Sacramento, CA – A Winter Weather Advisory goes into effect at 10 p.m. Saturday for elevations above 6,000 feet across the West Slope of the Northern Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County/Lassen Park. According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Sacramento, moderate snowfall and gusty winds will create hazardous travel conditions through 4 p.m. Monday.
According to NWS, total snowfall of 4 to 10 inches is expected above 6,000 feet, while the highest peaks could see 1 to 2 feet of accumulation. South to southwest winds may gust up to 40 mph, reducing visibility and making mountain travel more challenging.
Snow levels will start high Saturday night—around 8,000 feet—but will gradually fall to 6,500–7,000 feet Sunday, then lower further to 5,500–6,000 feet by Monday morning as colder air enters the region. This will bring accumulating snow to more roadways as the storm progresses.
The advisory affects areas including Chester, Quincy, Blue Canyon, and surrounding mountain communities. Travel across high Sierra passes may be very difficult, with chain controls, delays, and slick road conditions likely. Both the Monday morning and evening commutes may experience impacts as snowfall lingers into the new workweek.
Forecasters note a brief lull in moderate snowfall Sunday evening before another system moves in overnight, adding additional accumulation into Monday.
Drivers are urged to check Caltrans QuickMap for updated road conditions and chain requirements before heading into the mountains.
