You’ve heard about the epic storms that have swept across the Sierra in recent weeks; perhaps you’re among the Incline Pines homeowners who have been snowed in as a result.
The amount of snowfall and the amount of money required to remove it was the prime topic of Thursday’s Incline Pines Homeowners Association Board meeting via Zoom.
A total of 130 inches of snow has fallen so far during the 2022-2023 snow season– which is 189% higher than the historic average to date (Jan. 19). As of Jan. 6, the HOA had spent more than $33,000 for snow removal– and the bills from the most recent storms haven’t arrived yet according to HOA Treasurer Renee Meldrum.
Many people still talk about the “snowmaggedon” season of 2016-2017 when a total of 189 inches fell on Incline Village. But if you look at the daily totals you’ll see the current season has actually experienced nearly double the number of days with snowfall.
In 2016-2017, Incline Village saw 17 snow days up to Jan. 19. This year we’ve had 31 snow days to date.
And just to clear up any confusion, the Board has NOT cut back on the service provided by our contract driveway snow plow operator (Mark Etcheberry) or the IPM crews that shovel the individual walkways.
As always, full-time residents are given priority for snow clearing. If they weren’t able to get into our out of their homes, it was only because the crews couldn’t keep up with the snowfall despite working 12-hour shifts.
Board president Heidi Burton says homeowners will likely face a one-time assessment to cover the extraordinary costs of snow removal this season once all the bills have come in.
The Board will hold its next meeting via Zoom on Mar. 16th at 5 p.m. when the HOA will have a better idea of the financial situation.