Weather
California-Nevada Whiteout Conditions: Sierra Snowstorm Nov. 18-20
TRUCKEE, CA – A powerful winter storm could bring up to three feet of snow to portions of the Sierra Nevada beginning Wednesday, November 18, creating potentially dangerous travel conditions, periods
By Cole Barrett · 2026-11-15T22:50:59.423Z
TRUCKEE, CA – A powerful winter storm could bring up to three feet of snow to portions of the Sierra Nevada beginning Wednesday, November 18, creating potentially dangerous travel conditions, periods of whiteout visibility and significant highway disruptions through Friday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Reno, a Winter Storm Watch covers northeastern California elevations above 5,500 feet and the eastern Sierra from the Tahoe Basin southward into Mono County.
Snow could begin before sunrise Wednesday and continue into Friday, November 20, with the most intense conditions possible Wednesday.
Forecasters expect 12 to 24 inches of snow above 7,000 feet , with localized accumulations reaching 36 inches near the Sierra crest .
Lower elevations will also experience accumulating snowfall.
The National Weather Service forecasts 8 to 20 inches below 7,000 feet in the Tahoe Basin and along U.S. Highway 395 in Mono County .
Farther north, areas above 5,500 feet in northeastern California could receive 6 to 12 inches, with isolated totals approaching 18 inches west of U.S. 395.
Strong winds combined with heavy snowfall could produce periods of whiteout conditions, making mountain travel extremely hazardous.
The agency has assigned the approaching storm a major risk level of 4 out of 5 , highlighting the potential for widespread travel disruptions.
Drivers traveling through the Sierra should prepare for chain controls, lengthy delays and possible highway closures.
The National Weather Service recommends completing necessary mountain travel by Tuesday evening, November 17, whenever possible to avoid the worst conditions.
Communities throughout the Tahoe Basin, Truckee area and higher elevations of Mono County could experience rapidly deteriorating road conditions as the storm intensifies.
Travelers should monitor Caltrans and Nevada Department of Transportation updates before heading into the mountains.
Additional forecast updates will help determine where the heaviest snowfall and strongest winds are most likely.