California’s Sierra Nevada Braces for Extreme Winter Storm With Over 100 Inches of Snow Forecast in Coming Days
CALIFORNIA — A powerful and potentially historic winter storm is expected to slam the Sierra Nevada over the next several days, with forecast models indicating that some high-elevation areas could receive more than 100 inches of snowfall, creating dangerous travel conditions and widespread disruptions across the region.
Latest model data shows a long, concentrated corridor of intense snowfall developing along the Sierra crest, with accumulations steadily increasing from northern to central portions of the range. The storm is not expected to be a short-lived event — instead, it will deliver multiple rounds of heavy snow, allowing totals to build rapidly over time.
Forecast Models Signal Extreme Snow Accumulation
According to the latest GFS snowfall projections, much of the Sierra Nevada will see exceptionally heavy snow, especially at higher elevations where cold air and sustained moisture overlap.
Several zones are projected to exceed 80 inches, while the most favored areas could surpass 100 inches before the system exits. These totals place the storm well above average for a single event and elevate concerns for infrastructure, transportation, and emergency response.
“This is a prolonged, high-impact winter storm rather than a quick-moving system,” forecasters note based on current guidance.
Areas Expected to Be Most Impacted
The heaviest snowfall is expected along the Sierra crest, where terrain-enhanced snowfall will maximize accumulations. Mountain passes, resort corridors, and remote communities are likely to experience the most severe conditions.
Lower elevations will see reduced totals, but snow may still fall heavy enough near key passes to trigger closures and extended chain controls. Snowfall rates could become intense at times, reducing visibility and making travel extremely hazardous.
Major Travel Disruptions and Safety Risks Ahead
As snowfall intensifies, mountain travel is expected to become dangerous or impossible, especially during peak accumulation periods. Road crews may struggle to keep up with snowfall rates, increasing the likelihood of prolonged closures.
Primary concerns include:
- Highway shutdowns across Sierra passes
- Vehicles becoming stranded in whiteout conditions
- Power outages caused by heavy, dense snow
- Rising avalanche danger in backcountry and steep terrain
“Once snowfall rates ramp up, conditions can deteriorate very quickly,” emergency officials routinely warn during storms of this magnitude.
Why This Storm Stands Out
While heavy snow is not unusual in the Sierra Nevada, the duration and intensity of this event make it particularly significant. Continuous moisture feed over multiple days allows snow to pile up relentlessly, pushing totals into extreme territory even for mountain standards.
Storms capable of delivering 100 inches of snow in a short time window are relatively rare and often leave long-lasting impacts.
What Residents and Travelers Should Do
Officials urge anyone living in or traveling through the Sierra Nevada to prepare now. Avoid non-essential travel, stock emergency supplies, and closely monitor weather and road updates as conditions evolve.
As this storm unfolds, the Sierra Nevada faces one of the most impactful snow events of the season, with effects likely to linger well beyond the final snowfall.
Residents and travelers are strongly advised to stay weather-aware and follow all guidance from local and state authorities.