California and Nevada are bracing for a powerful Winter Storm Warning that will bury the Sierra and slam mountain passes through Wednesday night. Snow will begin increasing late tonight, then intensify sharply Monday afternoon into Tuesday.
In the central and southern Sierra, including Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia, totals of 3 to 5 feet are expected above 6,000 feet. The highest peaks could see 5 to 7 feet. Winds may gust to 60 mph, creating blizzard-like bursts and near zero visibility.
The Greater Lake Tahoe Area is under a Winter Storm Warning from 10 PM tonight through 10 PM Wednesday. Expect 2 to 3 feet in the basin, with 3 to 5 feet above 7,000 feet. Sierra ridge gusts may exceed 100 mph. Travel along Interstate 80 and Highway 50 could become dangerous to impossible, especially late Monday into Tuesday evening when snowfall rates peak.
Mono County, including Mammoth Lakes and areas along US-395, could see 1 to 3 feet, with 3 to 4 feet along the Sierra crest. Gusts up to 65 mph are likely in wind-prone corridors. Conditions will deteriorate quickly Monday evening.
Farther south, Tehachapi and Frazier Park may pick up up to 20 inches, with gusts near 50 mph. Snow levels will lower from 5,500–6,000 feet Sunday night to near 4,000 feet Tuesday morning, and even lower in some northern zones.
Western Nevada, including Esmeralda and Nye counties, may see 5 to 10 inches with blowing snow and slick highways, especially along Highway 95 and over Lida Summit.
Delay mountain travel if possible. Check 511 before departure. Conditions may remain hazardous into midweek before gradual improvement late week.
Are you planning to cross the Sierra before Wednesday night?
