California’s mountains fade into white as heavy snow piles up fast across the Sierra Nevada. Wind-driven snow sweeps across ridges, and roads disappear beneath deepening drifts.
Across Northern and Central California, a powerful winter storm remains locked in place, triggering Winter Storm Warnings from the West Slope of the Northern Sierra to Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, Mono County, and Siskiyou County. Snowfall is intense above 5,000 feet, with the most extreme totals stacking up at higher elevations.
The National Weather Service warns of 1 to 2 feet of additional snow above 5,000 feet, with 2 to 4 feet above 6,000 feet. In the highest terrain, including peaks near Tahoe, Mammoth Lakes, and the southern Sierra, local totals may exceed 4 feet. Snow falls heaviest through today, with conditions remaining hazardous into Monday.
Strong winds add to the danger. Gusts of 40 to 60 mph whip across exposed ridges, producing blowing snow and near-zero visibility at times. Tree damage and scattered power outages are possible as heavy snow loads combine with high winds.
Travel impacts are severe. Mountain highways, including Highway 395, Highway 89, Highway 3 at Scott Mountain, and routes near Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks, may become impassable. Authorities warn travel could be very difficult to impossible, especially during peak snowfall periods and into the Monday morning commute.
Snow levels fluctuate today between 5,000 and 6,000 feet, then drop closer to 4,000 feet early Monday, allowing snow to reach lower passes. Even brief lulls may be deceptive, as conditions can deteriorate rapidly after dark.
Caltrans urges drivers to check quickmap.dot.ca.gov or dial 511 before attempting travel. Emergency kits are essential if travel cannot be delayed.
This storm signals an active winter pattern early in January 2026, with more systems likely to follow.
