SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – A major early-season Sierra snowstorm is expected to impact travel from Monday afternoon through Wednesday morning as a strong Pacific system barrels into northern California and western Nevada. The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the Greater Lake Tahoe Area and Mono County, warning of heavy snow, strong winds, and dangerous travel across all mountain passes.
According to the NWS Reno office, snow levels will drop near 7,000 feet by Monday evening, with totals of 6 to 12 inches common above that elevation and up to 2 feet along the Sierra crest. In Mono County, snowfall could reach 1 to 3 feet near Mammoth Mountain, with lighter amounts—1 to 4 inches—expected along Highway 395. Ridge-top winds may gust to 80 mph, creating whiteout conditions and significant drifting snow.
Forecasters caution that travel across Donner, Carson, Sonora, and Tioga passes could become “very difficult to impossible” late Monday night into Tuesday morning. The storm is also expected to affect evening and morning commutes in Truckee, South Lake Tahoe, and Bridgeport.
Motorists are urged to check Caltrans and NDOT road updates before traveling and to carry tire chains, blankets, and emergency supplies. Backcountry users should prepare for extreme wind and rapidly deteriorating visibility.
Snow will taper late Tuesday into Wednesday as the system moves east, leaving icy roads and bitter morning lows.
