Weather
California-Nevada Weather Alert: Up to 12 Inches of Sierra Snow Oct 31-Nov 1
Reno, NV – Travelers heading into California's Sierra Nevada and the Lake Tahoe region this weekend could face hazardous mountain driving conditions as a strengthening winter storm brings accumulating
By Nolan Pierce · 2026-10-29T18:11:07.168Z
Reno, NV – Travelers heading into California's Sierra Nevada and the Lake Tahoe region this weekend could face hazardous mountain driving conditions as a strengthening winter storm brings accumulating snow, slick highways and possible road closures Saturday into Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service in Reno, snowfall projections have increased, prompting a Winter Weather Advisory for elevations above 7,000 feet in the Tahoe Basin and above 8,000 feet in Mono County.
Forecasters expect 2 to 5 inches of snow across higher elevations of the Tahoe Basin, with localized totals reaching 9 inches. In Mono County, elevations above 8,000 feet could receive 3 to 6 inches, with isolated accumulations approaching 12 inches.
The advisory is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. Saturday and continue through 7 a.m. Sunday, with the heaviest snowfall expected late Saturday night.
The storm could create significant travel challenges for motorists crossing the Sierra Nevada, particularly along mountain highways and higher elevation passes connecting California and Nevada.
Potential impacts include snow covered pavement, reduced traction, travel delays and temporary road closures where conditions deteriorate.
The National Weather Service has assigned the storm a moderate risk level of 3 out of 5, emphasizing that travelers should consider delaying or adjusting plans before entering affected mountain areas.
Drivers traveling toward Lake Tahoe, Mammoth Lakes or other Sierra destinations should prepare for rapidly changing road conditions, especially during the overnight snowfall period.
Motorists are encouraged to monitor Caltrans QuickMap and Nevada Department of Transportation updates for the latest highway conditions and closures.
While the most significant snowfall is expected at higher elevations, anyone planning weekend travel through the Sierra should check updated forecasts before departure.