First winter in Lake Arrowhead? You’re about to experience quiet mornings, fresh snow, and a few new routines that keep life running smoothly. If you’re new to mountain living, it’s normal to feel unsure about snow driving, power outages, or home prep. This guide gives you simple, local tips to help you prepare your car, your home, and your plans so you can enjoy the season with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Winter at a glance
Lake Arrowhead sits in the San Bernardino Mountains, so you’ll see colder temperatures and snow during storm cycles. Peak season usually runs from late fall through early spring, with the most active period from December to February. Conditions can change fast with elevation, so what looks like rain in the valley can be snow in the mountains.
Common winter hazards include snow accumulation, black ice, downed branches, power outages, frozen pipes, and reduced mobility during chain controls. For forecasts and storm watches, check the National Weather Service for Southern California mountains. During active weather, road conditions on State Route 18 and State Route 173 can shift quickly, especially on steep grades and tight curves.
Get around safely
Essential vehicle checklist
- Good winter or quality all-season tires with solid tread
- Properly sized tire chains, plus a practice run in dry conditions
- Small shovel, ice scraper, snow brush, traction aid, tow strap
- Jumper cables, flashlight with extra batteries, phone charger
- Warm blankets, water, snacks, first-aid kit, reflective triangle
- Keep the fuel tank near full when storms are in the forecast
Chain controls and when to stay put
Caltrans manages chain controls and plowing on SR 18 and SR 173. Before you head out, review live conditions on Caltrans QuickMap. Slow down, increase following distance, use engine braking on downhill grades, and avoid sudden steering or braking inputs. If authorities advise against travel or chain requirements are high, it’s best to wait it out.
If you get stuck or see a stranded vehicle
For highway incidents, contact the California Highway Patrol. For emergencies on county roads or immediate danger, call 911. If you must stay in the car, use a visible marker, keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow, and crack a window if you run the engine to reduce carbon monoxide risk.
Parking and plowing basics
Main roads are plowed first. Many neighborhood streets, private roads, and driveways are the owner’s responsibility. HOAs often restrict on-street parking during snow events so plows can pass. Check your HOA or community rules and ask about temporary parking locations during storms.
Ready your home
Heat and fuel
Service your furnace, boiler, or heat pump before the cold season and replace filters. If your home uses propane, schedule delivery before your tank falls to about 25 to 30 percent. Winter storms can delay routes, so consider automatic or budget plans with your supplier. Keep space heaters on level, stable surfaces and away from anything that can burn.
Protect your pipes
Insulate exposed plumbing in crawl spaces, attics, and exterior walls. Seal gaps that allow cold air near pipes. During extreme cold, let faucets drip on vulnerable lines. Know where your main water shutoff is and winterize outdoor spigots and irrigation.
Roofs, gutters, and snow loads
Clean gutters in fall and check your roof and attic insulation to reduce ice dam risk. Use a roof rake from the ground for modest snow. Do not climb onto icy roofs. For heavy loads or ice issues, hire a licensed roofer or structural contractor with snow experience.
Fireplaces and indoor air
Have chimneys swept and inspected before regular use. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries. After big storms, check that dryer and appliance vents remain clear of snow.
Generators and backup power
A portable generator can power essentials during outages. Never run a generator indoors or in an attached garage, and use proper ventilation. For permanently installed standby units, hire a professional to install a transfer switch. For outage updates and safety tips, use the Southern California Edison outage center.
Stock smart supplies
Keep snow shovels, ice melt, and sand or grit on hand. Store extra batteries, warm bedding, and several days of nonperishable food, water, and medications. Basic plumbing repair items like pipe wrap and clamps can help if a line freezes.
Find local help you can trust
Who you may need
- Snow removal contractors for driveways, private roads, and roof raking
- Tree services for storm damage and hazard pruning
- Roofers and structural contractors for snow removal and repairs
- Plumbers for frozen or burst pipes
- HVAC contractors and chimney sweeps for pre-season service
- Electricians for generators and outage-related repairs
- Propane and fuel delivery providers
- Emergency towing and vehicle assistance
- Insurance agents familiar with mountain claims
How to vet providers
Verify licenses and complaint history with the California Contractor State License Board. Ask for proof of insurance, recent winter job references, and a written scope with response times during storms. Community groups, HOAs, and the Lake Arrowhead Chamber of Commerce are helpful for current recommendations.
Expectations and contracts
Seasonal agreements are common for snow clearing and may include priority service after each snowfall. Understand pricing structures like per-visit, per-inch, seasonal flat rates, or hourly roof work. Ask about emergency surcharges, response windows, and cancellation policies.
Plan for emergencies and recovery
Build a household plan
Create a family kit with at least three days of essentials per person, plus pet supplies and copies of important documents. Set a communication plan in case cell service is down and make a neighbor check-in list for those who may need help. Register for county alerts through the San Bernardino County Office of Emergency Services, and follow local fire and sheriff channels for updates.
Insurance and documentation
Photograph key areas of your property before major storms and document any damage right after a storm passes. Review your homeowner policy for coverage related to snow load, ice, water backup, downed trees, and additional living expenses.
After the storm
Avoid downed power lines and report them to your utility. If you suspect a gas leak or see structural damage, evacuate and call emergency services. For tree hazards on federal land or to check closure information, use the U.S. Forest Service San Bernardino National Forest.
Waterfront and wildlife notes
If you own a waterfront property, winter freeze-thaw cycles and snow load can affect docks and shoreline structures. Check with your marina or association for winter procedures. Secure trash, feed pets indoors, and follow county and USFS guidance to reduce wildlife conflicts during colder months.
Final thoughts
With a bit of planning, winter in Lake Arrowhead feels less like a challenge and more like the mountain lifestyle you came for. Prep your vehicle, schedule home maintenance early, line up trusted local providers, and keep your emergency plan simple and ready. You’ll be set to enjoy snow days, cozy nights, and safe travels all season.
If you want personalized local guidance on winter-ready homes or need vetted contractor referrals, reach out to Arrowhead Homes. Request a Complimentary Property Valuation and let’s make your mountain season smooth and stress-free.
FAQs
What should first-time residents know about Lake Arrowhead winter driving?
- Expect snow and ice during storms, carry chains, drive slowly, increase following distance, and check Caltrans QuickMap for conditions on SR 18 and SR 173 before leaving.
Where can I find official weather and road updates for storms?
- Use the National Weather Service for Southern California mountains and Caltrans QuickMap for real-time conditions and chain controls.
How do I prepare a propane-heated home for cold snaps?
- Service heating systems early, schedule propane deliveries before your tank hits 25 to 30 percent, and keep a modest minimum thermostat setting to help prevent frozen pipes.
What should I do during a power outage in Lake Arrowhead?
- Check the SCE outage center, use generators outdoors only with proper ventilation, and keep CO and smoke detectors tested and powered.
How do I hire a reliable snow removal or roof service?
- Verify licenses on the CSLB site, confirm insurance, get written estimates and response times, and ask for recent winter references from neighbors or the Lake Arrowhead Chamber of Commerce.
Who do I call if I’m stranded on a mountain highway during a storm?
- Contact the California Highway Patrol for highway incidents or call 911 for immediate emergencies; stay with your vehicle if safe and keep the exhaust clear of snow.
Where can I sign up for local emergency alerts in San Bernardino County?
- Register for notifications with the San Bernardino County Office of Emergency Services and follow local fire and sheriff channels for storm and road updates.
