Shaver Lake Storm Boosts Tire Chain Sales for Businesses

Heavy snowfall causes driving hazards, leading to high demand for snow chains

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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A sudden snowstorm in Shaver Lake, California has blanketed the area, causing driving conditions to become treacherous. This has led to a surge in demand for tire chains at local businesses like Shaver Lake Sports, which has already sold out of some sizes. The California Highway Patrol is advising people without experience driving in snow to postpone any trips until the roads are cleared.

Why it matters

Sudden winter storms can have a significant economic impact on small businesses in mountain towns that rely on tourism. The ability to quickly meet the demand for snow chains and other winter gear is crucial for these shops to capitalize on the influx of visitors seeking to enjoy the snow.

The details

The snow started piling up just an hour after it began, causing drivers to lose control of their vehicles on the slick roads. Visitor Chai Her said 'I almost actually hit somebody, everybody was sliding, all the cars were stopped on the road putting on their chains.' Shaver Lake Sports has already sold out of some tire chain sizes due to the high demand, but store employee Tyler Powell said 'Seeing snow is amazing. A lot of people coming to play in the snow. It's been a little while since we had our last storm.' The California Highway Patrol is urging anyone without experience driving in the snow to delay their trips until the roads are cleared.

  • The snow started piling up just an hour after it began.

The players

Chai Her

A visitor to Shaver Lake who experienced the hazardous driving conditions.

Tyler Powell

An employee at Shaver Lake Sports, a local business that has seen a surge in demand for tire chains.

Mike Salas

A representative of the California Highway Patrol who is advising people to postpone trips until the roads are cleared.

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What they’re saying

“I almost actually hit somebody, everybody was sliding, all the cars were stopped on the road putting on their chains.”

— Chai Her (yourcentralvalley.com)

“Seeing snow is amazing. A lot of people coming to play in the snow. It's been a little while since we had our last storm.”

— Tyler Powell, employee, Shaver Lake Sports (yourcentralvalley.com)

“Delay those trips, postpone those trips, delay and wait for those roadways to clear.”

— Mike Salas, California Highway Patrol (yourcentralvalley.com)

What’s next

The California Highway Patrol will continue to monitor the road conditions and provide updates to the public on when it is safe to travel in the Shaver Lake area.

The takeaway

This sudden winter storm highlights the importance of preparation and flexibility for small businesses in mountain towns that rely on tourism. By quickly adapting to meet the surge in demand for snow chains and other winter gear, Shaver Lake Sports was able to capitalize on the influx of visitors seeking to enjoy the unexpected snowfall.