SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Those who live in South Lake Tahoe and Meyers know what is going to happen the minute a storm hits – drivers will rely on GPS and map apps to get them around backed-up traffic, and their roads will be full of stranded motorists.

Some reasons for backups:

  • Road is CLOSED.
  • Chain controls are in place
  • Heavy traffic created by others trying to head west on US50
  • Snow
  • A crash, stalled vehicle or jackknifed big rig
  • There are a lot of people trying to leave at the same time on the same day
  • Many other unforeseen incidents

These reasons, among others, create slow-moving traffic on US50 as drivers head west to get out of the Lake Tahoe Basin.

What happens when traffic backs up? Drivers try to find a quicker way out.

What happens when they search for a speedier travel route?

  • They end up stuck in the snow on unplowed surface streets, or stuck behind others who were not equipped for the conditions
  • Endure an hours-long wait for one of the limited supply of tow trucks to reach them
  • Go around those working the chain controls and California Agriculture Inspection Station in Meyers – both a major “no-no.”

GPS does not know there is snow, what roads are plowed, or what the current conditions are.

Many drivers try to get to the head of the line by driving to Lake Tahoe Boulevard and North Upper Truckee Road. In just one day during the last storm, three over-length big rigs jackknifed on North Upper Truckee Road, blocking locals trying to get home or to work. Due to the large number of big rigs stuck on SR88, SR89, and the back roads, tow trucks had to be brought in from as far away as Stockton to assist. Other drivers use their GPS to go to Mandan and enter Meyers from the south. Mandan is steep, not always plowed, and a sure bet on getting stuck if not prepared.

Staying on US50 ensures drivers will have the clearest, most direct route, even if slow. The route also has gas stations, restaurants, and restrooms.

During busy summer weekends, the same thing happens. While people won’t be stuck in snow, they fill up all the surface streets that have no services, and block traffic for hours. GPS doesn’t tell you this!

CHP Placerville has also warned drivers coming from the west into the Lake Tahoe Basin that there is no shortcut, as the towns along US50 experience the same thing as South Lake Tahoe and Meyers. “Every winter — and even during storms outside of winter — GPS apps attempt to reroute drivers onto unmaintained forest roads, narrow mountain spurs, or seasonal access routes. These are not viable alternatives. Many are not plowed, not treated, and not passable. Some will leave you stuck for hours.”

To help mitigate this, South Tahoe Now has made suggestions to authorities to help with the problem:

Have an emergency alert sent to phones, much like Amber Alerts, call them Snow Alerts, or something similar. The alert will ping all phones in the region to tell them snow conditions exist, and do not venture off US50 to travel, as roads are not all plowed.

Have the Caltrans message boards tell everyone, “Do Not Leave US50 if traveling over Echo Summit.”

We want everyone to be safe, locals and visitors, but there needs to be responsible behavior on the roads. We don’t want people stuck for hours or having to spend the night in their cars, waiting for help.

Follow quickmaps before hitting the roads, and during the drive, as conditions can change quickly. If US50 is delayed, stopped, or under chain control, there is no faster shortcut through the woods or the neighborhoods. Plan ahead. Carry chains when required. Give yourself extra time (and have snacks and water on board just in case slow going), and stay off that GPS. Another helpful hint – don’t leave at the same time everyone else does, go early, go late, stay an extra day.

PS: If you are a big rig driver, stick to your essential truck-specific navigation apps. SR89 at Emerald Bay is full of hairpin turns, not for big trucks. North Upper Truckee is not your friend when snowing, plus, it’s illegal. SR88 has chain controls. Just because they aren’t always manned doesn’t mean they are safe. If you run them, you will get stuck or cause dangerous conditions for others. The 65-foot length limit is enforced – don’t even try it.

Sign on US50 in Placerville on Feb. 18. These would be helpful on the Lake Tahoe end of the highway: