Whitney Portal, California – A powerful winter storm will unload more than 3 feet of snow in the high Eastern Sierra beginning early Monday, with whiteout conditions and damaging wind gusts likely through Wednesday night.
A Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 4 a.m. Monday until 10 p.m. Wednesday for the Eastern Sierra Slopes, including Whitney Portal and Aspendell. The heaviest snow will fall above 8,000 feet, where totals exceeding 3 feet are expected. Between 7,000 and 8,000 feet, 1.5 to 2.5 feet is likely, with 8 to 16 inches possible down to 6,000 feet.
According to the National Weather Service in Las Vegas, winds could gust as high as 55 mph along exposed ridgelines, producing blowing snow and visibility below a quarter mile at times. Travel may become very difficult to impossible, especially on steep mountain roads leading toward trailheads and high-elevation communities.
Snowfall rates are expected to briefly ease late Monday night into Tuesday morning before intensifying again by midday Tuesday. The prolonged nature of this storm raises the risk of tree damage and scattered power outages as heavy snow loads combine with strong winds.
Officials urge residents and visitors to delay travel until conditions improve. If travel is unavoidable, carry winter survival supplies and use extreme caution. Dress in layers, cover exposed skin, and wear gloves, hats, and scarves to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.
Backcountry users should closely monitor conditions and avoid avalanche-prone terrain during and after the storm.
