Eureka, California – A Winter Storm Watch could bring up to 3 feet of snow to higher elevations along Highway 3 and Highway 36 starting Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service in Eureka, the watch remains in effect from 10 a.m. Sunday through 10 a.m. Wednesday for much of interior northwest California. Snow levels will begin around 4,000 to 4,500 feet Saturday night into Sunday before lowering to between 2,000 and 2,500 feet Monday night into Wednesday. In some areas, snow levels could fall as low as 1,500 feet.
Forecasters expect 1 to 3 feet of snow accumulation above 3,000 feet beginning Sunday. Additional totals of 4 to 12 inches are possible above 2,000 feet starting Monday evening.
Mountain passes in Trinity, Humboldt, Del Norte, Mendocino, and Lake counties could see significant impacts. Scott Mountain Pass on Highway 3 is forecast to receive up to 28 inches of snow. Berry Summit along Highway 299 could see around 17 inches, while areas near South Fork Mountain on Highway 36 may exceed 20 inches.
Travel could become very difficult to impossible at times due to heavy snowfall and blowing snow reducing visibility. Officials warn of an increased risk of traffic accidents and potential chain controls or road closures.
Drivers traveling along Highway 3, Highway 36, Highway 299, and U.S. 101 through higher terrain should check road conditions before departure.
Commercial drivers, students, and residents in mountain communities may experience delays through midweek as snowfall intensifies.
Residents are urged to monitor forecast updates and prepare for winter travel conditions.
