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DOT outlines Tahoe Basin snow‑removal staffing gaps, equipment needs and 2025 preparation
Summary
The county’s Department of Transportation briefed supervisors on snow‑removal operations in the Tahoe Basin, reporting seasonal staffing shortages, aging major blowers and graders, rental equipment use, and plans to recruit extra‑help workers and secure rental housing ahead of winter.
The El Dorado County Department of Transportation presented an update on snow‑removal operations in the Tahoe Basin during the board’s May 13 session, reporting ongoing staffing shortages, aging mountain equipment and preparations for the 2025–26 winter season.
Brian Mullins, deputy director of maintenance and operations, told supervisors the Tahoe Basin is divided into ten snow‑response zones and requires 12 staff for a South Lake Tahoe day shift and 11 for night shift to run full snow operations; the department currently has 18 full‑time highway maintenance allocations at the Shakori facility but four full‑time positions are vacant. Mullins said the Basin therefore operates with a persistent shortfall and relies on “extra help” seasonal workers; the county budgeted up to 10 extra‑help snow positions but has historically struggled to fill all allocations.
“We currently have four full‑time positions open at our Shakori facility,” Mullins said. “Extra help snow removal workers are utilized to aid the permanent staff and ensure transportation has enough staff for both shifts.”
Mullins reviewed equipment status: the county owns large snow‑blowers dating to the 1970s and several graders from the mid‑2000s. The county rented loaders with blower attachments this past winter and intends to continue rentals; staff also plan to purchase additional mountain blowers with an expected delivery (one unit) by late 2025 and replacement graders and plows by the end of 2025. Mullins said the county increased the snow‑stake budget and that road salt sourcing has shifted to Utah with higher trucking costs.
Staff said they plan to recruit extra‑help workers in June and July for November start dates, secure rental housing for seasonal crews in both Tahoma and South Lake Tahoe before September, and review the county’s no‑parking ordinance to make winter parking restrictions more consistent with Tahoma’s rules. The department also budgeted for sand, salt hauling and other winter materials.
Supervisors and staff discussed interagency staffing pools, housing for seasonal workers, equipment replacement timelines, and coordination with Caltrans on slide and avalanche responses. Mullins said the county is exploring a model of recruiting West Slope workers and housing them locally for winter operations to reduce reliance on distant hires.
No board vote was required for the informational update.
