California Blizzard Leaves Sierra Nevada Buried in Snow

A powerful winter storm dumped heavy snow and whipped up fierce winds across Northern California over the weekend, leaving the Sierra Nevada mountain range buried under several feet of snow. Road closures and stranded vehicles highlighted the dangers of traveling during the California blizzard.

Interstate 80 was shut down for over 24 hours after snowdrifts piled up along the highway near the Nevada border. Highway officials reported drivers getting stuck in their cars as near-blizzard conditions set in on Friday night. Snowplow crews have been working around the clock but over 7 feet of snow has fallen in some areas, making it difficult to clear the roads.

At higher elevations, snow totals have exceeded 10 feet in spots with 100 mph wind gusts creating whiteout conditions. The ski resorts in the Tahoe region were forced to close their lifts and delay openings due to the extreme snow and wind. Avalanche warnings are in effect across the Sierra with the heavy snow loading putting backcountry travelers at high risk.

Buried Cars And Downed Trees From Blizzard Winds

“The intensity of the California blizzard is gradually winding down but additional snow showers are expected today,” said the National Weather Service. “Travel is still not advised in the mountains due to ongoing hazards.” While the storm moves out, below freezing temperatures will keep the snow packed down. Crews will have their work cut out for them digging out from the impacts of this powerful winter storm.

“Even our officers sometimes get stuck in the snow!” California Highway Patrol shared on social media along with a photo of one of their cruisers buried up to the windows. High winds brought down tree branches weighed down by wet snow, leaving some rural areas without power. The blizzard conditions overwhelmed plow crews’ ability to keep roads clear.