Tahoe Region Recovers From Winter Storm Olive

What happened:

The Tahoe region just experienced a blizzard that buried the area in over 100 inches of snow in just a few days.

There are major snow-related challenges impacting our entire community and everyone is focused on clearing snow, getting back open and getting ready for the next major storm arriving this weekend.

We want you to be aware of what the reality of the current situation is, what to expect, and how to be prepared before traveling here.

Featured photo credit: Chris Segal

Photo: Chris Segal

Photo: Chris Segal

We are experiencing:

Limited, reduced roadways, including one-lane roads and traffic visibility blocked by the height of snow banks and berms, both in neighborhoods and on major roadways throughout the region.

Low inventory of supplies including groceries and fuel.

Residential and commercial building roofs are being impacted by heavy snow, significant ice dams and shedding snow.

Most backcountry areas are under an avalanche warning.

Local schools have been closed for four days this week, and residents have been challenged or unable to get to work due to hazardous driving conditions.

If you choose to travel here, be prepared and expect to:

Bring extra clothes, food and water in your car, and have a place to stay if roads close and you can’t get home.

Complete grocery shopping before you get here.

Have enough gas in your car to get here and return home safely.

Be patient, drive slow, carpool and travel during off-peak times if you can, and make sure your vehicle has 4WD or chains and good tires.

Only park in designated areas and anticipate reduced parking lot sizes – our entire region is running out of places to store snow.

Anticipate congestion and extended delays on I-80, SR-267 and SR-89 and for resort parking lots to fill quickly.

Be aware of your surroundings and avoid playing or walking under roofs loaded with snow.

Be kind and respectful. People have been working around the clock to get roads, resorts and services open and there’s still a tremendous amount of work to do. They are exhausted.

Plan for the next storm, which is expected to bring multiple feet of snow over the weekend. It could keep you here longer than you planned.

Plan ahead, check road and weather conditions often, be prepared for winter conditions both on the drive and upon arrival, and expect everything to be a little – or a lot – slower than normal.