Central Sierra Nevada issued blizzard warning, avalanche watch
The central Sierra Nevada was issued both an avalanche watch and a blizzard warning Tuesday, predicting potentially life threatening conditions and several feet of snow in the Tahoe area.
The National Weather Service’s blizzard warning will last until Thursday morning and calls for two to five feet of snow in the Tahoe area at high elevations with winds reaching 110 in the mountains and 70 mph in the valley.
The Sierra may face whiteout conditions with no visibility and the danger of shifting snow, according to the National Weather Service.
“Do not attempt to travel, if possible,” the National Weather Service said. “First responders may not be able to rescue you. Even a short walk could be deadly if you become disoriented.”
The avalanche watch, from the Sierra Avalanche Center, warns of moderate to considerable risk in vulnerable areas and spans from Sierraville in the north to Bear Valley in the south and covers all of Lake Tahoe. it will last between 4 p.m. Wednesday until 7 a.m. Friday.
The National Weather Service said on Twitter that the avalanche risk is expected to rise due to forecasts calling for heavy snow and wind in the next few days.
“Very dangerous avalanche conditions may occur. If so, travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. Large destructive avalanches could happen,” the National Weather Service said in a weather alert.
As Northern California braces for a stormy week, Donner Pass is expected to receive as much as five feet of snow through Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.
In a press release, the city of South Lake Tahoe said the predicted weather “may create blizzard-like conditions at higher elevations and hinder travel for drivers. Drivers should anticipate delays and increased travel time throughout the week. Travel is not advised during this time period.”
Although the bulk of precipitation from the incoming storm is expected to come Wednesday and Thursday, chain restrictions have already been issued for parts of Interstate 80 and Highway 50.
Both directions of Interstate 80 require chains from Nyack to the Nevada state line, according to Caltrans.
Both directions of Highway 50 are subject to chain controls from Twin Bridges to Meyers, according to Caltrans. Four-wheel-drive vehicles with snow tires are exempt from all chain restrictions.
This story was originally published January 15, 2019 at 11:43 AM.