South Lake Tahoe, California – Travel across the Sierra Nevada is expected to become dangerous late Monday night as a powerful winter system brings heavy snow, strong winds, and hazardous conditions to mountain highways through midweek.
According to the National Weather Service in Reno, Winter Weather Advisories are in effect from 10 p.m. Monday through 4 p.m. Wednesday for the Greater Lake Tahoe Area, Mono County, and Lassen, Eastern Plumas, and Eastern Sierra counties. Snow totals of 10 to 18 inches are expected above 7,000 feet in the Tahoe Basin, while Lake Tahoe communities may see 3 to 6 inches, with 6 to 12 inches along and west of Highway 89. Sierra crest wind gusts could reach 75 mph, creating whiteout conditions at times.
In Mono County, 4 to 8 inches of snow is expected near Mammoth Lakes and June Lake, increasing to 12 inches or more above 8,000 feet, while Highway 395 near Bridgeport and Lee Vining could still become slick with lighter accumulations. In Lassen and Eastern Plumas counties, snow totals range from 3 to 6 inches above 5,000 feet west of Highway 395, with higher peaks picking up more.
Chain controls, travel delays, and potential road closures are likely during the Tuesday morning and evening commutes. Strong winds may also down tree branches, and hazardous lake conditions will make boating unsafe on Lake Tahoe.
Snow continues into Wednesday morning before tapering late afternoon. Additional advisories or upgrades remain possible if snowfall rates or wind impacts intensify.
