Sacramento, California – A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for large portions of northern California, with heavy mountain snow and strong winds expected to create dangerous travel conditions from Wednesday through late Friday, according to the National Weather Service in Sacramento.
The warning covers the Shasta Lake area and northern Shasta County, Burney Basin and eastern Shasta County, mountains from southwestern Shasta County to western Colusa County, as well as western Plumas County, Lassen Park, and the west slope of the northern Sierra Nevada. Affected communities include Shasta Dam, Burney, Alder Springs, Quincy, Chester, and Blue Canyon.
Forecasters say snow accumulations of 1 to 3 feet are expected above 4,500 feet in Shasta County and surrounding mountain zones, with locally higher totals at peak elevations. Areas between 3,500 and 4,500 feet could see up to 1 foot of snow. In the northern Sierra and western Plumas County, snowfall totals may reach 4 to 8 feet above 5,500 feet, with up to 1 foot possible between 4,500 and 5,500 feet.
Winds are expected to gust up to 60 mph, increasing the risk of blowing snow, reduced visibility, and falling trees. Snowfall rates could reach 1 to 2 inches per hour at times, especially in the higher elevations, according to the National Weather Service.
Snow levels are forecast to start above 5,000 feet Wednesday, then drop to around 3,500 feet by Thursday night, allowing snow to impact additional mountain roadways. Officials warn that chain controls, road closures, localized power outages, and tree damage are likely during the storm.
The National Weather Service urges residents and holiday travelers to avoid unnecessary mountain travel and to monitor road conditions closely. Up-to-date highway information is available through Caltrans at quickmap.dot.ca.gov or by dialing 511.
