Nine tons of patching used on South Lake Tahoe roads so far this winter

We've all seen them, or driven through them. They are a sure sign of winter, filling with water at every storm. They are small, they are large, and in some states they joke they are big enough they can swallow a small car.

What are they? Potholes.

Every city in every state (and country) that experiences rain and winter have a seasonal issue with potholes, and South Lake Tahoe is no exception. Since the beginning of winter, city work crews have been out on the roads, patching cracks and filling potholes in-between storms. To date, they have used 18,000 pounds of pothole patch material.

Patch material can be used in almost any weather condition and offer a temporary fix until dry and warmer weather allows Hot Mix Asphalt to be used.

"Potholes usually occur when you have standing water in a crack, then the water freezes then lifts or 'heaves' and a pothole forms," according to Azril Kalik, City of South Lake Tahoe Maintenance Manager.

Since the forecast shows temperatures in the 50s and no rain/snow, expect to see more of the maintenance crews on local roads.

"We will be patching some of the busier streets in the next couple weeks when we have flagmen available for staff safety," said Kalik.

Road conditions were a big topic during Tuesday's City Council meeting, and with years of deferred maintenance, bigger issues are being seen on the roadways. Many of the roads were built when South Lake Tahoe became a city in 1965, and not created to last 50 years. Those needs will be addressed in future plans, but in the meantime, the City will be patching holes before cars hitting them get alignment issues and flat tires.

To report a pothole, the City has a new "hotline" created to alert the Public Works Department the issue. Visit their request website here.

- South Tahoe Now Staff Story