The National Weather Service has issued Winter Storm Warnings for a broad swath of California’s Sierra Nevada and southern Cascades, set to take effect at 2am Tuesday and running through 5pm Wednesday.
The warnings cover some of the region’s most visited backcountry, including Yosemite National Park outside the valley, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and the Upper San Joaquin River corridor. Popular destinations such as Tuolumne Meadows, Huntington Lake, Cedar Grove, and Donner Peak are all within the affected zones.
Forecasters are calling for heavy snowfall across the higher terrain. In the southern Sierra, areas above 7,000 feet could see 3 to 5 inches, while the highest elevations may receive 12 to 18 inches. Along the Sierra crest, wind gusts of up to 75 mph are possible, with gusts reaching 50 mph in the northern Sierra.
The northern Sierra and southern Cascades above 5,000 feet face similar conditions. Snow accumulations of 12 to 18 inches are expected at those elevations, with up to 2 feet possible at the highest peaks. Some accumulation, up to 2 inches, is possible as low as 4,500 feet. The heaviest snowfall is forecast for Tuesday afternoon and evening, with rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour.
Authorities warn that travel could be very difficult to impossible throughout the warning period, with hazardous conditions likely to affect both Tuesday and Wednesday commutes. Strong winds may also cause tree damage.
Travelers heading into the mountains are urged to carry emergency supplies including food, water, and a flashlight. Road conditions can be checked through Caltrans at quickmap.dot.ca.gov or by dialing 511.
