Sierra snowstorm could bring 2 feet of snow and blizzard conditions
Donner Pass, seen here in December 2025, could see up to 18 inches of snow later this week as the first big winter storm of the season arrives.
TL;DR
- Heavy snow and powerful winds are forecast for California's Sierra Nevada on Friday.
- Blizzard conditions are possible above 7,000 feet, potentially making travel impossible.
- Snowfall totals are estimated at 8 to 18 inches for higher elevations and 18 to 24 inches for the highest peaks.
- Difficult travel conditions are anticipated Friday evening into early Saturday, particularly on Interstate 80 over Donner Summit and Highway 50 over Echo Summit.
- Warm Pacific air may initially bring rain to lower elevations before temperatures drop and it turns to snow.
- Accumulating snow is possible in Truckee and South Lake Tahoe by late Sunday.
- Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road in Yosemite will temporarily close Thursday.
- Additional chances of snow are predicted for the Sierra next week.