How Much Snow Fell on the Sierra? Here are the Latest Snow Totals
Northern California received a deep blanket of snow through the holiday season as a powerful winter storm wrapped up its latest push across the state, delivering feet of snow to the mountains and creating hazardous travel conditions.
Driven by an atmospheric river, the storm combined heavy snowfall with strong winds, piling up four feet or more in some high-elevation locations across the Sierra Nevada and far Northern California ranges. Lower elevations saw inches of rain, leading to flooding in parts of the state.
Snow totals from this round of storms were staggering. Donner Peak reported 58 inches, Bear Valley picked up 55 inches, and Soda Springs saw 42 inches. Even lakeside communities weren’t spared, with Tahoe City measuring nearly 10 inches of snow. Up north, the Mt. Shasta Ski Park received 35 inches.
The intense snowfall made travel treacherous over high mountain passes. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, multiple vehicles became stuck near Castle Peak over Donner Summit, prompting traffic shutdowns and escorts by the California Highway Patrol. Crews worked through the night to safely move drivers off the summit as spinouts and pileups snarled traffic.
Looking ahead, conditions are expected to calm. Forecasts for the Tahoe region call for clear, cold days early this week, with a slight chance of snow returning around New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Drivers heading into the mountains are urged to check forecasts, carry chains, and monitor road conditions before traveling.
