These are some photos I scanned  - thought I would share --
You will notice in one of them - the brow of a dozer - so I guess that makes it ok here

These pictures are of Division of Highways - State of California - Donner Summit - Storm in 1952.   US 40 was closed 28 straight days!
Southern Pacific RR route was closed too -- the passenger liner "City of San Francisco" was stuck for days near Emigrant Gap.
(I was privileged to work with some of the veterans of those times - the knowledge they shared with us was to serve me for many years "fighting" Sierra Snow Storms on the infamous Donner Summit !)

Today - equipment is much more powerful, yet Rotary Snow Plows remain vital to operations on both the RR and Highway systems,   Nothing will fill that role!

You will notice some landmarks - Rainbow Bridge - foreground in the pictures - still a popular location to view Donner Lake and Truckee to the East.
The East end of Donner Lake ( far end in these pictures) is where one of the Donner Party Camps was located.  
SP RR is on the mountain to the right - many of the snow sheds are now relics of the past - a tunnel has cut them off, reducing the need to skirt the mountain and also lessened some of the elevation of the route.

View these keeping in mind - the years may have changed but weather is unpredictable and unforgiving.   No amount of equipment or "manpower" can eliminate the wrath of "mother nature".  

Stay Safe - Stay Warm - 
CTS