The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) has dispatched snowplows to clear Mt. Rose Highway. But one of its supervisors says snow doesn't have to cause adverse conditions for NDOT to send out its plows.
"It doesn't matter how much [snow]," said Chris Howland. "If we don't plow the snow, then these wetter snowstorms create a lot of ice pack on the road."
Howland supervises NDOT's Galena Maintenance Station off of Mt. Rose Highway. He says when it's raining at the station, his crew knows it's probably snowing at the summit.
He adds that if you see a snowplow on the road, chances are it's laying sand down behind it. Give it some extra space, unless you want a sandy bumper.
You should also look out for out-of-state traffic.
"You have other traveling public that are just wanting to go see Tahoe, go skiing, from other states," Howland said. "They're going to go a lot slower. You don't know if they're going to be going 15 miles an hour. So, you just got to take your time, leave a little earlier."
Howland says NDOT turns on the "Chains Required" flashing lights when snow sticks to the road. Luckily for them, they don't have to brave the cold to warn other drivers.
"We all got key fobs in each one of our plows," Howland said. "It's just remotely accessed, on and off. It's really nice. Back in the day, I'd have to get out and hand-turn them."
If you're planning on skiing this season, Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe has already started its winter maintenance. They say it's already in "in-season form."
"In season, we always have crews to make sure the lots are clean," said Mike Pierce, the resort's Marketing Director. "We have shoveling crews to make sure all of the walkways and staircases are clean, things like that."
Regardless of whether you're going to ski or visit Incline Village, NDOT recommends you take it slow when there's snow.
"Just take your time," Howland said. "There's snow. [You] don't need to be anywhere fast.
