Sierra Nevada Winter Storm Watch

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the Sierra Nevada from late Saturday night through Sunday evening.

A low pressure system will drop southward out of the Gulf of Alaska and through Northern California late Saturday night and Sunday. This colder weather system will drop snow levels down to near 6,000 feet by Sunday morning. Gusty winds are also likely on Sunday, compounding the Sierra travel impacts.

The main impacts will be slick roads due to snow. Unprepared travelers may experience very long delays. Chain restrictions are probable.

Other impacts include the winds gusting up to fifty mph through the passes which could cause poor visibility and difficulty driving.

Total snow accumulations will range from half-a-foot (six inches) to one foot (twelve inches) above 6,000 feet.

A Winter Storm Watch means that there is a potential for significant snow accumulations that may impact travel. Continue to monitor the latest forecasts.