TRUCKEE, Calif. — A powerful blizzard that closed highways and ski resorts had mostly moved through the Sierra Nevada by early Monday but forecasters warned that more snow was on the way for Northern California mountains.
Sections of Interstate 80 to the west and north of Lake Tahoe were still shut down late Sunday, with no estimate for reopening, the California Highway Patrol said.
The CHP office in South Lake Tahoe warned motorists that tire chains for improved traction are required on routes through the mountains, where more than 7 feet (2.1 meters) of snow fell over the weekend.
Blizzard warnings had mostly expired but scattered thunderstorms were likely and another 2 feet (60 centimeters) of snow was possible at higher elevations, the National Weather Service office in Sacramento said.
“Mountain travel is HIGHLY discouraged!” the office warned.
The multiday storm caused traffic backups and closures on I-80 and many other roadways, shut down ski resorts for two days, and left thousands of homes and businesses without power.
By Sunday night, Pacific Gas & Electric had restored electricity to all but about 4,400 Northern California customers, while NV Energy had reduced its outages to roughly 1,000 homes and businesses across the state line in Nevada.
Palisades Tahoe, the largest resort on the north end of the lake, was among several ski mountains that closed most or all chairlifts for a second straight day Sunday because of snow, wind and low visibility. Palisades reported a three-day snow total of 6 feet (1.8 meters), with more falling.
“We will be digging out for the foreseeable future,” officials said on the resort’s blog.
Kevin Dupui, who lives in Truckee, just northwest of Lake Tahoe, said his snow blower broke, but it doesn’t really matter because there’s nowhere to put all the snow anyway. “We just move it around,” he said Sunday.
Dupui said residents and tourists seem to be mostly heeding warnings to stay home. “The roads haven’t been that safe, so we don’t really want people driving around,” he said.
Another Truckee resident, Jenelle Potvin, said at first some cynical locals thought “there was a little too much hype” made about the approaching storm. But then the unrelenting snow began Friday night.
“It was definitely a blizzard. And we woke up to a lot of snow yesterday and it never let up,” Potvin said Sunday. Her neighbors were snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in the streets.
In the eastern Sierra, the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area was closed Sunday as winds of up to 70 mph (113 kph) made it too difficult for ski patrol to complete avalanche mitigation, the resort said. More than 3 feet (nearly 1 meter) of snow fell over three days, and more was on the way.
Weather service meteorologist William Churchill on Saturday called the storm an “extreme blizzard” for the Sierra Nevada but said he didn’t expect records to be broken.
The storm began barreling into the region Thursday. A widespread blizzard warning through Sunday morning covered a 300-mile (480-kilometer) stretch of the mountains. A second, weaker storm was forecast to bring additional rain and snow between Monday and Wednesday, forecasters said.
California authorities on Friday shut down 100 miles (160 kilometers) of I-80, the main route between Reno and Sacramento, because of “spin outs, high winds, and low visibility.” There was no estimate when the freeway would reopen from the California-Nevada border west of Reno to near Emigrant Gap, California.
Rudy Islas spent about 40 minutes shoveling his car out before heading to work at a coffee shop in Truckee on Sunday morning. Neither he nor his customers were fazed by the snow, he said.
“To be honest, if you’re a local, it’s not a big deal,” he said. “I think a lot of people are used to the snow and they prepare for it.”
___
Weber reported from Los Angeles. Associated Press reporters Ken Ritter in Las Vegas; Scott Sonner in Reno, Nevada; Janie Har in San Francisco; Julie Walker in New York; and Holly Ramer in Concord, New Hampshire, contributed.
After a powerful blizzard swept through Northern California, leaving behind a blanket of snow and causing travel disruptions, meteorologists are now forecasting additional mountain snow in the region. The storm, which brought heavy snowfall and strong winds, is expected to move out of the area, but its effects will continue to be felt as more snow is on the way.
According to the National Weather Service, another round of snow is expected to hit the Sierra Nevada mountains and other higher elevations in Northern California in the coming days. This additional snowfall could bring several more inches of accumulation, adding to the already significant amounts that fell during the recent blizzard.
The continued snowfall is likely to create hazardous conditions for travelers and residents in the region. Roadways may be slick and icy, making driving treacherous, while power outages and disruptions to public transportation are also possible. Residents are advised to exercise caution and stay informed about weather updates as the situation unfolds.
In addition to the potential hazards posed by the snow, the continued cold temperatures could also pose a threat to those without adequate shelter or heating. It is important for residents to take precautions to stay warm and safe during this period of inclement weather.
The forecast for additional mountain snow comes as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of winter weather in Northern California. While the recent blizzard may have passed, it is clear that the region is not out of the woods yet when it comes to winter storms. Residents should remain vigilant and prepared for further snowfall and its potential impacts in the days ahead.
Overall, the forecast for additional mountain snow following the departure of the powerful blizzard serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for winter weather in Northern California. By staying informed, taking precautions, and exercising caution, residents can help ensure their safety and well-being during this challenging time.
