“Best Hunker Down”: Blizzard Pounding Sierra Nevada To Dump 10-Plus Feet Of Snow

A powerful Pacific storm will dump up to 10 feet of snow across the highest elevations of Sierra Nevada through the weekend, forcing residents to already shelter in place. At the same time, at least one Lake Tahoe ski resort closed Friday. 

“Your safe travel window is over in the Sierra,” the National Weather Service in Reno warned residents on X on Thursday morning, adding: “Best to hunker down where you are.” 

Snow is already ongoing over the Sierra and is not expected to let up through the weekend. Your safe travel window is over in the Sierra – best to hunker down where you are.

Precip arrives to W NV by late afternoon/evening with snow levels dropping below valley floors overnight. pic.twitter.com/V6fvsspFs3

— NWS Reno (@NWSReno) February 29, 2024

Conditions continue to deteriorate along I-80 this evening as hourly snowfall rates and winds increase. A Blizzard Warning remains in effect through Sunday for areas above 2000 ft in the Sierra. Travel is *HIGHLY* discouraged!! #CAwx pic.twitter.com/fdSSUpwdkd

— NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) March 1, 2024

The storm began on Thursday afternoon and is expected to last through the weekend. A blizzard warning covers a 300-mile stretch from north of Lake Tahoe to south of Yosemite National Park.

HIGH to EXTREME avalanche danger is expected in the backcountry through 5 PM Sunday for the Central Sierra slopes between Yuba Pass and Ebbetts Pass, including the Greater Lake Tahoe area. More info at: https://t.co/ilp7hXfgCr#Nvwx #CAwx pic.twitter.com/c5nIj5ivU4

— NWS Reno (@NWSReno) March 1, 2024

“We’re expecting 5-12 FEET of snow above 5000′, locally higher over peaks,” the National Weather Service in Sacramento warned on X. 

Strong winds and heavy snow will cause extremely dangerous travel conditions, as well as downed trees & branches, & power outages. We’re expecting 5-12 FEET of snow above 5000′, locally higher over peaks. AVOID mountain travel this weekend, & be prepared if you live there. #CAwx pic.twitter.com/K0YxXxeUgA

— NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) February 29, 2024

Here’s Fox Weather’s latest snowfall forecast for the region. 

“This will be a legitimate blizzard,” UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain said during an online briefing Thursday.