California – A significant multi-day winter storm is forecast to impact the northern Sierra Nevada, bringing heavy snowfall, strong winds, and hazardous travel conditions from late Friday through Monday.
According to the National Weather Service in Sacramento, a Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 10 p.m. Friday to 4 p.m. PST Monday for the west slope of the northern Sierra Nevada and western Plumas County, including Lassen Park, at elevations above 5,000 feet. Communities within the warning area include Quincy, Chester, and Blue Canyon.
Forecasters expect 6 to 12 inches of snow above 5,000 feet, with 2 to 4 feet possible above 6,000 feet. Locally higher totals may occur at the highest peaks. Wind gusts could reach up to 55 mph, increasing the risk of blowing snow, whiteout conditions, and downed trees.
Snow levels will fluctuate during the storm. Levels are forecast between 6,500 and 7,500 feet Friday night into Saturday morning, lowering to 5,000 to 6,000 feet Saturday afternoon into Sunday, and dropping further to around 4,500 to 5,500 feet by early Monday morning. The heaviest snowfall is expected on Sunday.
Officials warn that travel could become very difficult to impossible, especially on mountain highways, passes, and exposed roadways. Impacts may extend from the Friday evening commute through the Monday morning commute.
Drivers are advised to monitor road conditions through Caltrans QuickMap at quickmap.dot.ca.gov or by calling 511 before traveling.
For mountain residents, commuters, and weekend travelers, the warning highlights prolonged and potentially dangerous winter conditions across the northern Sierra.
