From A Late Start, To Average…ish, To A “Gale Force Blizzard”, This Winter Was Interesting!
DISCLAIMER: Elements Mountain Company has been clearing Tahoe Donner for 45 years and we are making observations based on years served.
This past winter had its fair share of false starts and though it did have a few bigger days, it was a pretty average winter. Maybe it felt long because 2023/24 never ended and we went from what felt like one winter into another, the reprieve was welcomed.
Looking back in October we kept seeing promising reports from OpenSnow Charts. However, Brian Allegretto seemed to retain a level of realism to what he was seeing on the radar reports. Still, our first official full clearing shift did not happen until December 7, 2023, and even our operators were looking forward to getting out and battling the elements.
Sure enough, as it often does here, winter arrived late and it arrived with style. In two and a half months we went from what was shaping up to be a well below-average year for snowpack to one that was actually above average according to the Central Sierra Snow Lab. This was in large part due to March’s brutal three-day storm with hurricane-force winds that our operators will remember as one of the toughest storms we have ever endured.
As with most winters, we learned a lot as an operation. Our average length of shift has decreased over the last few years thanks to smaller route sizes and retaining experienced operators and mechanics. We have identified some areas for improvement again next year and plan to add more, newer tractors to the fleet to increase our productivity and decrease our downtime.
We would love to work with you next season. Our early bird snow removal contracts will be sent out at the beginning of May. Signing up early allows us to be better prepared for the upcoming winter and allows you to utilize one of our payment plans rather than paying a larger, lump sum in the fall.
Lastly, our base prices WILL NOT change next season. This means the rate we quoted for your snow removal for this past winter will be the same price next winter too.
Thank you!
Jaime Waltman
SIGN UP FOR WINTER 2024/25 SNOW REMOVAL IN MAY
People who sign up for next winter in May get to take full advantage of our payment plan
