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First Alert Weather: I-80 reopens but more Sierra snow is expected

CBS News Sacramento Live

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. 

By Brandon Downs
 

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
By Brandon Downs
 

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
By Richard Ramos
 

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.

By Richard Ramos
 

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.

By Brandon Downs
 

Chain controls update

Chain controls are in place on I-80, Highway 89, Highway 267 and Highway 28.

By Brandon Downs
 

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.

By Brandon Downs
 

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. 

By Brandon Downs
 

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. 

By Brandon Downs
 

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.

By Brandon Downs
 

Latest weather forecast

Here's what our First Alert Weather team is tracking.

Sunday evening weather forecast - March 3, 2024 03:42
By Brandon Downs
 

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.

By Brandon Downs
 

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.

By Brandon Downs
 

Wind continues

Wind continues to blow snow all over the Sierra. 

By Brandon Downs
 

Snow totals

Here are the snow totals at Sierra ski resorts:

By Brandon Downs
 

Isolated showers

Isolated storms in the valley will continue throughout the evening. Some areas may see small hail.

By Brandon Downs
 

I-80 still closed

Interstate 80 remains closed in the Sierra. There is no estimated time it will reopen. 

By Brandon Downs
 

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.

By Brandon Downs
 

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
By Brandon Downs
 

Highway 50 reopens

Highway 50 reopened shortly before 9 a.m., Caltrans said. Traffic is moving slowly and chain controls remain in place. 

By Brandon Downs
 

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.

By Brandon Downs
 

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.

By Brandon Downs
 

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.

By Brandon Downs
 

I-80 remains closed

Interstate 80 remains closed from Colfax to the Nevada state line. It's unknow when it will reopen.

By Brandon Downs
 

Saturday forecast

Here's the latest forecast.

Saturday evening weather forecast - March 2, 2024 04:05
By Brandon Downs
 

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. 

By Brandon Downs
 

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. 

By Brandon Downs
 

Whiteout conditions continue

Whiteout conditions will continue as snowfall rates will increase up to 2-3" an hour. 

By Brandon Downs
 

Rain in the valley

Rain and wind have started to pick up across the valley. Thunderstorms are possible and will be isolated. 

By Brandon Downs
 

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. 

By Brandon Downs
 

Snow totals

Mt. Rose saw 52 inches of snow, while Northstar saw 44 inches. More snow totals are below.

By Brandon Downs
 

Truckee snow

Truckee is still getting snow as people are digging out walkways. Some businesses are open. 

By Brandon Downs
 

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
By Brandon Downs
 

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.

By Brandon Downs
 

More snow

More snow is expected in the Sierra from Saturday through Wednesday. 

By Brandon Downs
 

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. 

By Brandon Downs
 

Sierra highway update

Highway 50 has seen traffic holds from spinout and avalanche control. Chain controls are in effect from Saw Mills to Meyers. 

By Brandon Downs
 

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. 

By Brandon Downs
 

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
By Brandon Downs
 

Snow totals

The UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab said it received nearly 21 inches of snow in the past day. 

By Brandon Downs
 

Friday night forecast

Here's the latest forecast.

Friday night weather forecast - March 1, 2024 02:31
By Brandon Downs
 

Blizzard conditions continue

Heavy snow is continuing in the Sierra, bringing zero visibility at times. 

By Brandon Downs
 

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. 

By Brandon Downs
 

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.

By Brandon Downs
 

Latest weather forecast

Friday evening weather forecast - March 1, 2024 03:06
By Brandon Downs
 

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. 

By Brandon Downs
 

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. 

By Brandon Downs
 

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. 

By Brandon Downs
 

Highway 88 closed at Carson Spur

Highway 88 is closed at Carson Spur, near Kirkwood.

By Brandon Downs
 

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.   

By Brandon Downs
 

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. 

By Brandon Downs
 

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.

By Brandon Downs
 

Tornado Warning

A Tornado Warning has been issued for Merced, Mariposa and Madera County until 4:15 p.m.  

By Brandon Downs
 

Ride along with CHP Truckee

CBS13's Madisen Keavy is on a ride-along with California Highway Patrol up in the Sierra on Friday. 

By Cecilio Padilla
 

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

By Ashley Nanfria
 

Snow weight

There can be a big difference in weight between fluffy, normal, and wet snow. CBS13 Meteorologist Tracy Humphrey explains: 

By Cecilio Padilla
 

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
By Cecilio Padilla
 

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. 

By Cecilio Padilla
 

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.

By Cecilio Padilla
 

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.

By Cecilio Padilla
 

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
By Cecilio Padilla
 

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.

Snow storm picks up, conditions worsen along I-80 02:10
By Richard Ramos
 

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.

By Richard Ramos
 

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.

By Richard Ramos
 

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.

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.

By Richard Ramos
 

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.

By Richard Ramos
 

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
By Richard Ramos
 

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: 

By Cecilio Padilla
 

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

By Cecilio Padilla
 

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. 

By Cecilio Padilla
 

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. 

By Cecilio Padilla
 

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. 
By Cecilio Padilla
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