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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 16 June 2026 by the Canada Perspective Weather Desk. Data from Environment and Climate Change Canada and other national met services via Open-Meteo.
If you have travel plans to the Sierra Nevada or the mountains of eastern California and western Nevada in the coming days, delay non-essential trips and prepare for a powerful winter storm. A widespread winter weather alert covers the region through mid-week, bringing heavy snow, strong winds and near-zero visibility in the passes.
Which areas are under the winter weather alert?
The alert stretches from the Lake Tahoe basin and the Sierra Nevada range eastward into the Great Basin of Nevada. Communities from Truckee and South Lake Tahoe to Reno and Carson City are included, along with higher elevations along Interstate 80 and Highway 395. The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories for this corridor.
What conditions should travellers expect?
Snowfall totals of 30 to 60 centimetres are forecast above 2 000 metres, with local amounts up to 90 centimetres in the highest peaks. Winds gusting 80 to 110 km/h will cause whiteout conditions and drifting snow. Temperatures will drop 10 to 15 degrees below seasonal norms, making road surfaces icy and hazardous overnight.
Is this alert related to a polar vortex?
No. This storm is driven by a deep Pacific trough pulling cold air southward, not a displacement of the polar vortex. The event is intense but typical for the Sierra Nevada in midwinter.
Should I cancel my trip to Lake Tahoe?
If you are not already in the area, consider postponing travel until roads are cleared and alerts are lifted. Chain controls and highway closures are likely. Local ski resorts may have reduced operations.
How long will the storm last?
The heaviest snow is expected from late Tuesday through Wednesday. Conditions should improve by Thursday afternoon, though lingering flurries and icy roads may persist into the weekend.