More snow expected in Northern California mountains

Gusts of breeze over 100mph are anticipated in Sierras, with areas of Interstate 80 near Lake Tahoe still shut late on Sunday.

Forecasters are warning of additional snowfall in the northern California mountains following a powerful blizzard that caused highway closures and disruptions to ski resorts over the weekend.

Highway Closures and Severe Weather Conditions

Sections of Interstate 80 near Lake Tahoe remained closed late Sunday due to the blizzard’s aftermath, with no estimated time for reopening provided by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). 

The Sierra mountain ridges experienced gusts exceeding 100mph, posing significant challenges for motorists and road maintenance crews.

Safety Precautions and Continued Weather Warnings

The CHP office in South Lake Tahoe emphasized the necessity of tire chains for vehicles traveling through the mountainous terrain, where over 7 feet of snow accumulated during the weekend. 

Also read: Severe snowstorm paralyzes Sierra Nevada region

While blizzard warnings had largely expired, the National Weather Service in Sacramento cautioned about the likelihood of scattered thunderstorms and the possibility of another 2 feet of snow at higher elevations.

Impact and Disruptions

The multiday storm led to traffic congestion, road closures, and the suspension of ski resort operations for two days. Thousands of homes and businesses experienced power outages, with utility companies working to restore services to affected areas.

Ski Resort Closures and Avalanche Risks

In the eastern Sierra, the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area remained closed on Sunday due to strong winds impeding avalanche mitigation efforts by ski patrol. The resort reported significant snowfall accumulation and anticipated further snowfall.

Continued Weather Patterns

The storm, which began on Thursday, prompted widespread blizzard warnings across a 300-mile stretch of the mountains. 

A secondary, less intense storm was forecasted to bring additional precipitation between Monday and Wednesday.

As the region braces for further snowfall and challenging weather conditions, authorities urge residents and travelers to exercise caution and adhere to safety guidelines while navigating through the affected areas.