South Lake Tahoe, California – A prolonged winter storm could dump feet of snow across the Sierra and create near impossible travel from Sunday evening through Wednesday evening.
A Winter Storm Watch remains in effect for the Greater Lake Tahoe Area, Mono County, and Lassen and eastern Plumas counties. Snow will begin Sunday evening, intensify Monday night, and continue in waves through Wednesday.
In the Tahoe Basin, 18 to 30 inches of snow is possible, with 2 to 5 feet along the Sierra crest. Communities including Tahoe City, Homewood, South Lake Tahoe, Truckee and Markleeville are in the core impact zone. Ridge gusts could exceed 100 mph, with valley gusts between 35 and 45 mph.
Mono County faces even heavier totals. According to the National Weather Service in Reno, Mammoth Lakes, June Lake and areas west of Highway 395 could see 15 to 30 inches, with 2 to 4 feet at higher elevations. Bridgeport and Walker may receive 8 to 18 inches. The Chalfant Valley is expected to see lighter amounts of 2 to 4 inches.
In Lassen and eastern Plumas counties, snowfall of 6 to 12 inches is possible west of Highway 395, with localized 2-foot totals west of Highway 89 near Graeagle and Lake Davis. Susanville and communities east of Highway 395 may see 2 to 6 inches.
Snow levels will start above 5,000 feet before lowering Monday afternoon and evening. Conditions are expected to rapidly deteriorate late Monday, with the heaviest snowfall rates through Tuesday.
Travel along US-395, Interstate 80 and mountain passes may become very difficult to impossible. Blowing snow could produce whiteout conditions. Strong winds may down trees and power lines.
Officials urge residents to delay travel if possible and prepare for extended winter impacts.
