In Pictures: California's Mountain Towns Covered in Over 7 Feet of Snow
Explore the aftermath of a massive blizzard that blanketed California's mountain towns and ski resorts in several feet of snow, leading to extensive digging and road closures.
California's mountain towns and ski resorts are currently in the process of clearing out snow following a massive blizzard that covered them and main roads with several feet of snow.
The storm hit California's mountains for several days before finally ending on Monday. The worst conditions were seen in the highest parts of the Sierra Nevada, where more than 7 feet of snow fell and wind gusts exceeded 170 mph.
Additional snow is forecasted to fall in the high elevations of Northern California and the Pacific Northwest until Wednesday due to a new storm moving into the region. However, the amounts are not expected to be as significant as the recent weekend's massive storm.
Patrons enter Jax At The Tracks diner past snow drifts in downtown Truckee, California, on March 3, 2024.
Patrons enter Jax At The Tracks diner past snow drifts in downtown Truckee, California, on March 3, 2024.
Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group via AP
Even a small amount of extra snow could make travel more difficult in the area.
A section of Interstate 80 in California, spanning 70 miles near the Nevada border, has been shut down for over two days due to drivers getting stuck on Friday night. The closure is still in effect as of Monday morning, but there is a possibility that it may reopen later today, according to the state's transportation authority.
Some parts of routes 49, 70, 88, and 108 in the Sierra Nevada were still closed on Monday. Due to blowing snow and low visibility, sections of I-580 and Route 395 in Nevada were also closed on Monday morning.
In the South Lake Tahoe area, where 3 to 5 feet of snow fell, a snowslide trapped vehicles and temporarily closed Highway 50 in California on Sunday morning. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and road crews swiftly reopened the highway, according to officials.
In some areas that usually love lots of snow, the heavy snow and strong winds caused serious issues that lasted a long time.
On Saturday, March 2, 2024, a big snow drift was uncovered behind a door.
The team at Sugar Bowl Resort faced challenges on Sunday as numerous ski fields and chairlifts had to be closed due to extreme weather conditions. This closure also affected other nearby resorts such as Palisades Tahoe, Sierra-at-Tahoe, and Mammoth. As a result, many of these facilities will continue to remain closed on Monday while crews work to clear the snow.
Palisades Tahoe, after receiving 8 feet of snow, is set to open on Monday as announced by the resort on Sunday. The strong winds at Alpine Peak reached up to 171 mph on Saturday, and nearby areas experienced gusts over 140 mph, leading to the closure of the resort.
In addition, nearby high elevations saw even heavier snowfall. The Sugar Bowl Ski Resort near Donner Peak reported a total of 87 inches (7.25 feet) of snow from Friday to Sunday.
Snow blocks the door of the maintenance shop of the ski resort Sierra-at-Tahoe on Friday, March 1, 2024.
Snow blocks the door of the maintenance shop of the ski resort Sierra-at-Tahoe on Friday, March 1, 2024.
Sierra-at-Tahoe
Sierra-at-Tahoe, a ski resort in Twin Bridges, recently shared photos with CNN showing the aftermath of a heavy snowfall. The images depicted snow piled up against the maintenance shop door and a car in the guest parking area completely buried under the snow that fell overnight.
The resort was blanketed with at least 5 feet of snow, with strong winds creating even taller piles known as snow drifts.
Snow completely engulfs a guest's car at the ski resort Sierra-at-Tahoe on Friday, March 1, 2024.
Snow completely engulfs a guest's car at the ski resort Sierra-at-Tahoe on Friday, March 1, 2024.
Sierra-at-Tahoe
The daunting forecast wasn’t enough to dissuade some travelers from hitting the road during the worst conditions.
The main road to Mammoth Mountain ski resort, US 395, experienced severe snowy and windy conditions on Friday. The highway patrol office in Truckee reported a large number of vehicles stuck over Donner Summit, with some motorists requiring rescue. As a result, the road had to be closed.
The snowfall was extremely heavy, accompanied by strong winds that made it difficult for even rescue crews to assist those who were trapped. In fact, the crews themselves ended up facing a similar predicament due to the intense weather conditions.
The highway patrol mentioned that emergency personnel and tow trucks faced challenges reaching motorists during the blizzard conditions.
On Saturday afternoon, the California Highway Patrol shared a picture of one of their cars stuck in the snow.
The winter storm in Northern California caused damage to the equipment used by crews to clear snow from the roads. According to California Department of Transportation officials, only two out of 10 blowers at the central hub in Kingvale and six out of 20 from Auburn to the Nevada state line are currently operational.
Crews clear trees along Donner Lake, where power was lost due to the storm Saturday, March 2, 2024, in Truckee, California.
Crews clear trees along Donner Lake, where power was lost due to the storm Saturday, March 2, 2024, in Truckee, California.
Brooke Hess-Homeier/AP
Editor's P/S:
The relentless blizzard that has pummeled California's mountain towns and ski resorts is a stark reminder of nature's raw power. The sheer volume of snow and the extreme wind gusts have created treacherous conditions, making travel and everyday life a challenge. It is heartening to know that no injuries have been reported so far, but the ongoing efforts to clear the snow and repair damaged infrastructure are a testament to the resilience of these communities.
The closure of major highways and the disruption of essential services highlight the importance of preparedness and heeding weather warnings. The images of vehicles trapped in snowdrifts and the challenges faced by rescue crews serve as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers of traveling during severe winter storms. While the snow may bring joy to skiers and snowboarders, it is crucial to prioritize safety and avoid unnecessary risks during such extreme weather events.
