--- title: Moving at Lake Tahoe in Winter: Snow, Chains, Driveways url: https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-at-lake-tahoe-in-winter/ business: O'Brien's Moving & Storage address: 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 phone: 775-359-6683 (toll-free 1-800-253-7814) hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm licenses: U.S. DOT No. 30611, MC-109375, Nevada CPCN 1070; interstate agent for Bekins Van Lines since 1955 type: Moving and storage company, family owned since 1941 --- - [Home](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/) - [Moving resources: guides, checklists, tools and data](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/resources/) - [Moving guides](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/) - [The best time of year to move in Northern Nevada](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/best-time-to-move/) - Moving at Lake Tahoe and Truckee in winter # Moving at Lake Tahoe in winter Truckee's ranger station averages 135.7 inches of snow from December through February, with highs between 40.5 F and 44.5 F and lows between 15.0 F and 17.6 F. A Tahoe winter move is possible and routine for local crews, but the date depends on road conditions, plowed driveways and chain controls. or call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 [U.S. DOT No. 30611](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/about/licenses-and-authority/) ## Lake Tahoe in winter by the numbers - Jan 48 F high, 26 F low, 5.2 in snow - Feb 52 F high, 29 F low, 5.2 in snow - Dec 47 F high, 26 F low, 5.2 in snow Data (station Reno-Tahoe International Airport): [NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020](https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/products/land-based-station/us-climate-normals). Winter at the lake is a different climate from winter in Reno. Reno's airport records 5.2 inches of snow in January, while Truckee records 43.6 inches in the same month. Tahoe City's normals show a similar story at 37.9 inches. Moves to and from the Tahoe basin in winter need more lead time, more flexible dates and a clear plan for access. ## The three winter months at a glance At the Truckee station, December averages 44.2 inches of snow, January 43.6 inches and February 47.9 inches. February is the snowiest month. Tahoe City, on the lake, averages 36.2 inches in December, 37.9 in January and 41.3 in February, and both stations record about 27 to 30 mornings a month at or below freezing. South Lake Tahoe Airport reports a milder 42.8 F January high and an 18.4 F low. The lake side is a few degrees warmer than Truckee, but still cold enough for ice on shaded stairs and steep drives. ## Chain controls on the way up California can post chain controls on Interstate 80 over Donner Summit and on US 50 toward South Lake Tahoe. Caltrans explains three levels. Under R-1 chains are required on most vehicles except passenger vehicles with snow tires, under R-2 chains or traction devices are required except on four-wheel drive vehicles with snow-tread tires on all four wheels, and under R-3 chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles. Highway signs control, and the speed limit under chains is 25 or 30 miles an hour. Ask your estimator about the route and the plan for a closed road. Your written estimate sets the delivery window, and the crew follows the posted rules. ## Getting to the door - Find out who plows the driveway and when. Ask a neighbor or property manager to clear it the morning of the move. - Mark the edges of steep or narrow drives with stakes, since snow hides the edges. - Park your own cars where the truck needs to turn around. - Clear a path from the truck to the door and sand any ice. - Tell the building manager if a condo or HOA requires a move-in time slot. ## Seasonal homes and short days Many Tahoe homes are second homes, so furniture is often moved in winter for the ski season. Ask about [seasonal and second-home storage](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/full-service-storage/seasonal-and-second-home-storage/) if you want items held in Sparks rather than at the lake. Vault storage starts from $40 per month. The Sparks warehouse sees sunrise near 7:18 am and sunset near 4:58 pm in mid-January, 9.7 hours of light. For more on the cold months in general, read [moving in winter in the Sierra](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-in-winter/) and [moving to high altitude](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-to-high-altitude/). ### Sources (checked October 18, 2026) - [NOAA NCEI, U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020](https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/products/land-based-station/us-climate-normals) - [Caltrans, Chain Controls](https://dot.ca.gov/travel/winter-driving-tips/chain-controls) - [Nevada 511, road conditions](https://www.nvroads.com) ### Free in-home estimate - An O'Brien's estimator walks through your home - A written, itemized estimate - 10 free heavy-duty boxes, yours to keep [How our estimates work](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/how-our-estimates-work/) ### Visit or call the office 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) | Monday to Friday | 8:00 am to 5:00 pm | | --- | --- | | Saturday and Sunday | Closed | [Get my free estimate](#estimate) ### Related - [Lake Tahoe and Truckee](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/areas/lake-tahoe-and-truckee/) - [Movers in Truckee](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/areas/truckee/) - [Moving in winter in the Sierra](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-in-winter/) - [Moving at Lake Tahoe and Truckee in spring](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-at-lake-tahoe-in-spring/) Moving month by month ## Read next - [Moving at Lake Tahoe and Truckee in spring](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-at-lake-tahoe-in-spring/) - [Moving at Lake Tahoe and Truckee in summer](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-at-lake-tahoe-in-summer/) - [Moving at Lake Tahoe and Truckee in fall](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-at-lake-tahoe-in-fall/) - [Moving in Reno in January](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-in-january/) - [Moving in Reno in February](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-in-february/) - [Moving in Reno in March](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-in-march/) - [Moving in Reno in April](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-in-april/) - [Moving in Reno in May](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-in-may/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683), Mon-Fri 8-5, or see the [moving FAQ](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/). ### How much snow does Truckee get from December to February? NOAA's 1991 to 2020 normals at the Truckee Ranger Station average 135.7 inches across the three months. ### Can movers drive to Lake Tahoe in winter? Yes, when roads are open. Chain controls and storms can change the day, so ask about the plan before you book. ### Who clears my driveway before the move? Arrange that yourself or with a property manager. Tell your estimator how access works. ## 4.3 stars from 71 Google reviews What customers say about O'Brien's [Read more reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/)[See them on Google](https://maps.google.com/maps?cid=17335326057105140938) F Francie H. February 20, 2026 We were referred to O'Brien's Moving and Storage though a friend in Reno. We couldn't be more pleased with the Professionalism and Service. They were quick to set up Luke to come out and give us a quote and scheduled the actual move date right away. Luke was on time for our quote as were the movers on our moving day. All three of the gentlemen who moved us were professional and courteous from start to finish. From the initial phone call to the completion of our move, we felt like we were treated as family. We would definitely use them again and recommend O'Brien's Moving and Storage to our friends in the future. ### Owner's reply Francie, Thank you for this amazing review. The result you have expressed is exactly what we all strive to accomplish. I love that you walked away knowing you are now a part of the O'Brien's family, whenever you need us we are a phone call away! I will let the movers know about the kind words expressed about them, that will be very satisfying for all of them. We will look forward to any referrals you send our way, thank you for the opportunity! M Mark S. January 22, 2026 Great company and local. They take great care of your moving needs. They are very accommodating and quick to respond. Highly recommend them for your moving needs and storage needs. Thanks to the O'Brien team for doing a fantastic job. D Debbie G. October 17, 2025 Both movers were courteous, efficient and very carful with my furniture. Also, talking with Janet over the phone was a pleasure. ## Get your free, in-home moving estimate An estimator visits, walks through everything and gives you a written, itemized estimate. Rather talk? [Call 775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm Our estimators: Sean, Luke, Christa and Janet. 2277 Glendale Ave Sparks, NV 89431 [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 U.S. DOT No. 30611 · MC-109375 · Nevada CPCN 1070