Northern California Braces for Prolonged Mountain Whiteout Conditions, 1-96″ Expected

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County Herald Weather Center
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Weather alert snow blizzard
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SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A powerful winter storm is set to hammer Northern California from Sunday evening through Wednesday, bringing feet of snow to the Sierra Nevada and significant travel disruptions along Interstate 80, Highway 50 and Interstate 5.

The National Weather Service in Sacramento says the brunt of the storm will arrive Monday through Tuesday, with snow levels falling rapidly from 4,500–5,500 feet Sunday night to 2,500–3,500 feet by Monday evening, then down to 1,500–2,500 feet Tuesday. In some areas, snow levels could briefly drop as low as 750 feet.

Interstate 80 (West to East):

  • Auburn (1,200 ft): No accumulation expected.
  • Applegate: Trace to no snow.
  • Colfax (2,400 ft): Trace to 6 inches possible.
  • Alta (3,600 ft): 20 to 43 inches.
  • Blue Canyon (5,200 ft): 72 to 96 inches (6 to 8 feet).
  • Kingvale (6,000 ft): 51 to 96 inches.
  • Donner Pass (7,000+ ft): 39 to 79 inches.
  • Truckee: 19 to 44 inches.

Chain controls and temporary road closures are likely, especially from Alta eastward. Near whiteout conditions are possible at times, with wind gusts between 45 and 55 mph.

Highway 50 (West to East):

  • Placerville: 0 to 1 inch.
  • Camino: 7 to 22 inches.
  • Pollock Pines: 17 to 38 inches.
  • Kyburz: 27 to 51 inches.
  • Twin Bridges: 37 to 71 inches.
  • Echo Summit: 30 to 63 inches.

Travel over Echo Summit may become extremely dangerous during peak snowfall Monday night and Tuesday.

Interstate 5 (South to North):

  • Red Bluff & Redding: No snow expected.
  • Lakehead: Trace to 4 inches.
  • Sims: 1 to 13 inches.
  • Dunsmuir: 7 to 20 inches.
  • Mount Shasta City: 5 to 14 inches.
  • Yreka: 0 to 2 inches.

Heavy snow and blowing snow along the Siskiyou Summit could create hazardous driving conditions.

In addition to snow, moderate to heavy rain is expected in the Valley and foothills, with isolated thunderstorms possible Monday and Tuesday. Slick roads, longer commute times and localized ponding are possible in lower elevations.

Forecasters warn mountain travel is highly discouraged through midweek. Drivers who must travel should carry chains, emergency supplies and check Caltrans QuickMap for updated road conditions before departure.