Heavy Mountain Snow Expected to Impact Travel

MARYSVILLE – Caltrans is alerting motorists about the next round of winter weather, which is expected to heavily impact travel across the Sierra Nevada starting tonight.

The National Weather Service (NWS) forecast calls for 1 to 3 feet of snow above 4,000 feet and wind gusts up to 65 mph. A Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 11 p.m. Tuesday through 11 p.m. Thursday. Lingering showers are expected Friday with snow levels dropping to around 1,500 feet early in the morning. Crews are also watching the forecast for the weekend and early next week for additional snow accumulation.

Motorists should be prepared for chain controls, additional travel times and delays. Caltrans advises to make sure your vehicle has a full tank of gas or full charge, chains, and extra supplies in the event of an emergency or if traffic is held for an extended period of time. Those supplies should include extra snacks, water, a blanket and a flashlight. Chain controls should be anticipated.

In the Sacramento Valley and Delta, the forecast calls for 0.5 to 1 inch of rain and up to 1.5 inches within the northern valley and foothills. The NWS has issued a Wind Advisory from 8 p.m. Tuesday through 11 p.m. Wednesday with gusts up to 45 to 55 mph expected.

Motorists traveling in the Valley should be prepared for wet weather, additional travel times and delays. Caltrans advises that vehicles have properly functioning headlights and windshield wipers and not to drive through flooded roads.

For additional information motorists are encouraged to check the NWS forecast for any updates and Caltrans’ QuickMap before traveling for current road conditions and chain requirements or download the QuickMap app from the App Store or Google Play. Road information is also available on Caltrans’ website or by calling the California Highway Information Network automated phone service at 1-800-427-ROAD (7623).

Caltrans District 3 is responsible for maintaining and operating 4,385 lane miles in 11 Sacramento Valley and Northern Sierra counties. The department will issue updates on X @CaltransDist3 and on Facebook CaltransDistrict3.