Traveling to Tahoe for the long weekend? Here are your best chances to go

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Thinking of hitting the slopes in Lake Tahoe for the holiday weekend? Your best chances for travel is in the next few days before another series of storms arrives, ABC7 Meteorologist Drew Tuma says.

If you're planning to head that way for the long holiday weekend - now's the window to go. The next few days are expected to be calm.

ABC7 Meteorologist Drew Tuma says ski resorts could see 3-7 feet of snow.

And if you're thinking of traveling back to the Bay Area on Monday, make sure you do it early before heavy snow arrives in the late afternoon and into the evening.

And Tuesday through Thursday, travel will be very difficult as snow up to 49 inches will hit the region.

Caltrans says to avoid taking alternative GPS routes to bypass traffic.

"When the snowfall start getting heavy, very quickly you'll see conditions off the highway deteriorate," said Jeremy Linder, Caltrans public information officer. "Our crews are gonna be focused on the highway itself constantly doing loops to ensure the roadway clear. Our partners who focus on the secondary routes can't get to those routes as frequently."

Caltrans also advises you bring anti-freeze and emergency supplies like extra snacks, water, a flashlight, and blankets.

Make sure your tires are inflated ahead of time, and have four-wheel drive or chains.

You can look up "Caltrans quick map" to see conditions in real time to prepare for slowdowns or chain controls.

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