SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The final “return to home” travel days after the holidays will coincide with the next winter storm in the Sierra Nevada. Caltrans is alerting motorists about the next round of winter weather that is expected to impact travel across the Sierra Nevada starting Friday night.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Sacramento calls for 1 to 2 feet of snow above 5,000 feet and 2 to 5 feet above 6,000 feet, with wind gusts up to 55 mph over the Sierra Crest, west of Lake Tahoe. A Winter Storm Warning for this area is in effect from 10 p.m. tonight through 4 p.m. Monday, January 5.
For the Greater Lake Tahoe area, NWS Reno has issued a Winter Storm Warning for midnight Friday night through 10 a.m. Monday. They say to expect heavy snow with accumulations of 1 to 3 feet above 7,000 feet, with 4 to 12 inches at lake level. Wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph with ridgetop winds gusting over 100 mph at times. Wind gusts up to 40 mph and wave heights of 1 to 3 feet on Lake Tahoe.
Caltrans is encouraging motorists to avoid travel through the Sierra Nevada if possible. If they must travel through the Sierra Nevada, be prepared for chain controls, additional travel times, and delays. Caltrans advises to ensure your vehicle has a full tank of gas or a full charge, chains, and extra supplies in the event of an emergency or if traffic is held for an extended period of time. Those supplies include but are not limited to: extra snacks, water, a blanket, and a flashlight.
For additional information, motorists are encouraged to check the NWS forecast for any updates and Caltrans’ QuickMap before traveling for current road conditions and chain requirements or download the QuickMap app from the App Store or Google Play. Road information is also available on Caltrans’ website or by calling the California Highway Information Network automated phone service at 1-800-427-ROAD (7623).
For Nevada roads, visit https://www.nvroads.com/.
