First Alert Weather: I-80 reopens but more Sierra snow is expected
We're talking snowfall totals of 5-12 feet for elevations above the 5,000' level for this storm in what could be a top 5 snow producer.
Blizzard Warnings for the Sierra went into effect Thursday morning, with snow and high winds. The warnings were set to expire Sunday at 10 a.m. but have been extended to midnight.
Up to four more feet of snow could fall at some elevations in the Sierra by Wednesday. A Winter Storm Warning will continue through Wednesday.
Interstate 80 closed Friday night and reopened Monday morning.
Chains dropped on I-80
Caltrans said chain controls have dropped on Interstate 80 in both directions.
It's been a long week but I-80 finally has no chain controls both westbound and eastbound. Please stay vigilant as crews continue working in the area. @CHP_Truckee @CHPGoldRun @PlacerCA @NevadaCountyCA pic.twitter.com/ftUMcjRfh5
— Caltrans District 3 (@CaltransDist3) March 5, 2024
Sierra chain controls
Chain controls remain in effect Tuesday morning in the Sierra. Here's a list:
- Westbound Highway 80 from Truckee to Eagles Lake
- Eastbound Highway 80 from Cisco to Boca
- Highway 89 from Truckee to Olympic Valley
- Highway 267 from Northstar to Kings Beach
- Highway 28 from Tahoe City to Kings Beach
Another snow day
Lake Tahoe Unified said all of its schools will again be closed Tuesday following the weekend snowstorm.
The district said road conditions will not allow buses to travel safely in certain areas of the district.
"We are experiencing challenges in Meyers, Christmas Valley, sections off of Pioneer Trail, Upper Truckee and portions of Highway 50. Additionally, many of our staff have communicated they are unable to get to school safely tomorrow," the district said on social media.
Greetings LTUSD Students, Families & Staff, All LTUSD schools will be closed tomorrow, March 5th, as a result of road...
Posted by Lake Tahoe Unified School District on Monday, March 4, 2024
Jackknifed big rig, spinouts on I-80
A jackknifed big rig forced a closure of I-80 in Truckee, and spinouts forced westbound traffic near Donner Lake Road to be held, Caltrans said. It all happened shortly after 7 p.m.
It is not yet clear when the roadways will be cleared.
Sierra highways update
Chain restrictions were dropped on Highway 50 but Caltrans is urging people that conditions could change quickly.
Interstate 80 is now open to all traffic with chain controls from Nyack to Truckee.
#TrafficAlert I-80 is open to truck traffic. Chain control (R2) Nyack to Truckee, Trucks Max. Crews are turning singles pulling doubles. Take it slow and be prepared. Some areas are narrow with a lot of moving equipment. @Cal_OES @CaltransHQ @CHP_Truckee @CHPGoldRun pic.twitter.com/xE2teyTShy
— Caltrans District 3 (@CaltransDist3) March 4, 2024
Chain controls update
Chain controls are in place on I-80, Highway 89, Highway 267 and Highway 28.
❄️ Chain Control Update ❄️
— CHP Truckee (@CHP_Truckee) March 4, 2024
(03/04/24 at 1:30pm)
• I-80 is R2 in both directions from Truckee to Nyack.
• SR-89 is R2 from Truckee to Olympic Valley.
• SR-267 is R2 from Northstar’s to Kings Beach.
• SR-28 is R2 from Tahoe City to Kings Beach.
I-80 Update
Caltrans is now estimating trucks will be released in both directions on I-80 around 2 p.m. This is two hours later than they initially planned for.
South Lake Tahoe update
Some roads remain closed in the South Lake Tahoe area, including Highway 89 from Emerald Bay to Bliss State Park, Needle Peak Road from Keller Road to Wildwood Avenue and Keller Road between Markofer Way and Regina Road.
South Lake Tahoe residents can check the city's website for the latest on plows.
Interstate 80 reopens
Interstate 80 has reopened in both directions for passenger vehicles only in the Sierra after a multi-day closure.
Semi-trucks are expected to be released around noon, Caltrans said.
Chain controls are in effect from Baxter to the Nevada state line.
OK, HERE WE GO‼️
— CHP Truckee (@CHP_Truckee) March 4, 2024
(03/04/24 at 9:15am)
I-80 is now open over Donner Summit! Westbound and eastbound traffic has been released to PASSENGER VEHICLES ONLY. Big rigs are still being held. We know there are anxious people trying to get over the summit and get to thier
Snow day
Several school districts in the Sierra are closed on Monday due to the snow, including Tahoe Truckee Unified School District, Lake Tahoe Unified School District and Pollock Pines Elementary School District.
Latest weather forecast
Here's what our First Alert Weather team is tracking.
Highway 50 traffic
The city of South Lake Tahoe says there is heavy traffic heading toward Meyers on Highway 50. People who are traveling should expect delays.
The city is urging people to wait the storm out before heading out of South Lake Tahoe.
I-80 could reopen Monday
Caltrans said Interstate 80 remains closed and will remain closed for the rest of the day. It could open sometime on Monday.
Highway 50 remains open with chain controls, but traffic is moving slowly.
Here's a look at traffic leaving the Lake Tahoe Basin on Highway 50 this afternoon. Chain controls remain in place and it's very slow going. Interstate 80 remains CLOSED and will not reopen today. With a break in the weather, we hope to be able to reopen I-80 sometime tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/w9RXzwJzE4
— Caltrans District 3 (@CaltransDist3) March 3, 2024
Wind continues
Wind continues to blow snow all over the Sierra.
WIND. That’s what most everyone I ask, myself included, say defines these blizzard conditions.
— Madisen Keavy (@madisenkeavy) March 4, 2024
📍Northwoods Blvd. near Tahoe Donner Resort around 3:30PM Sunday. #CAwx @NickMerianos @ashleynanfria @CBSSacramento pic.twitter.com/wrztSAbWQ6
Snow totals
Here are the snow totals at Sierra ski resorts:
Snowfall totals as of this morning were in the 6-8 foot range across Sierra ski resorts.
— Ashley Nanfria (@ashleynanfria) March 3, 2024
From Saturday morning to this morning we added 18-42'' of new snowfall. ❄️#cawx @CBSSacramento pic.twitter.com/qhiO7KMnRt
Isolated showers
Isolated storms in the valley will continue throughout the evening. Some areas may see small hail.
4 PM Radar update: Scattered showers and isolated storms will continue through the valley and foothills this evening.
— Ashley Nanfria (@ashleynanfria) March 4, 2024
Brief downpours, lightning and small hail will be possible with storms today. ⛈️ #cawx @CBSSacramento pic.twitter.com/XY2LmpC0kS
I-80 still closed
Interstate 80 remains closed in the Sierra. There is no estimated time it will reopen.
Part of the difficulty crews are facing during this storm is blowers breaking down due to the severe conditions. We have been down to 2 of 10 blowers at our central hub in Kingvale and 6 out of 20 from Auburn to the Nevada state line. 80 remains CLOSED with no ETO. @CHP_Truckee pic.twitter.com/EeFWx77xns
— Caltrans District 3 (@CaltransDist3) March 3, 2024
Echo Summit
Some vehicles became trapped in a snow sluff at Echo Summit on Highway 50 on Sunday. Caltrans had to pull some drivers out.
Here's a video after a snow sluff just east of Echo Summit trapped a few vehicles and closed Highway 50 for about 30 minutes this morning. There were no injuries and crews worked quickly to reopen the roadway. @CHPSouthLake pic.twitter.com/myd5Ay6E32
— Caltrans District 3 (@CaltransDist3) March 3, 2024
Ski resorts closed
Several ski resorts are closed in the Tahoe area on Sunday. Here's a list of resorts closed:
- Sierra-at-Tahoe
- Palisades Tahoe
- Alpine
- Mt. Rose
Highway 50 reopens
Highway 50 reopened shortly before 9 a.m., Caltrans said. Traffic is moving slowly and chain controls remain in place.
Highway 50 closed at Echo Summit
Highway 50 is closed due to a snowslide at Echo Summit, according to the city of South Lake Tahoe.
The city is urging people to not travel up into the Sierra on Sunday and to do so when it is safe.
UPDATE: Snowslide on US 50 at Echo Summit. The road is closed until further notice.
— City of South Lake Tahoe (@cityofslt) March 3, 2024
While we know skiers and snowboarders are excited to hit the resorts with all the fresh powder, please remember that a Blizzard warning is still in effect and has been extended through Monday,… pic.twitter.com/XT99LwugFY
Blizzard Warning continued
The Blizzard Warning in effect has been extended to midnight while a Winter Storm Warning will continue through Wednesday.
Two to four more feet of snow are possible about 4000' from Monday to Tuesday, with about one to two feet falling on Sunday.
Blizzard Warning extended through midnight tonight, Winter Storm Warning then continues through Wednesday morning.
— Nic Merianos (@NickMerianos) March 3, 2024
Several feet of additional snow expected.
Widespread and extensive closures in the Sierra now. Additional snow will hamper cleanup efforts pic.twitter.com/XYv88nqK06
Road closures
Many roads are closed across to Sierra on Sunday morning. Here's a list:
- I-80 is still closed in both directions from Colfax to the CA/ NV state line.
- Highway 20 in both directions from Nevada City to I-80 / Yuba Gap
- Highway 267 in both directions from Northstar to Kings Beach
- Highway 89 in both directions from Tahoe City to Tahoma
- Highway 89 around Emerald Bay
- Highway 89 Markleeville to state line
- Highway 4 in both directions Lake Alpine to Highway 89
- Highway108 in both directions near Pinecrest to Sonora Junction
- Highway 395 in both directions from Bishop to 89/ state line
For the latest on road conditions, visit Caltrans' website or call 1-800-427-7623.
I-80 remains closed
Interstate 80 remains closed from Colfax to the Nevada state line. It's unknow when it will reopen.
Saturday forecast
Here's the latest forecast.
Truckee power outages
Most Truckee Donner Public Utility District customers have had their power restored. There are still about 200 customers without power as of Saturday evening.
As for PG&E customers, hundreds of customers in Nevada and El Dorado counties are without power.
Highway 267 closed
In Placer County, Highway 267 is closed between Northstar and Kings Beach due to zero visibility. It's unknown when it will reopen.
#TrafficAlert State Route 267 is closed in @PlacerCA between Northstar and Kings Beach due to zero visibility. No ETO. pic.twitter.com/ckIMLQWjSW
— Caltrans District 3 (@CaltransDist3) March 3, 2024
Whiteout conditions continue
Whiteout conditions will continue as snowfall rates will increase up to 2-3" an hour.
Moderate-heavy snow continues over the Sierra through this evening. Snowfall rates will increase up to 2-3'' an hour. Whiteout conditions will continue.
— Ashley Nanfria (@ashleynanfria) March 3, 2024
We wont see a let up in snow until Sunday morning. Continue to avoid travel. #cawx @CBSSacramento pic.twitter.com/jURIEZt4Rz
Rain in the valley
Rain and wind have started to pick up across the valley. Thunderstorms are possible and will be isolated.
4PM update: Rain and wind have picked up across the valley. Isolated thunderstorms will be possible this evening with our next wave moving in.
— Ashley Nanfria (@ashleynanfria) March 2, 2024
Storms could bring heavy downpours, small hail and lightning. ⛈️ #cawx @CBSSacramento pic.twitter.com/9v7YliFQGQ
Palisades Tahoe update
Palisades Tahoe is hoping to open at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday but further delays are possible.
At Palisades, they hope to open the lower lifts of Resort Chair, First Ventures, Far East, Red Dog, and KT-22. KT-22 may be delayed. Palisades upper may open.
Over at Alpine, they hope to open Roundhouse, Treeline Cirque, Meadow, and Subway. They could open Summit and Scott, but will be slow to open them.
Snow totals
Mt. Rose saw 52 inches of snow, while Northstar saw 44 inches. More snow totals are below.
Wind has affected storm totals and some resorts were closed today. But as of this morning, most are reporting 2-4 feet picked up so far. 🌨️
— Ashley Nanfria (@ashleynanfria) March 2, 2024
We're expecting another 2-4 feet above 5,000' through Sunday. #cawx @CBSSacramento pic.twitter.com/sw1LKEYAig
Truckee snow
Truckee is still getting snow as people are digging out walkways. Some businesses are open.
Saturday in Truckee and it’s still coming down. Some businesses are open, with plans to close if power goes out, or business is slow. Owners are digging out as best they can to keep walkways clear. @CBSSacramento #CAwx pic.twitter.com/1UUTcACi8n
— Madisen Keavy (@madisenkeavy) March 2, 2024
Driver stuck in flooded road
Cal Fire responded to a vehicle stuck in a flooded road in Wolf Creek. The occupant escaped with no injuries.
Friday CAL FIRE Station 21 along with Higgins Fire and Nevada County Consolidated units responded to a vehicle in Wolf...
Posted by CAL FIRE NEU on Saturday, March 2, 2024
Palisades remains closed
Palisades Tahoe remains closed on Saturday. The ski resort said it received 41 inches of snow in the past two days.
It's unknown at this point if lifts will reopen on Sunday.
More snow
More snow is expected in the Sierra from Saturday through Wednesday.
Multiple FEET of additional snow expected in the Sierra today and tomorrow.
— Nic Merianos (@NickMerianos) March 2, 2024
Another wave to bring 1-3 FEET of additional snow to the Sierra (>5,000 ft) Mon-Wed. This will have compounded impacts following this storm.
The weight of snow will add a lot of stress to roofs #CAwx pic.twitter.com/a0qdGUhIaF
I-80 remains closed
Interstate 80 remains closed as of Saturday afternoon. The closure is from Colfax and to the Nevada Stateline.
CHP said it had "a mass amount" of vehicles that were stuck over Donner Summit. It took crews several hours to reach each vehicle.
Officers said blizzard conditions made it difficult to reach each vehicle. They are urging people to stay home.
Sierra highway update
Highway 50 has seen traffic holds from spinout and avalanche control. Chain controls are in effect from Saw Mills to Meyers.
This is why ALL mountain travel is highly discouraged. Not only is I-80 closed but US-50 has seen traffic holds for spin outs and avalanche control. Chain control (R2) Saw Mills to Meyers Trucks Max.
— Caltrans District 3 (@CaltransDist3) March 2, 2024
SR-89 is also CLOSED from Emerald Bay to Bliss State Park. pic.twitter.com/3FP8WtLo3I
Semi stuck in Nevada County
A semi-truck driver became stuck on a Forest Service Raod during the storm. Firefighters are urging people to not go around closed highways and interstates.
3/2/24 8:45am Update:
— UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab (@UCB_CSSL) March 2, 2024
We received 20.7" (52.5 cm) of #snow in the last day, which brings our storm total to 39.8" (101 cm) so far. Several more feet are expected by Monday morning.
We lost power overnight but were able to keep all systems online. It's back on for now. pic.twitter.com/aLoOh6GpXf
Driver stuck in flood water
The CHP Grass Valley responded to a driver who attempted to drive through a flooded road in south Nevada County. The driver was wet and cold, but no injuries.
❗️❗️TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN ❗️❗️ This driver ended up cold and wet in south Nevada County last night by following an...
Posted by CHP - Grass Valley on Saturday, March 2, 2024
Snow totals
The UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab said it received nearly 21 inches of snow in the past day.
3/2/24 8:45am Update:
— UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab (@UCB_CSSL) March 2, 2024
We received 20.7" (52.5 cm) of #snow in the last day, which brings our storm total to 39.8" (101 cm) so far. Several more feet are expected by Monday morning.
We lost power overnight but were able to keep all systems online. It's back on for now. pic.twitter.com/aLoOh6GpXf
Friday night forecast
Here's the latest forecast.
Blizzard conditions continue
Heavy snow is continuing in the Sierra, bringing zero visibility at times.
Blizzard conditions continue over the Sierra with very heavy snow. Wind gust to 66 mph just recorded at Blue Canyon Nyack Airport.
— Nic Merianos (@NickMerianos) March 2, 2024
The winds combined with heavy snow are bringing visibility to zero at times.
I-80 remains closed in both directions from Stateline #CAwx pic.twitter.com/PaUZK7SBHr
Madera County tornado
The National Weather Service shared a video of a tornado in Madera County. The NWS said a survey will be conducted on Saturday.
Tornado from earlier this afternoon in Madera County. #tornado #cawx pic.twitter.com/fQf6K7efLJ
— NWS Hanford (@NWSHanford) March 2, 2024
Power Outages
Thousands of PG&E customers are without power in the Sierra. This includes customers in the Foresthill, Truckee and Downieville areas.
It is unknown when the outages will be restored.
The latest on PG&E outages can be found online.
Latest weather forecast
Alpine closed Saturday
Palisades Tahoe said Alpine will be closed on Saturday while it will attempt to open limited lower mountain operations on the Palisades side.
The resort said it will have a lot of work to do in the morning as the strongest part of the storm is set to hit Friday night.
Sunday operations are unknown at this time. Palisades plans to release an update on Saturday afternoon.
Truckee Donner outages
About 2,000 Truckee Donner Public Utility District customers are without power. The utility company said multiple crews are responding to outages and high winds are causing trees and branches to come down on power lines.
Crews are working to make repairs and restore power as soon as possible.
I-80 closed
The CHP said it is now turning westbound and eastbound Interstate 80 travelers around in the Sierra.
Westbound travelers are being turned around at the Nevada state line while east travelers are being turned around a Drum Forebady
The CHP said this is due to spin-outs, high winds and low visibility.
It is unknown when the highway will reopen.
Highway 88 closed at Carson Spur
Highway 88 is closed at Carson Spur, near Kirkwood.
Highway 49 closed
Highway 49 is closed between Sattley and Downieville in Sierra County. It's open to locals only.
It is unknown when it will reopen.
Caltrans is reminding truck drivers that Highway 49 through @SierraCountyCA is not an alternate route to bypass I-80 and there's a 65-foot length restriction. Violators will face a fine and be turned around. 49 is currently closed between Downieville and Sattley. pic.twitter.com/FsZU9ZNlkh
— Caltrans District 3 (@CaltransDist3) March 2, 2024
I-80 traffic update
Caltrans said it is holding eastbound traffic at Drum Forebay and turning westbound traffic at the Stateline and Truckee on Interstate 80. This is due to multiple spinouts.
Highway 20 is closed for eastbound traffic. Locals are only allowed to continue.
Tornado Warning extended
The Tornado Warning for Mariposa County has been extended to 4:45 p.m. A funnel cloud was reported and the threat is now northwest of Yosemite Lakes.
UPDATE: Tornado Warning for Mariposa County extended to 4:45 PM. A funnel cloud has been reported with this storm. The threat is now NW of Yosemite Lakes. #CAwx pic.twitter.com/sNAoNSqfiW
— Nic Merianos (@NickMerianos) March 2, 2024
Tornado Warning
A Tornado Warning has been issued for Merced, Mariposa and Madera County until 4:15 p.m.
NEW: TORNADO WARNING issued for Merced, Mariposa and Madera County until 4:15 PM. #CAwx pic.twitter.com/huNqGylIYn
— Nic Merianos (@NickMerianos) March 1, 2024
Ride along with CHP Truckee
CBS13's Madisen Keavy is on a ride-along with California Highway Patrol up in the Sierra on Friday.
ONLY ON: We’re along for the ride with @CHP_Truckee on I-80. This stop: for a big rig stuck in the fast lane.
— Madisen Keavy (@madisenkeavy) March 1, 2024
Visibility isn’t great but the snow has let up a little bit. @CBSSacramento pic.twitter.com/Ry98GmhyBG
Brutal winds
Wind has been brutal across the Sierra over the last 24 hours. Alpine Meadows reported a gust of 143 mph last night. Most gusts have stayed in the 55-65 mph range.
Expect wind to increase this afternoon-Saturday
Wind has been brutal across the Sierra over the last 24 hours! Alpine Meadows reported a gust of 143 MPH last night.
— Ashley Nanfria (@ashleynanfria) March 1, 2024
Most gusts have stayed in the 55-65 MPH range.
Expect wind to increase this afternoon-Saturday. #cawx @CBSSacramento pic.twitter.com/s2czQ3Rasy
Snow weight
There can be a big difference in weight between fluffy, normal, and wet snow. CBS13 Meteorologist Tracy Humphrey explains:
Not all snow is equal. Wet snow can hold more water than fluffy snow. This water difference in various types of snow affects the weight of snow on trees, powerlines and homes. Here's a look at the difference: @CBSSacramento @GoodDaySac https://t.co/PN5U20zAVN
— Tracy Humphrey (@TracyHumphreyTV) March 1, 2024
Status of Sierra resorts
Most Sierra resorts have announced they will be closed on Friday. The following is a status update of all Sierra ski resorts seeing closures (as of 8 a.m. Friday):
- Palisades and Alpine Meadows: Closed Friday, will provide updates for Saturday operations at 4 p.m. today
- Boreal: Closed Friday
- Homewood: Closed Friday
- Sugar Bowl: Open (for now), but some lifts are closed
- Northstar: Open (for now), with limited operations
- Sierra-At-Tahoe: Closed Friday
- Heavenly: The Gondola + top of Gondola lifts and facilities will be closed Friday due to forecasted winds
- Donner Ski Ranch: Closed Friday
- Kirkwood: TBD, but visitors should prepare for weather impacts
Snow piling up near Donner Summit
CBS13 photojournalist Dave Grashoff is getting a first-hand look at conditions up in the Sierra Friday morning.
Travel is not advised as wind and snow are whipping around, making for near-whiteout conditions at times.
Conditions are expected to deteriorate throughout the day on Friday.
Cars covered off Donner Pass Rd. Wind and snow whipping across the Sierra this morning. @GoodDaySac @CBSSacramento @CBSNews #weather #sierrasnow #skiing pic.twitter.com/ewLSPamjKp
— DG (@CameraGuyDave1) March 1, 2024
I-80 Still open over the summit. Chains Required unless you have 4-wheel drive. Icy and windy conditions with snow blowing across the roadway @GoodDayWeekend @CBSSacramento @GoodDayTraffic pic.twitter.com/HYzdjVTo5Z
— DG (@CameraGuyDave1) March 1, 2024
Palisades closed on Friday
Highlighting how bad conditions are in the Sierra, and how people should avoid Sierra travel on Friday, Palisades announced that both of their resorts – Palisades and Alpine – will be closed on Friday.
Winds over 100 mph and low visibility conditions are expected.
Due to intense snowfall, winds over 100mph and low visibility, both Palisades and Alpine will be closed today.
— Palisades Tahoe Mtn Ops (@palisadesops) March 1, 2024
Thank you.
School closures
Several Sierra school districts have closed their campuses on Friday due to the deteriorating conditions.
Lake Tahoe Unified and Tahoe Truckee Unified both announced they would be closed on Friday.
More blizzard conditions are expected throughout Friday.
Calm before more storms
Things are calm up in South Lake Tahoe Friday morning, but action is expected to pick up throughout the day.
Up and at em’. 5am start on CBS Sacramento and CBS San Francisco Bay Area all morning bringing you the latest on...
Posted by Ashley Sharp on Friday, March 1, 2024
I-80 travel difficult as storm progresses
Drivers making the trek up the mountain along I-80 on Thursday were met with increasing snow rates and chain controls.
Updated Sierra chain controls
Chain controls remain in place Thursday night across multiple Sierra highways as a severe snowstorm moves through Northern California.
Drivers on I-80 westbound must have tire chains on while traveling between Truckee and Nyack. Eastbound I-u80 drivers must have tire chains between Nyack and Boca.
Over on Highway 50, chains are still required for travelers between Twin Bridges and Meyers.
Chain controls are now in place for State Route 89 from Truckee to Olympic Valley and State Route 267 from Northstar to Kings Beach.
For up-to-date Sierra road conditions as this storm progresses, go here.
Sierra ski resorts close Friday
Some Tahoe ski resorts announced Friday closures due to a severe snow storm moving through the region. They are:
Sierra At Tahoe
Palisades Tahoe
- Alpine will be closed
Heavenly
- The Gondola and top of Gondola lifts and facilities will be closed due to forecasted winds.
Donner Ski Ranch
Depending on conditions Friday, more resorts may be added to this list.
Sierra chain controls in effect, snow rates picking up
Chain controls are in place along multiple Sierra highways as a storm that is expected to bring blizzard conditions to the region moves through Northern California.
On I-80, chains are required between Kingvale and Truckee for drivers in both directions.
Chain controls in place on I-80 @ Donner Pass Rd. & 80. Talked to a driver who said he doesn’t enjoy putting chains on but it’s part of the gig — not phased by incoming storm. @CBSSacramento pic.twitter.com/vyR9JU9GQp
— Madisen Keavy (@madisenkeavy) March 1, 2024
Over on Highway 50, chains are required for travelers between Twin Bridges and Meyers.
For up-to-date Sierra road conditions as this storm progresses, go here.
Snowfall rates are expected to ramp up quite a bit between 7-10 p.m. — with approximately 2-3 inches falling per hour in the Sierra.
Snowfall rates will continue to ramp up in the Sierra with rates of 2-3"/ hr between 7 & 10pm.
— Nic Merianos (@NickMerianos) March 1, 2024
Enhanced lift from a cold front will drive heavy snowfall rates & lower the snow levels tonight.
Localized blizzard conditions will develop soon.
Donner gusting to 63 mph #CAwx pic.twitter.com/UEaYAMRjll
Snow survey conducted
This weekend's storm is expected to boost snowfall totals in the Northern California Sierra Nevada.
A crew with the DWR measured, a day early, the snow in a meadow at Phillips Station for their March 1 survey, recording a depth of almost four feet and a snow water content of 18 inches.
A water resources engineer said Northern California's snowpack is nearly 80% of average to date and 74% of where we need to be by April 1, typically when we peak.
Tap here to read more.
Yosemite to closes due to storm conditions
Yosemite National Park announced Thursday evening that it will be closed through at least Sunday due to expected dangerous conditions with the storm moving through Northern California.
Based on conditions, the closure could be extended past that, the park said.
Yosemite National Park will be closed starting tonight at midnight due to a major winter storm. The park will remain...
Posted by Yosemite National Park on Thursday, February 29, 2024
Sierra conditions deteriorating
Near-whiteout conditions are already hitting the Sierra after the chain control checkpoint outside of Kirkwood.
CBS13's Ashley Sharp is up in the high country, getting an up-close look at the storm. Follow along with her:
This video shows just how quickly conditions deteriorate - taken just after we passed the chain control checkpoint outside Kirkwood. Snow covered roads - and near white out conditions already. The winds are getting stronger and stronger. @NickMerianos @CBSSacramento pic.twitter.com/Q8KZ6RJzhs
— Ashley Sharp (@AshleySharpTV) February 29, 2024
Tahoe Snowfest postponements
North Lake Tahoe's Snowfest events, which were scheduled to happen this weekend, are bein postponed due to the storm.
There were over 40 events during the 10 days of snowfest scheduled.
A full list of postponements and rescheduling can be found on the event's website.
I-80 traffic being turned around
The big rig crash has officials now turning traffic around on eastbound I-80 in the Sierra.
Caltrans says they are turning traffic at Highway 20.
No estimated time of reopening has been given.
#TrafficAlert Crews are also turning traffic along EB State Route 20, locals only due to the incident on I-80. No ETO. https://t.co/fq39WUMHnM
— Caltrans District 3 (@CaltransDist3) February 29, 2024
I-80 blocked in Sierra
A semi-truck crash near Donner Lake has all lanes of eastbound Interstate 80 blocked as of 7:30 a.m.
The semi crashed onto its side, California Highway Patrol says. The driver only suffered minor injuries, CHP says.
No estimated time of reopening has been given.
‼️TRAFFIC ALERT ‼️ (02/29/24 at 8:05am) We are currently holding I-80 eastbound traffic, east of the Donner Lake Interchange, due to a solo big rig traffic collision that is blocking all lanes. The driver was extremely lucky and sustained only minor injuries… No estimated time of reopening the roadway.
Posted by CHP - Truckee on Thursday, February 29, 2024
Full chain controls are in effect on either I-80 or Highway 50 at the moment, but trucks are being screened to make sure they have maximum chains.
School snow days
Several Sierra schools are having a minimum day or have already declared a snow day for Thursday.
Donner Trail Elementary is on a snow day.
The following schools will be dismissing early, according to the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District:
- Glenshire Elementary School | 12:50 p.m.
- Kings Beach Elementary School | 12:00 p.m.
- Sierra Expeditionary Learning School, K-5 | 1:00 p.m.
- Sierra Expeditionary Learning School, 6-8 | 11:45 a.m.
- Tahoe Lake Elementary School | 12:00 p.m.
- Truckee Elementary School | 12:50 p.m.
- Alder Creek Middle School | 11:40 a.m.
- North Tahoe Middle School | 1:11 p.m.
- North Tahoe High School | 12:10 p.m.
- Sierra High School | 12:00 p.m.
- Truckee High School | 12:00 p.m.