Winter Storm Preparedness + Resource Guide

Winter Storm Preparedness + Resource Guide

Architectural Standards, Association News, Member News
Feb 25

This winter has been BIG and keeps getting bigger. On average, Tahoe Donner receives 350″ of snow each year. In February alone, we received 245″ (over 20 feet) giving us a season total to date of 404″, and February isn’t over. Plus, we still have to get through March and April, which historically can be large snow months.

Currently, a Winter Storm Warning has been issued for Truckee through February 28 with snow accumulations of 4 to 8 feet possible above 7,000 feet. These large winter storms have an impact on community infrastructure, including homes, roads, culverts, and the possibility of road closures, power outages, flooding and falling trees. With significant snowfall in the forecast this week, we want to offer a reminder on the importance of snow safety and winter storm preparedness.

While travel is not advised, expect winter driving conditions and traffic delays on highways and side streets. Please remember there is a town ordinance that prohibits street parking during winter months.

A special thank you to Caltrans, California Highway Patrol (CHP), Department of Public Works, Truckee Police Department, Town of Truckee and Truckee Donner Public Utility District (TDPUD) for your diligent efforts to keep residents and visitors alike safe.

SAFETY ADVISORY

  • Roofs and decks continue to acquire large amounts of heavy snow and ice. Please be aware of shedding snow from roofs and remember to keep children and pets away from all snow shed zones. 
  • Keep all decks shoveled to prevent collapsing. Contact a professional snow removal company if you need help removing snow from your decks and roof.
  • Do not sled in the streets or sled toward streets from driveways or street banks. Visibility is especially limited when pulling out of driveways due to unusually high snow banks. Vehicles have difficulty stopping quickly on icy and snowy conditions.

WINTER STORM PREPAREDNESS 

In preparing for this storm and others in the future, it is important to understand how to best prepare and who best to contact in emergency situations.

  • Prepare for power and water outages. Have candles, flashlights, battery-operated heaters, warm clothes and blankets, bottled water and canned foods ready and easily accessible.
  • If you lose electricity or water, call the Truckee Donner Public Utility District’s 24-hour support line at 530-587-3896 to report the outage.  Note: Tahoe Donner staff has no control over power outages and water, and cannot restore power or water to homes.
  • If you see a downed power line, this is a life-threatening emergency. Stay away from the line and call 911 immediately to report it. Note: Tahoe Donner staff cannot assist with downed lines; only trained professionals from the fire department can.
  • Sign up to receive timely messages from the Truckee Police Department. The  Nixle system sends important alerts via emails or text message updates on topics like weather conditions and potential hazards in your area.
  • Stock up on food and gas supplies. Ensure you have 3 plus days work of supplies at minimum.

Additional resources to reference:

TRAVEL + ROADS  

Below are some helpful resources for travel in the Sierra Nevada and in preparation of future winter storms.