four or more inches. Leftover areas after professional plowing are usually near garage doors, around vehicles and on your exposed walkways, stairs, entries and decks. Looking for quotes? Check out the Tahoe Donner Business Directory for your list of snow removal companies and other services at tahoedonner.com/business-directory.

SLOW DOWN ON “THE HILL”
Be careful. The steepness of Northwoods Boulevard requires a vehicle with four-wheel or all-wheel drive, studs, chains and sometimes a combination of everything. Never travel in a two-wheel-drive vehicle without chains during the winter. Gear down and take it slow.

CHECK YOUR SPEED 
While the speed limit in Tahoe Donner is predominantly 25mph, slow down in the winter months when roads are icy and slick. Even if there is no snow on the ground, expect slick conditions throughout the day on area roads, especially in shaded areas. Please help protect our community, as there are kids, dogs and wildlife that we want to keep safe.

CAR SNOW REMOVAL
Clear the snow off your entire car, not just your windshield. Removing snow from the top and other areas of your car helps ensure your safety and the safety of other cars around you. A snow load left on your roof will release eventually, usually when you’re driving down Northwoods Boulevard, which is dangerous for you and other vehicles. Keep it clean.

ESSENTIAL SAFETY KIT 
Winter months call for preparation. Plan with a safety kit containing blankets, water, canned food, a flashlight and other important items in the case of a power outage during a heavy snowstorm or road hazard when driving. You never know.

POWER OUTAGE PREPAREDNESS 
During winter, it is common for the power to go out in Tahoe Donner and the Truckee community, sometimes for multiple days. Be ready with a supply of candles, batteries, food, water, blankets and other items that aren’t reliant on a heat source. Learn more about power outage preparedness at tahoedonner.com/fall-winter-storm-preparedness.

STAY AWARE OF WHAT’S ABOVE YOU
Snow loads and icicles on trees and house rooftops in the winter pose a great risk for people and pets. A sudden snowshed can bury you or a loved one fast. Keep it clear and stay aware.

NO STREET PARKING DURING WINTER 
The Town of Truckee Public Works is responsible for clearing public streets during snow events. With safety and efficiency in mind, the Town of Truckee Police Department enforces a winter parking ban effective Nov. 1-April 30 of each year, which includes Tahoe Donner.

WHAT SHOULD I TELL GUESTS?
If you are offering your home for family, friends or renters, make sure your guests are aware of how to maximize their enjoyment and safety during the winter in Truckee. Tahoe Donner has prepared a Covenants Rules Guide for Short-Term Renters + Visitors, which includes winter driving tips, maps and basic community rules. Download today under “Documents + Tools” at tahoedonner.com/str.

KEEP THE HEAT ON
It’s important to keep your home above 55 degrees in the winter, as water pipes can freeze and burst. Set your thermostat and stay warm.

TRACTION ACTION 
Ice melt, sand or Yaktrax® for your shoes or boots – whatever you want to use to keep your feet from slipping on the ice and snow, keep them near the door!

big bulldozer removing snow

PLOWING THROUGH A WINTER IN TRUCKEE 

Whether you’ve lived in Truckee for a few months or a few decades, snowy driveways and roads are a winter tale as old as time. While you aren’t required to hire a snow removal company to live here, the intense mountain winters do call for shoveling or plowing throughout the season.

Shoveling multiple feet of snow out of your driveway can either be a welcome exercise routine or a backbreaking nightmare. For those looking for help instead of plowing themselves, hiring a professional snow removal service just might be the route for you.

WHAT GOES INTO PLOWING THE ROADS?
A few factors go into the timing of snow removal: weather forecasts, snow accumulation, amount of snow, consistency of snow, your location on the route schedule and safety considerations. The Town of Truckee clears major roads as their top priority, including Northwoods Boulevard, Hansel Avenue and Alder Creek Road. Secondary and tertiary roads are prioritized after, and it can take some time to get to all 60+ miles of roads within Tahoe Donner.

WHEN WILL MY DRIVEWAY BE CLEARED?
For the safety of the operators, drivers and homeowners, many snow removal companies work at night or in the early morning. This prevents potential accidents that typically occur in snowy, low-visibility conditions. They may return to clear your berm if they are still working in the field when the Town of Truckee clears your road.

WHY DO SOME TAHOE DONNER HOUSES HAVE MORE SNOW?
The location of your house plays a pretty big role in how much snow your yard and driveway receive. North-facing driveways typically see less sunlight and are prone to having snow longer than those situated on south-facing slopes. Ice melt and utility sand can help remove extra snow and ice that may stick around on your driveway.

HOW CAN YOU HELP PREPARE YOUR DRIVEWAY FOR SNOW REMOVAL?
Three words: keep it clear. Toys, house mats, timber, sleds and other objects may get covered in snow and not be visible to your snowplow operators. If something gets caught in a snowplow, time and money will be spent removing objects from the machines. A clear driveway is a happy driveway. Additionally, parking your car in your garage or all the way up your driveway to one side allows the most snow to be removed.

RESOURCES 

You should know how to protect yourself and your loved ones in an emergency before one strikes. In case of a snowstorm, road closure or emergency of any season, be sure you know what tools are available to you. Below is a list of resources to help ensure that you and your family have a safe and fun winter.

TEXT ALERTS | NIXLE 
Text your ZIP Code to 888777 or visit nixle.com/city/ca/truckee to opt in to updates. The ZIP Code for Tahoe Donner is 96161
CodeRED | Nevada County opt-in notification system available at readynevadacounty.org/Emergency-Alerts

WEBSITES
Social Media – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
Google Public Alerts depending on severity
Town of Truckee
California Highway Patrol (CHP) – Truckee
Tahoe Donner Public Utility Department (TDPUD)
Elements Snow Removal

RADIO
101.5 FM KTKE
780 AM KKOH
1670 AM Community Advisory Radio Station
88.7 FM KUNR

TELEVISION 
Both Reno and Sacramento stations (cable and satellite) carry emergency information

REVERSE 9-1-1
Landline/wireline voice dialing to affected area

For more information on winter preparedness this year, visit tahoedonner.com/preparedness