Talk of El Niño is already generating plenty of questions about the coming winter. According to the NOAA Climate Prediction Center, El Niño is strengthening, with a greater than 90% chance of a very strong event during fall and winter 2026–27.
That is noteworthy but a strong El Niño does not guarantee a huge winter in Truckee or North Lake Tahoe. Seasonal patterns can influence the odds, while individual Sierra storms, snowfall totals and timing remain unpredictable.
Rather than trying to predict exactly how much snow will fall, homeowners and buyers can use the conversation as a reminder to prepare. Here are seven things I consider when helping clients evaluate mountain homes.
1. Build Your Local Property Team
A reliable local team can make mountain ownership considerably easier, especially for second-home owners.
Before winter arrives, identify the people who can help with:
- Driveway plowing and snow removal
- Roof and deck snow clearing
- Property inspections after major storms
- Heating and plumbing emergencies
- Generator installation and service
- Tree work and drainage issues
Availability can become limited during extended storm cycles, so it is better to establish these relationships before you urgently need help.
I maintain a list of local property managers, snow-removal companies and service providers. If you are purchasing a home or preparing one for winter, contact me and I can share some options.
2. Understand Roof Design, Snow Shed and Ice Dams
A roof should be evaluated for more than its appearance.
Look at the roof pitch and determine where accumulated snow is likely to release. Snow shedding over a driveway, garage door, entry, walkway or deck can create a significant inconvenience—or a safety concern.
Roofing material also matters. Metal roofing generally sheds snow differently than composition shingles. Some local roofs combine shingles with a section of metal near the eaves. However, metal roofing alone does not guarantee that a home will be protected from ice dams.
Ice dams can form when heat escaping through the roof melts the bottom layer of snow. The water then reaches a colder roof edge, refreezes and can work its way beneath the roofing material. Proper insulation, air sealing, ventilation and waterproofing at the eaves are all worth discussing with a qualified inspector or roofing professional. The Department of Energy’s building guidance provides a helpful explanation.
When touring a property, I also look for:
- Snow-shed areas above doors and decks
- Roof valleys where snow may collect
- Evidence of staining or previous leakage
- Large icicles or recurring ice buildup
- Gutters, chimneys and roof penetrations
- Snow-retention systems where appropriate
3. Plan for Roof and Deck Snow Removal
Snow does not always distribute evenly. Roof valleys, wind exposure, adjoining rooflines and sliding snow can produce deeper accumulations in particular areas.
Decks deserve equal attention. If snow reaches the railing—or buries it completely—it may be time for a professional assessment and clearing plan. Do not wait until doors are blocked or the structure begins showing signs of stress.
FEMA’s snow-load guidance identifies warning signs such as unusual cracking or popping noises, sagging roof components, severe leaks and doors or windows that suddenly become difficult to operate.
Removing roof snow can also be dangerous. Hire an experienced, properly insured snow-removal company rather than climbing onto a snowy or icy roof yourself.
4. Evaluate the Driveway as Though It Were January
A driveway that feels easy in September can be a completely different experience in February.
A steep driveway is not automatically a deal breaker, but buyers should understand what maintaining and using it will require.
Consider:
- Does the driveway slope toward the garage?
- Could a sliding vehicle contact the home or garage door?
- Does the driveway rise toward the street?
- Could a vehicle slide into the roadway?
- Is the driveway north-facing and shaded?
- Where will plowed snow be stored?
- Is there enough room for a plow to turn around?
- Will melting snow drain away or refreeze across the driveway?
North-facing driveways can receive less direct winter sun, allowing packed snow and ice to remain longer. Drainage, snow storage and access should all be part of the purchasing conversation.
5. Use the Right Winter Driving Setup
All-wheel drive and four-wheel drive can help a vehicle move, but they do not shorten stopping distance on ice. Tires are one of the most important parts of a winter-driving setup.
Two winter-tire lines I have personally liked are Bridgestone Blizzak and the Hercules Avalanche series. The appropriate tire depends on the vehicle, driving conditions and manufacturer specifications, so consult a qualified tire shop.
Drivers should also carry properly fitted traction devices and know how to install them. Under R-2 controls, four-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles with snow-tread tires may be permitted without installing chains, but they must still carry traction devices. Conditions and requirements can change quickly, so check Caltrans QuickMap and chain-control information before leaving.
6. Prepare for Power Outages
Heavy snow, wind and falling trees can interrupt power. A backup plan is particularly important if the home relies on electricity for heating systems, well pumps, communications or garage access.
Depending on the property, this might include a permanently installed standby generator or a properly sized portable generator. Have the system installed or evaluated by a qualified professional, keep fuel safely available where appropriate and test the equipment before winter.
Portable generators must never be operated inside a home, garage, basement or shed. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says they should be used outdoors, far from doors, windows and vents. Every home should also have working carbon-monoxide alarms.
I can share local generator and electrical-service contacts with clients who need a starting point.
7. Monitor Forecasts and Prepare for Long Storm Cycles
One storm is manageable. Several storms arriving close together can create a very different situation.
I use the OpenSnow Tahoe forecast to follow incoming systems. I also check official road conditions, weather alerts and chain controls before traveling.
Before a longer storm cycle, consider stocking:
- Food, drinking water and necessary medication
- Flashlights, batteries and charging banks
- Fuel and generator supplies
- Snow shovels and ice melt suitable for the property
- Vehicle chains and winter emergency equipment
- Heating-system and plumbing contacts
Second-home owners should also arrange for someone to inspect the property, confirm heat is operating and check for leaks, blocked entrances or heavy snow accumulation.
Enjoy the Mountain—Just Prepare for It
Buying a home in Truckee or North Lake Tahoe is not only about finding a beautiful property. It is also about understanding how the home, driveway and surrounding site function during a real Sierra winter.
Preparation does not eliminate every surprise, but it can help you avoid becoming that guy featured by Truckee CHP on Instagram. They are known to have a little fun roasting avoidable winter mistakes—and I would rather help you stay off their feed.
Whether you are purchasing your first mountain home, relocating to the area or preparing a second home for winter, I can help you evaluate these practical details and connect you with local resources.
Ethan Pontz | REALTOR®
Truckee & North Lake Tahoe Real Estate
DRE #02111920
TruckeeTahoeMountainHomes.com
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