Rain returns to Sacramento Valley, Sierra hit with early snow

By Nicholas Merianos

An early-season storm has brought the first significant snow of the season to much of the Sierra and soaking rains to the Northern California foothills and Sacramento Valley. 

Here’s what to know.

Sierra Snow

A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for elevations above 6,500 feet through Wednesday morning. 

A Winter Weather Advisory was also issued for the eastern slope of the Sierra, to include Truckee and South Lake Tahoe.

Snow showers gradually filled in through Monday morning and were heaviest late Monday evening, with varying intensities expected throughout Tuesday.

Areas above 6,500 feet of elevation and of the western slope, such as Donner Pass and Soda Springs, could get up to around 3-6 inches of snow by Wednesday. The Central Sierra, closer to Yosemite National Park, could get 1-2 feet of snow by then.

The timing of the heaviest snow will drastically affect the snow forecast. Heaviest snow before sunset will mean less accumulation compared to overnight. The sun angle and temperatures affect accumulation, especially for October events.

Sacramento Valley rain

Rain started moving into the Sacramento area early Monday afternoon, with a slight chance of thunderstorms embedded within the rain bands. Widespread high wind wasn’t anticipated at this time. 

The heaviest rain in the valley moved through later Monday evening, with areas of rain continuing into Tuesday, tapering to showers by Tuesday afternoon. 

Widespread rainfall totals will be about 1-1.5″ with localized amounts up to 2″ possible, especially where thunderstorms develop.

Road conditions

The snow led to Caltrans issuing its first chain controls of the season over on Highway 50 at Echo Summit near South Lake Tahoe. Chains are required between the Kyburz area and Meyers.

Over on I-80, chains were required on all vehicles between Kingvale and the Donner Lake Interchange.

Find up-to-date details from Caltrans on road conditions here.