The pile up of snow has created a problem that's threatening homes and businesses in many parts of the Sierra right now. 133 inches of snow has fallen on Tahoe City over the last month. Some are worrying that their roof might come down too, after such heavy snowfall.
“Tahoe is pretty tired right now. We have been battling multi-week storm cycles,” said Andrew Laughlin. He was injured from a skiing accident. But he says even if he wasn't, he says he would hire additional help to shovel off the roofs on his properties. “You now I don't want to test it to the limit. So I hired a guy to shovel the roof of a rental cabin in the back,” said Laughlin.
Snowstorm after snowstorm has hit.
“This last few storm cycles, it’s a 6 or 7 hour day job to keep up with things,” said Laughlin.
With the weight of icicles and snow itself, Laughlin says it’s been a battle to keep the tops on his property. “My property was built a while ago. So it’s not been built with the huge timbers that some of the stuff that's been built over the last several years,” said Laughlin.
The Truckee Police Department says it’s seeing the same issue in its area, and recommends that no matter what the size or age your home that people look for signs ahead of time. If the doors and windows become difficult to open, there is cracking in the dry wall, walls and posts out of place or there are displaced deck beams or joists, it might be time for you to hire a professional to clear off your roof.
“Three or four feet of snow on something can cause damage,” said Laughlin. More snow is expected in March. “It's going to be a long winter. There is going to be a lot more shoveling to do. It’s going to be a struggle for sure,” said Laughlin.
