1. The primary purpose of snow removal is to clear all streets for orderly movement for emergency vehicles, school buses, entry to the hospital, refuse trucks, and all vehicle traffic.
2. Primary Routes are plowed first when three (3) inches of snow accumulates. Initially, one lane is plowed to create a travel lane.
3. Berms are a residual part of snow removal and there is no way to avoid berms. When snow removal occurs, so will berms. The size of the berm fluctuates depending on many variable conditions; number of driveways on the street, density of the snow, the amount of snowfall and snow drifts to name a few. City streets range from 24 – 40 feet wide and all the snow that falls in the street must be displaced to the side of the streets. The wider the street, the more snow will be moved to the edge of the street. In addition, most parcels within the City have now been developed creating more driveways; more driveways create less open space for snow storage. All snow is pushed to the side of the street as evenly as possible to all parcels. Wet heavy snow makes is harder to manipulate for the plow drivers and residents alike.
4. Gates on the snowplows were installed to minimize the impact of the berm; however, they do not make berms disappear, larger amounts of snowfall suggest a potentially larger berm. The plow blade can only carry so much snow, when the blade is full, the snow flows around and over the gate and seeks the path of least resistance, which is usually the open driveways.

• Generally from October 15 through April 15 every year.

• When in excess of three (3) inches of snow has fallen (accumulated) on the ground and until streets have been cleared to their full widths. This may occur while you are away from your car, so even if snow conditions did not exist when you left your car, you are still subject to citation and/or tow. The best policy is to keep your vehicle(s) parked off the streets at all times.

• Cars subject to citation and/or tow are those parked in the street right-of-way. (City Code Section 26-40) The City right-of-way extends beyond the edge of the pave-ment to the property line,  generally 5 to 10 feet beyond the edge of the pavement.

• The City is asking that you keep all trash containers behind the berm, on your property. Improper placement of trash containers can result in damaged containers and/or snow removal equipment. This affects the level of service we are able to provide to the community.

• WINTER HINT: When shoveling snow from your driveway, shovel to the right as you face the street. This way, the plow will move the snow further down the road, rather than move the shoveled snow back into your driveway. It is the occupant's responsibility to properly mark their driveway & remove any berm left by snow removal operations. (City Code Section 26-21)

1) When will a plow be on my street?

We have an aggressive snow removal program, which is designed, under optimum conditions, to complete the initial plowing of the City’s 130 miles of streets in 12 hours. Ideally, you should see a plow in your area at least once every 12 hours. However, depending upon the severity of the snow, equipment downtime and illegally parked vehicles hampering the snow removal equipment, it could take much longer.

Please note: the City of South Lake Tahoe does not maintain Highway 50 or Highway 89. These are state highways and are maintained by Caltrans.

2) Where can I park my vehicle if I cannot park in the street?

You must park your vehicle on your property, behind the berm.

A picture is worth a thousand words. So included above is a parking diagram that we have created to answer this question and to show where to place mailboxes and trashcans.

3) How should I mark my driveway?

We suggest that you mark your driveway (and fence line) with snow stakes made of wood or PVC pipe. You can buy these stakes at local hardware stores. Place the stakes at your property line, behind the berm.