UPDATE (April 10, 2026): The National Weather Service in Sacramento has upgraded the Winter Storm Watch to a Winter Storm Warning for the West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County, now in effect from Friday evening through Monday afternoon. Snowfall totals have been revised sharply upward, with 1 to 2 feet now expected between 5,000 and 6,000 feet and 2 to 5 feet above 6,000 feet, with locally higher amounts at the peaks.
Wind gusts have also increased to 55 MPH in the mountains, and NWS Sacramento is now explicitly forecasting whiteout conditions at times. Snow levels will drop to 5,000 to 6,000 feet Saturday afternoon, roughly 1,000 feet lower than the original Watch forecast, meaning accumulation will begin earlier on lower-elevation approaches to I-80 and US-50. The Warning now extends through Monday, a full day beyond the original Sunday evening window.
A Flood Watch has also been issued for the Sacramento Valley and Sierra foothills below 4,000 feet due to heavy rain. Drivers should check Caltrans QuickMap or call 511 before attempting any Sierra crossing this weekend…