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Airbnb in Homewood tomorrow (Thursday-Sunday) …

Hi! I’m flying in from Phoenix tomorrow (Thursday), arriving at 10:15 am. Original plan was to get picked up by family, drive straight from Oakland airport to Homewood, staying til Sunday morning. Driving an SUV with AWD (with chains, if needed).

I’m wondering what your opinions are on the likeliness of getting to Homewood at all, during the above time frame.

Also, I got an avalanche watch notification…..is this something that is a concern if not on a ski resort?

Thanks in advance!

Driving from Oakland to Homewood tomorrow (Thursday) in an AWD SUV with chains is generally feasible, but there are a few important considerations due to current weather and avalanche conditions in the Lake Tahoe region.

Travel considerations:

  • The drive from Oakland to Homewood typically takes 3.5–4.5 hours in good conditions, but winter storms can add significant time. Snow on I-80 over Donner Pass or along Highway 89 can slow traffic or trigger chain requirements.
  • Check the Caltrans road conditions before departure. They post up-to-date info on chain requirements, road closures, and plowing progress. Even with an AWD vehicle, carrying chains and knowing how to install them is essential.
  • Allow extra time for potential traffic backups due to snow, accidents, or mandatory chain installation checkpoints.

Avalanche watch:

  • An avalanche watch is generally a concern for backcountry areas, steep slopes, and off-piste skiing, rather than for being in town or on major highways. Homewood itself and the roads leading into it are not typically at risk for avalanches affecting driving.
  • It is still wise to avoid hiking or exploring steep, snow-covered slopes and to check local avalanche bulletins if planning any backcountry excursions.

Safety tips:

  • Carry your chains and know how to use them; chain checkpoints may be set up even if the road is mostly clear.
  • Monitor the weather forecast and Tahoe traffic updates in real time. Storms can intensify quickly.
  • Have a winter emergency kit in the vehicle: blankets, food, water, flashlight, and a shovel.

Overall, with your AWD SUV and chains, reaching Homewood is likely, but give yourself extra travel time and stay updated on road and weather conditions. The avalanche watch is mostly a backcountry concern and shouldn’t prevent you from driving to Homewood or staying safely in the area.

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