California’s mountain peaks are bracing for a historic blast as a powerful Winter Storm Warning expands across the West Coast. Snow will intensify tonight and continue in waves through Wednesday night.
Forecasters warn that parts of the Sierra Nevada could see staggering totals. Between 5 and 8 feet of snow may pile up at higher elevations by midweek. Some of the highest ridges could approach those upper-end totals if snowfall rates remain strong into Tuesday.
Snow levels will start relatively high, then steadily drop. By Tuesday, accumulating snow reaches much lower elevations. That shift will widen the impact zone and create hazardous travel on major mountain corridors.
Winds will add to the danger. Gusts between 50 and 60 mph are expected across exposed peaks and passes. Blowing snow may trigger near whiteout conditions at times, especially during heavier bursts Monday afternoon through Tuesday evening.
Travel through the Sierra could become very difficult to impossible. Chain controls and road closures are likely. Power outages are possible where heavy snow and strong winds combine.
Communities from Yosemite to Sequoia, Lake Tahoe, and south toward Tehachapi will feel impacts. Anyone planning mountain travel should reconsider timing. Keep emergency supplies in your vehicle and monitor road conditions closely.
This is a multi-day event, not a quick burst. Conditions may improve briefly, then worsen again as another surge of moisture moves in.
Are you prepared for several feet of snow in your area this week?
