With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
Another Storm Hits California, Though Sierra Nevadas Are Seeing The Worst Of It
A child plays on a snowbank in Truckee as snow falls north of Lake Tahoe.
(
Mario Tama
/
Getty Images
)
It's another wet weekend in Southern California: Coastal and valley regions will see 0.5 to 1 inch of rain, with up to 3 inches possible in the foothills and mountains, according to the latest estimates from the National Weather Service.
In the mountains, snow is expected above 4,500 feet, with 7 to 14 inches expected in areas above an elevation of 6,000 feet.
There's also a 20% chance of an inch of snow along the Grapevine.
Snowstorm hits Sierra Nevada Mountains
Chains are installed on a big rig's tires during a storm, Saturday in Truckee
(
Brooke Hess-Homeier
/
AP
)
Sponsored message
The worst impact of the storm has been concentrated in the Sierra Nevada Mountains near Lake Tahoe, where the California Highway Patrol closed I-80 for an especially treacherous stretch of about 100 miles from the California-Nevada border to a reservoir northeast of Sacramento.
The road closure was due to spinouts along the highway, according to Caltrans. State agencies have not yet announced a timeframe for reopening.
In advance of the storm, the National Weather Service warned travelers of life-threatening conditions, including low visibility, up to 12 feet of snow in higher elevations and possible avalanches. As the storm intensified near Donner Pass last night, drivers who didn't heed the warnings and took to the highway got stranded.
UPDATE: Hundreds of cars stranded on I-80 near the Donner Summit…blizzard winds and heaviest snow of the storm starting. It’s a race to see if they can clear the interstate before cars get too buried. @bclemms #california #snow #blizzard #donnerpass #CAwx pic.twitter.com/6vOJkDmfDA
— Jonathan Petramala (@jpetramala) March 2, 2024
How long will this last?
The blizzard brought winds of over 100 miles an hour and whiteout conditions to the highest parts of the mountains. Mammoth Mountain Ski Area is closed on Saturday, due to extreme high winds and blizzard conditions. Yosemite National Park will be closed through Sunday.
Treacherous blizzard conditions just moments ago on I-80 on Donner Pass.
— Colin McCarthy (@US_Stormwatch) March 1, 2024
Zero visibility at times. #LeapDayBlizzard #CAwx pic.twitter.com/PYuojK4CJb
Sponsored message
The National Weather Service's blizzard and avalanche warnings extend through Sunday. Forecasters estimate that when all is said and done, as much as 20 inches of snow is likely in lower elevations near Lake Tahoe, with more possible — though fair warning for skiers, at least nine ski resorts in the area are still closed while the severe weather warnings are in effect.
(
Courtesy NWS
)
This snowfall will help to replenish the snowpack in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, one of the most vital sources of water for the state. Surveyors measured about 47 inches of snow near Lake Tahoe at the end of February just before the storm, about three-quarters of the yearly average for this point in the year.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
