Interstate 80 Closed for 70 Miles with Blizzard Conditions Slamming the Tahoe Region

Active NorCal Follow on Twitter February 24, 2023
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Interstate Highway 80 has been closed in both directions from Colfax to the Nevada State line since Friday morning due to a severe snowstorm that caused whiteout conditions in the Sierra region. The storm is predicted to last for three days, bringing wind chills well below zero and adding at least three feet to the already significant snowpack.

The Truckee office of the CHP confirmed the road closure with no estimated reopening time, leaving many drivers trying to reach Tahoe stranded. Travel in the mountains is highly discouraged, and Caltrans and the Truckee CHP have reported turning back traffic due to poor visibility and spinouts.

Chain controls are in effect across the region, and for updates on road conditions, travelers should visit roads.dot.ca.gov/roadscell.php and quickmap.dot.ca.gov.

Highway 50 eastbound at Sand Flat and westbound at Meyer are also reporting closures due to spinouts, slides onto the highway, and avalanche control. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm advisory for the region until Saturday, warning of total snow accumulations of 4 to 12 inches, except 12 to 24 inches above 7000 feet, and winds gusting up to 90 mph along Sierra ridgelines with gusts up to 35 mph in the Tahoe Basin.

The Sierra Avalanche Center has also issued a Backcountry Avalanche Warning for the Central Sierra Nevada Mountains, including the greater Lake Tahoe area, with high avalanche danger through Saturday morning. The weather service predicts a second wintry blast will hit the region on Friday through Saturday, with total snow accumulations of 8 to 15 inches at lake level and 1 to 2 feet at the Sierra crest, and gusts up to 60 mph along Sierra ridgelines. These conditions could result in widespread avalanche activity in the mountains, with large avalanches occurring in a variety of areas.

The UC Sierra Snow Lab near Donner Summit on I-80 had already received a foot of new snow by 1 p.m. on Thursday, and researchers expect another 3-4 feet of snow by Saturday morning due to the cold temperatures, resulting in light and fluffy snow with a snow-to-liquid ratio of 16.5:1.

Although it may be tempting, it’s best to avoid any travel in Northern California right now, especially in the Sierra.

Active NorCal Follow on Twitter February 24, 2023
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