Bishop, California – Travel along the Eastern Sierra Slopes could become impossible by Monday morning as a powerful winter storm drops several feet of snow and drives wind gusts up to 70 mph.
According to the National Weather Service in Las Vegas, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect from 4 a.m. Monday through 10 p.m. Wednesday for the Eastern Sierra Slopes and White Mountains of Inyo County. Snow totals are expected to exceed 3 feet above 8,000 feet, with 1.5 to 2.5 feet above 7,000 feet and 8 to 16 inches down to 6,000 feet. Winds may gust to 70 mph along exposed ridges, producing widespread blowing snow and near-zero visibility.
In southern Nevada, including the Spring Mountains and Sheep Range near Mt. Charleston, more than 2 feet of snow is possible above 9,000 feet, with 6 to 12 inches down to 5,000 feet. Highway 168 over Westgard Pass and Highway 266 near Lida Summit may become impassable at times.
Snow will fall in two waves, first Monday into early Tuesday, then again late Tuesday into Wednesday as snow levels drop. Officials urge residents to delay travel and check 511 road reports before heading into mountain areas.
