Snow driving myths: Bigger vehicles aren’t always safer in winter
Trucks and SUVs may look winter-ready, but factors like weight balance, drivetrain and, most importantly, tires matter more than size alone.
A powerful winter storm is expected to move into the Sierra late Sunday, bringing heavy snow, strong winds and hazardous travel conditions across California and Nevada through much of next week.
Forecasters say 4 to 8 feet of snow could fall along the Sierra crest, including Donner Pass, making it the strongest system to hit the region since around Christmastime.
The heaviest snowfall is expected Monday afternoon, Feb. 16, through Tuesday, Feb. 17.
Winter storm watches are in effect from 10 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15, through 10 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18, across the Sierra, including Donner Pass and the Greater Lake Tahoe area.
Up to 8 feet of snow possible at Donner Pass
Donner Pass and Interstate 80, along the west slope of the Northern Sierra, are expected to see the brunt of the storm.
Snow is forecast to begin Sunday evening, with heavy snowfall continuing into midweek, Feb. 15–18. At higher elevations along the Sierra crest, totals could reach 4 to 8 feet by Wednesday.
Winds could gust between 45 and 55 mph, with Sierra ridges seeing even stronger gusts. Combined with heavy snow, those winds may create periods of whiteout conditions.
Chain controls are likely along I-80, and road closures are possible during peak snowfall. Drivers planning to cross the Sierra for Presidents Day weekend are urged to travel before Sunday evening.
Winter storm watch issued for Lake Tahoe
The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a winter storm watch for the greater Lake Tahoe area from Sunday evening through Wednesday evening.
Heavy snow is expected across the Tahoe Basin, with 18 to 30 inches possible at lake level, highest along the West Shore and in Alpine County. Sierra totals could reach 2 to 5 feet.
Winds are forecast to gust 35 to 45 mph in valleys, with Sierra ridge gusts exceeding 100 mph.
The heaviest snowfall rates are expected late Monday afternoon through Tuesday afternoon. Travel could become very difficult to impossible at times, with whiteout conditions possible and strong winds capable of downing trees and power lines.
Residents and visitors are urged to monitor forecasts and consider delaying travel if possible.
What to expect in Reno
Reno is likely to start this system with rain before colder air moves in early next week.
Snow could reach the valley floor by Monday night, with a 25% to 60% chance of at least 2 inches in the Reno-Carson area. Foothill communities and Virginia City have a much higher likelihood of accumulating snow.
Even if totals in Reno stay lower than in the Sierra, periods of slick roads and slow travel are possible as the storm moves across the region.
What’s the Reno forecast for Feb. 13-20?
- Friday, Feb. 13: Partly cloudy tonight with a low around 30.
- Saturday, Feb. 14: Partly sunny with a high near 57. Mostly cloudy at night with a low around 32.
- Sunday, Feb. 15: Slight chance of rain after 4 p.m., snow level rising from 5,000 to 5,800 feet. High near 56. Rain likely after 4 a.m., snow level near 5,700 feet. Low around 33. Chance of precipitation 60%.
- Monday, Feb. 16 (Washington’s Birthday): Rain and snow with snow level near 5,100 feet. High near 47. Chance of precipitation 80%, little or no snow accumulation expected. Rain and snow at night becoming all snow after 10 p.m., low around 30. Less than 1 inch possible. Chance of precipitation 90%.
- Tuesday, Feb. 17: Snow, cloudy, high near 40. Snow likely at night, low around 23.
- Wednesday, Feb. 18: Chance of snow, partly sunny, high near 38. Chance of snow at night, low around 19.
- Thursday, Feb. 19: Slight chance of snow, mostly sunny, high near 42. Chance of snow at night, low around 22.
- Friday, Feb. 20: Chance of snow, partly sunny, high near 43.
What’s in the Tahoe forecast for Feb. 13-20?
- Friday, Feb. 13: Partly cloudy this evening then mostly cloudy. Lows around 18 to 28.
- Saturday, Feb. 14: Mostly cloudy in the morning then partly cloudy. High 52 at lake level and 42 at higher elevations. Partly cloudy in the evening then mostly cloudy. Lows around 21 to 31.
- Sunday, Feb. 15: Partly cloudy with a chance of snow in the afternoon. High 50 at lake level and 40 at higher elevations. Chance of rain and snow in the evening, then heavy snow likely after midnight. Lows around 21 to 31.
- Monday, Feb. 16 (Washington’s Birthday): Heavy snow. High 36 at lake level and 31 at higher elevations. Heavy snow at night with brisk conditions. Lows around 17 to 27.
- Tuesday, Feb. 17: Brisk with heavy snow. High 35 at lake level and 25 at higher elevations. Heavy snow at night. Lows around 11 to 21.
- Wednesday, Feb. 18: Brisk with heavy snow. High 35 at lake level and 25 at higher elevations. Mostly cloudy at night with a chance of snow. Low around 2 to 12.
- Thursday, Feb. 19: Mostly cloudy with a chance of snow. High 34 at lake level and 29 at higher elevations. Mostly cloudy at night with a chance of snow. Low 2 to 12.
- Friday, Feb. 20: Mostly cloudy with a chance of snow. High 34 at lake level and 29 at higher elevations.
Nevada-California highway travel
- National Weather Service: Along with providing seven-day forecasts, users can monitor weather warnings and alerts and download past weather data at weather.gov.
- Nevada Department of Transportation: The state’s transportation department offers not only current road conditions, but also provides access to weather station data and traffic cameras. Information is available at nvroads.com and dot.nv.gov.
- Caltrans: Check highway conditions in California at roads.dot.ca.gov before traveling.
- NV Energy weather stations: The company provides public access to several dozen weather stations throughout the state, with data updated every 10 minutes. Users can access the data at nvenergy.westernweathergroup.com.
- ALERTWildfire: The network of 50 cameras throughout Nevada can provide users with a live look at conditions. Cameras can be accessed at alertwildfire.org.
