If you thought winter was done, think again! A massive snowstorm is hammering the Sierra Nevada, dumping snow at an astonishing rate of over 2 inches per hour at Donner Pass and other high-elevation areas. Blizzard-like conditions and treacherous roads are turning travel into a nightmare, and officials are urging everyone to stay off the highways unless absolutely necessary. If you’re planning to hit the road, you might want to rethink that.
Winter Storm Warning in Effect
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Warning for northeastern California and the Lake Tahoe region, in effect until 11:00 PM PDT tonight.
Snowfall totals could climb to 3 feet or more in the highest elevations, with powerful winds creating whiteout conditions. Major passes, including Donner Pass, Carson Pass, Echo Summit, and Mt. Rose Summit, are getting absolutely buried, and road conditions are going from bad to worse by the hour.
Thinking About Driving? Think Again.
If you were planning a trip through the mountains, you may want to reconsider. The combination of heavy snowfall, icy roads, and whipping winds is turning highways into a mess of accidents, spinouts, and closures. Caltrans has already reported multiple vehicles stuck, road shutdowns, and chain requirements across mountain routes.
Before You Travel, Here’s What You Need to Know:
- Visibility is near zero in some areas—drivers are literally flying blind in the whiteout conditions.
- High risk of road closures—check conditions before heading out or risk being stuck.
- Emergency supplies are a must—if you absolutely have to travel, pack blankets, food, water, and a full tank of gas.
- Check road conditions by calling 5-1-1 or visiting Caltrans’ website before leaving.
Avalanche Watch: The Backcountry is NOT Safe
As if the storm wasn’t already bad enough, an Avalanche Watch is in effect for the Greater Lake Tahoe Area until 4:00 AM PDT Tuesday. With fresh snow piling up rapidly and fierce winds whipping through the mountains, the risk of large, destructive avalanches is extremely high.
Why the Avalanche Risk is So High:
- Massive amounts of fresh snow are sitting on top of weak layers, making slopes unstable.
- Winds are increasing the danger, creating wind-loaded slopes that could collapse at any time.
- Even experienced backcountry travelers should stay out of avalanche-prone areas.
When Will the Storm Let Up?
The worst of the storm will rage through Monday evening, with snow continuing overnight. By Tuesday morning, lingering snow showers could still make travel difficult, and roads will remain icy and packed with snow.
By Tuesday afternoon, the storm should begin to weaken, but temperatures will stay cold and conditions will still be hazardous. If you’re waiting for a safer time to travel, you’re better off holding out until at least midweek.
If you’re in the Sierra, hunker down—it’s going to be a wild ride! But if you’re thinking about heading into the mountains, just don’t. This is a serious winter storm, and getting stuck—or worse—isn’t worth the risk. Keep an eye on official updates from the NWS, Caltrans, and local authorities, and don’t take unnecessary chances.
