Sierra Snow Showdown: Is Your Travel Plan Ready for a Whirlwind?

The Sierra region is bracing for a heavy dose of winter weather next week, as a parade of cold storms rolls in. With weather Alert Days declared for Monday and Tuesday, travelers should be aware of the potential for hazardous conditions, particularly at elevations above 5,000 feet. Snow could blanket these areas with one to two inches an hour at times, creating blizzard-like conditions and near-zero visibility. Kernel of truth here: you’ll want to double-check that snow shovel is handy!

By mid-week, snow levels could plummet to as low as 3,000 feet, bringing possible snow accumulation to those lower elevations too. Donner and Echo Summit are set to take the brunt of this storm, possibly receiving between three to five feet of snow. Meanwhile, the Valley and lower Foothills won’t escape the issues, as significant wind and rain will shake things up—a mix of both can lead to gusty conditions peak around 40 mph.

All this snow and rain means people should prepare for potential road closures and delays. If you’re living around the 4,000-foot mark, keep your winter gear close and your travel plans flexible! It’ll be a wild ride through this storm, so buckle in—winter has officially come to the Sierra!