Snow prompts chain controls on Sierra roads. Here’s what conditions to expect on I-80, Hwy. 50

Winter weather has arrived in Northern California as a storm blanketing the region on Thursday and another coming this weekend.

Travelers to the Sierra Nevada are being warned to come prepared.

Caltrans issued chain controls for both major thoroughfares between Sacramento and Nevada, Interstate 80 and Highway 50 around 5:30 a.m.

As of 8 a.m. Thursday, both roadways remained open but restrictions were in effect.

The National Weather Service’s winter weather advisory remains in effect for Sierra elevations above 5,000 feet until 4 p.m., though forecasters said the heaviest snowfall was expected to end by noon.

The weather service expects 5 inches to a foot of snow through the day with wind gusts reaching 35 mph.

On Interstate 80, chains are required in both directions between Baxter, just above Gold Run in the west, to Truckee except for vehicles with four-wheel drive and snow tires.

Drivers “must have maximum chains in their possession in order to proceed,” Caltrans said in its road conditions catalog Thursday morning, and permit loads have been prohibited.

Big-rig trucks are being screened at Applegate for eastbound traffic while freight vehicles are being stopped five miles outside of Reno at Mogul for semis heading into California.

“If you are planning on driving through the Sierra on I-80, be prepared for chain controls,” Caltrans District 3 officials said in a social media post. “Snow is expected through the day with more on the way this weekend!”

It’s a similar story for vehicles on Highway 50 between Kyburz and Meyers, Caltrans said: Chains are required for all except those with four-wheel drive and snow tires, a condition also known as R-2.

Additionally, highway officials said no trucks over 65 feet would be allowed above Placerville and the speed limit for both roadways has been reduced to 30 mph or less.

Chain controls are also required on Highways 89 and 267 around Lake Tahoe and as far north as Highway 49 and as far south as Highway 89.

Maximum chain controls, known as R-1, are in effect on Highway 88 six miles east of Cook’s Station to Picketts Junction in Alpine County. North of Tahoe, chain controls are in effect on Highway 89 to the Sierra-Plumas county line as well as along Highway 49 between Sierra City and Sierraville.

Forecasters said active weather will remain in the mountains through the weekend as a subsequent storm brings more chances for snowfall.

This story was originally published December 12, 2024 at 8:34 AM.