Reno, Nevada – Heavy mountain snow beginning Sunday could bring 4 to 8 feet of accumulation along I-80 in the Sierra Nevada, creating hazardous to potentially impossible travel conditions through midweek.
According to the NOAA National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center, a prolonged stretch of heavy snowfall will begin Sunday across northern California’s mountain ranges before expanding along the Sierra Nevada and into southern California ranges on Monday.
Forecasters say higher elevations of the Sierra Nevada could measure as much as 4 to 8 feet of total snowfall through Wednesday. Significant visibility reductions and major travel delays are expected during periods of intense snowfall.
Interstate 80 near Donner Pass, U.S. Highway 50 near Echo Summit, and portions of Interstate 5 near Mount Shasta are among the corridors most likely to experience hazardous driving conditions. Some mountain passes could become difficult or impossible to traverse during peak snowfall.
The Weather Prediction Center highlights at least moderate travel impacts across the region through Wednesday, February 18. Blowing snow and heavy accumulation may lead to chain controls, road closures, and extended delays.
Snow levels and intensity may fluctuate at lower elevations, but mountain travel is expected to be significantly affected for several days.
Travelers planning trips across the Sierra Nevada early next week are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts and roadway advisories before departure.
