A winter storm watch now blankets much of northern California, putting ski resorts, mountain towns and holiday travelers on alert as Presidents Day weekend approaches. The National Weather Service (NWS) warned that drivers heading to and from the Sierra Nevada should expect “major travel impacts” and apply “extreme caution.”
According to the NWS, the watch runs from Sunday evening, Feb. 15, through Wednesday, Feb. 18, and could bring several feet of snow to higher elevations, with lighter accumulations of 1‑2 feet at 3,000‑4,000 feet. The timing coincides with a popular long‑weekend, prompting officials to advise residents to prepare now and consider delaying non‑essential travel.
Best travel window before the snow hits
“Saturday through Sunday morning is going to be the ‘best travel window’ ahead of the incoming cold weather system,” said Dakari Anderson, a National Weather Service meteorologist in the Sacramento office, speaking to the Associated Press. After a quiet Saturday, Anderson expects snowfall to pick up Sunday afternoon, affecting communities situated between 3,000 and 4,000 feet (914‑1,219 m) with 1‑2 feet (30‑60 cm) of snow.
“Our highest (snow) accumulations are going to be in those kind of more hard‑to‑reach places, but we’re still going to see some of those heavier amounts in communities that are populated,” Anderson added.
Snowfall forecasts and the hardest‑hit areas
Higher elevations could see dramatically more snow—potentially 6‑8 feet (1.8‑2.4 m). Anderson highlighted Blue Canyon, an unincorporated community perched at 4,695 feet (1,431 m) and roughly 51 miles (82 km) west of Lake Tahoe, as a likely hotspot for deep accumulations.
The NWS forecast aligns with Caltrans’ winter‑weather bulletin, which warned of “several feet of snow along mountain passes” beginning late Sunday, with early estimates of about 1 foot of snow between 3,000‑4,000 feet and 4‑8 feet at higher elevations Caltrans District 3 release. Wind gusts could reach 55 mph, and chain controls may become mandatory.
In the Greater Lake Tahoe basin, the NWS expects 18‑30 inches (1½‑2½ ft) of snow in the basin and 2‑5 feet along the Sierra crest, with the heaviest rates projected for late Monday into Tuesday 2News report. Winds may gust 35‑45 mph in valleys and exceed 100 mph on the ridge.
Local authorities issue warnings
The City of South Lake Tahoe posted a warning on its Facebook page urging residents that if they drive on Monday they should “expect delays, possible road closures, and whiteout conditions.”
Similarly, the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office used its Facebook feed to remind residents to take advantage of the clear weather on Saturday and ready themselves for the approaching storm. “It has seemed ‘spring‑like’ for a large part of 2026, but winter is set to reveal it’s not quite done yet,” the agency posted.
Both agencies stress the importance of carrying chains, keeping fuel tanks full, and packing extra supplies such as snacks, water, blankets and flashlights in case of extended delays or emergencies.
What drivers and residents should do
Motorists traveling through the Sierra are encouraged to check the latest NWS forecasts and Caltrans QuickMap for road conditions, chain requirements and real‑time closures. Caltrans advises that anyone heading into the mountains preserve a full tank of gas or a full charge on electric vehicles, and carry chains, extra food, water, a blanket and a flashlight.
Drivers in the valleys should also be prepared for isolated thunderstorms and up to 2‑3 inches of rain, which could cause localized flooding and further slow traffic. Functional headlights and windshield wipers are essential, and flooded roads should be avoided.
The winter storm is expected to linger for several days, with the potential to affect western Nevada and southern Oregon as well.
Looking ahead
The next official update from the National Weather Service is scheduled for late Sunday afternoon, with additional outlooks expected Wednesday evening as the watch expires. Residents and travelers should monitor those updates and adjust plans accordingly.
Stay safe, stay informed, and share your experiences in the comments below.
