This is your early reminder that living on the mountain isn’t easy sometimes. And yes, to quote Game of Thrones, winter is coming. There are plenty of seasoned locals who know what I’m about to say, who will nod sagely as they read, while there are others who will take to social media and flood their feeds with posts like “The snow plow bermed me in.” “Someone parked in my driveway!” “It’s snowing, do I need snow chains?” and my personal favorite, “My power went out! When will it be back on?” As your friendly neighborhood local Realtor, I’m here to de-mystify and de-stress as much as possible—so let’s address these four issues head-on with practical advice.
First, let’s talk about that snow plow berm. Yes, it’s frustrating when you’ve shoveled your driveway only to find a new wall of snow blocking your car an hour later. But remember, plows have one job: to clear public roads, not private driveways. The berms they create aren’t personal—they’re physics. The best approach? Keep a shovel handy and clear a small section to one side of your driveway before the plows arrive; it helps redirect some of that snow. If you can, shovel shortly after they pass—fresh snow is lighter and easier to move.
Next, driveway parking. On heavy snow days, especially during storms, local road crews need room to clear both public streets and private easements safely. That means cars left too close to the road can block equipment or even get damaged by passing plows. If you have guests or tenants, remind them to park fully off the road, and if your property has limited space, plan ahead for overflow. It’s not just courtesy—it’s safety.
Now, snow chains. If you’re wondering whether you “really” need them, the answer is simple: if you have to ask, yes, you do. Caltrans requires chains (or 4WD with snow-rated tires) when conditions demand it, and checkpoints are common. Having chains in your vehicle—and knowing how to install them before you need them—can mean the difference between getting home safely and spending the night in your car.
Finally, power outages. They’re part of mountain life, so a little preparation goes a long way. Keep flashlights, extra batteries, and a backup power bank for your phone. If you rely on medical equipment, invest in a generator or battery backup. And no, calling the utility company ten times won’t bring the power back faster—but checking their outage map online or via mobile app will give you real-time updates and estimated restoration times.
And here’s your gentle pre-season nudge: now’s the perfect time to check your equipment before the first storm hits. Replace any snow shovels that have seen better days, test your generator if you have one, and invest in rechargeable light bulbs that stay on during power outages. Stock up on emergency supplies in case you’re snowed in—and yes, if you think good wine counts as an emergency supply, you’re not alone. Most importantly, get that firewood ordered and delivered early, because nothing beats being ready when the snow starts to fall.
Theresa Grant is a real estate broker and columnist covering Lake Arrowhead, Crestline, Running Springs and the surrounding mountain communities. Reach her at (909) 442-1345, visit www.HomesInLakeArrowhead.com and follow her on social media, @TheresaGrantRealtor. Theresa is a Broker Associate with REAL Broker Technologies. DRE#01202881.
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