NOAA The Truckee Ranger Station averages 206.6 inches of snow a season (1991–2020 normals)NOAA Snowiest months in Truckee: February 47.9 inches, December 44.2, January 43.6NOAA About 41.9 days a year bring 1 inch of snow or more in TruckeeNOAA Normal January high 41.8°F and low 16.1°F in TruckeeNOAA Tahoe City averages 179.0 inches of snow a seasonNOAA data Median first measurable snow in Truckee: November 2 (our analysis, 1991–2019)Town of Truckee Winter parking ban on Town roads and rights-of-way: November 1 to April 30Town of Truckee Clearing the plow berm from your driveway is the homeowner’s or resident’s jobTown of Truckee The right-of-way is for Town snow storage, not for individualsPlacer County No parking on county roads east of Emigrant Gap Nov. 1 to May 1: $150 / $250 / $450 finesCaltrans R-3 chain control: chains or traction devices on all vehicles, no exceptionsCaltrans Snow tires need an M+S marking and at least 6/32-inch treadHomeblue Truckee driveway snow removal estimate: $50–$120 a visitSIMA Snow and ice customers are retained 93% of the time year over yearNOAA The Truckee Ranger Station averages 206.6 inches of snow a season (1991–2020 normals)NOAA Snowiest months in Truckee: February 47.9 inches, December 44.2, January 43.6NOAA About 41.9 days a year bring 1 inch of snow or more in TruckeeNOAA Normal January high 41.8°F and low 16.1°F in TruckeeNOAA Tahoe City averages 179.0 inches of snow a seasonNOAA data Median first measurable snow in Truckee: November 2 (our analysis, 1991–2019)Town of Truckee Winter parking ban on Town roads and rights-of-way: November 1 to April 30Town of Truckee Clearing the plow berm from your driveway is the homeowner’s or resident’s jobTown of Truckee The right-of-way is for Town snow storage, not for individualsPlacer County No parking on county roads east of Emigrant Gap Nov. 1 to May 1: $150 / $250 / $450 finesCaltrans R-3 chain control: chains or traction devices on all vehicles, no exceptionsCaltrans Snow tires need an M+S marking and at least 6/32-inch treadHomeblue Truckee driveway snow removal estimate: $50–$120 a visitSIMA Snow and ice customers are retained 93% of the time year over year

Facts from public sources, not quotes. Where these numbers come from

A gloved hand scattering white ice melt pellets onto snowy concrete steps, in Truckee, California
Winter tips · Truckee, California

Sierra Winter Tips

Truckee snow comes in feet, and the rules here are about berms, parking and where the snow goes. Here's what the Town, Placer County, Caltrans and NOAA say.

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Living With 200 Inches

The Truckee Ranger Station averages 206.6 inches of snow a season, with February (47.9 inches), December (44.2) and January (43.6) the snowiest months, and about 41.9 days a year with an inch or more (NOAA, 1991–2020).

Clear Your Berm

The berm the Town plow leaves across your driveway is the homeowner's or resident's to clear. Plan a contractor return pass after the Town plow.

Keep Snow on Your Lot

The road right-of-way is for Town snow storage, not for individuals. Pile your snow on your own property.

Move the Car

No parking on Town roads or rights-of-way Nov. 1 to Apr. 30. Parking behind the snow poles is not enough.

Mild Day? Still No Parking

Keep cars off the street and right-of-way all winter, even on mild days. Placer County notes snow operations may still occur.

Get on a Route Early

Our analysis of NOAA daily records puts the median first measurable snow in Truckee on November 2. Book a crew in September or October.

Watch the Refreeze

The normal January low in Truckee is 16.1°F (NOAA). Treat shaded steps and walks before the evening cold sets in.

Sources: NOAA NCEI, NOAA NCEI, Town of Truckee, Placer County.

Roofs and Heavy Snow

Push, Don’t Lift

A wide pusher or a two-stage gas blower moves deep, heavy snow without lifting it.

Watch the Roof Edge

Rake heavy snow off the roof edge from the ground. Stay clear of power lines and never work from a ladder; hire a pro for anything up top.

Plan for Outages

Run any generator outdoors only, far from windows, doors and garages, and keep snow away from the exhaust.

Driving the Sierra

Always Carry Chains

Caltrans: always carry chains, and make sure they are the proper size for your tires. 4WD and AWD drivers must still carry them in chain control areas.

Check QuickMap

Check Caltrans QuickMap or the I-80 road status before you leave, and Nevada 511 for the Nevada side.

Stay With the Car

If you get stalled, stay with your vehicle and give snowplows room (Caltrans).

Sources: Caltrans, Caltrans, Caltrans QuickMap, Nevada 511 (NVroads).

Want help? See tools in the Ice Fighter shop, read the winter travel and chain control guide, or let a crew do it.

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