Motorists Advised: Sierra storms could dump foot of snow during Thanksgiving travel period

With up to a foot of snow expected in the high Sierra this week during the Thanksgiving holiday travel period, the National Weather Service on Monday issued a Winter Storm Watch for the greater Lake Tahoe area and Mono County.

Two waves of weather are expected to move through the Sierra this week, likely impacting travel in the mountains. The best travel windows are expected to be Tuesday through early Wednesday afternoon and again Saturday through Sunday.

Snow levels could fall to around 6,000 feet Wednesday night further impacting travel in the Sierra. Mainly rain showers are expected below 6,000 feet. Gusty winds will could impact travel on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning. Keep in mind that seasonal Sierra passes like Ebbetts, Sonora and Tioga will likely close ahead of the storm, according to the weather service.

Heavy snow is possible above 7,000 feet, with total snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches above 8,000 feet. Elevations between 7,000 and 8,000 feet can see between 4 to 8 inches with 4 inches or less below 7,000 feet. Winds could gust as high as 60 mph through passes and over ridge lines.

Travel could be very difficult over the Mt. Rose Highway, Carson Pass and Monitor Pass. Caltrans District 10 tentatively plans to close Ebbetts Pass (State Route 4) at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 20, and Sonora Pass (State Route 108) at noon Wednesday, Nov. 21. Those times are subject to change, and could be impacted by the behavior of the weather.

These are NOT the long-term, seasonal closures that Caltrans implements annually on mountain passes.
This is in preparation for a potential heavy storm coming to Northern California later this week. There are no expected opening times yet, as that is weather-dependent as well.

Check http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov and/or call 1 (800) 427-ROAD for up-to-the-minute information on road conditions like closures, chain controls and road work.

Holiday travelers should be prepared for long delays on Interstate 80 and Highway 50, according to the weather service.

Travel in the valleys will include wet roads and gusty winds, according to the weather service.

With it being a busy holiday travel period, the anticipated weather could bring significant impacts to travel in the Sierra. It is best to have a winter travel kit and plan for potentially long delays Wednesday through Friday.

Updated state road conditions, including winter road closures and incidents, are available by dialing “511” or logging on to nvroads.com before driving. Drivers can also view live traffic cameras and sign up for free traffic alerts for their state road commute.

Winter Driving Tips
— Only travel in winter weather when necessary, leave enough time to safely reach your destination and plan your route to help avoid snowy/icy areas and steep hills.
— Before driving, check weather and road conditions by dialing 511 within Nevada (or 1-877-NV-ROADS outside of Nevada) or logging on to nvroads.com.
— Buckle up.
— Turn off cruise control.
— Avoid quick starts, stops and fast turns. Accelerate, brake and steer smoothly and gradually.
— Reduce speed. Speed limits are based on normal road and weather conditions, not winter road conditions.
— Do not slam on brakes. Apply steady pressure on ABS-equipped vehicles and pump the brakes if necessary on non-ABS vehicles.
— Always comply with all posted chain requirements.
— If your vehicle has snow tires, install and use them between now and April 30.
— Leave additional space between your vehicle and other vehicles. Do not pass without good sight distance and clearance.