Bishop, California – Travel through the Eastern Sierra could become impossible within hours as a powerful winter storm begins dumping heavy snow by 4 a.m. Monday, threatening mountain highways across eastern California and western Nevada through Wednesday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Las Vegas, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for the Eastern Sierra Slopes and White Mountains from 4 a.m. Monday until 10 p.m. Wednesday, while parts of Esmeralda and Nye counties and the Spring Mountains near Las Vegas enter warning status beginning 10 a.m. Monday.
In California’s Eastern Sierra above 8,000 feet, snowfall will exceed 3 feet, with 1.5 to 2.5 feet above 7,000 feet and 8 to 16 inches down to 6,000 feet. Wind gusts could reach 70 mph, creating near-zero visibility below a quarter mile. Whitney Portal and Aspendell will see the most severe impacts, and Highway 168 through Westgard Pass may become impassable at times.
Across central Nevada, including Beatty, Goldfield and Dyer, 5 to 10 inches of snow is expected, with gusts up to 45 mph. Highway 266 over Lida Summit and stretches of Highway 95 could turn slick, especially late Tuesday into Wednesday as snow levels drop toward 4,000 feet.
In the Spring Mountains and Red Rock Canyon, more than 2 feet of snow could fall above 9,000 feet, with 6 to 12 inches down to 5,000 feet near Mt. Charleston.
Officials urge residents to delay travel, carry emergency supplies and check road conditions by calling 511. Conditions may briefly ease late Monday night before intensifying again by midday Tuesday. Warnings remain in effect through Wednesday night, and additional advisories could follow as the second wave strengthens.
