Winter Storm Warning Issued for California, Major Travel Impacts Expected
Winter hasn't quite come to an end in the Sierras, yet.
A major storm system is moving through the area this week and is expected to produce significant precipitation. The storm is expected to move in starting Tuesday, April 21, and with it bring the possibility of late-season powder skiing and travel delays.
The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a winter storm warning for Tahoe and Mono Counties starting at 5 a.m. on Tuesday and in effect until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22.
The NWS warns of periods of heavy snow, particularly at higher elevations, including on some mountain passes, and strong, potentially damaging winds, particularly on Tuesday afternoon. S Lyon and Mineral counties could see gusts of up to 65mph until 11 p.m. on Tuesday night.
Snow totals in the Tahoe area are expected to be between 12-18 inches at the highest elevations, 4-10" locally, and 1-4" at the Lake.
Travel impacts due to slick roads in the Tahoe Basin and the greater Tahoe/Reno area are expected all day Tuesday and into Wednesday morning. Snow had already begun to fall and stick as of roughly 8 a.m. on Tuesday morning.
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The Sierras and southern Cascades are also expected to be impacted by the storm through Wednesday evening, according to NWS Sacramento.
Elevations above 5,000 feet could see between 12-18 inches of snow and snowfall rates of 1-2" per hour on Tuesday. Winds out of the southwest are also forecasted with gusts of up to 50mph.
Moderate to major travel delays are expected from Downieville northward and southward into Sonora Pass.
Although travel delays are highly likely, it might not be a bad weekend to break the powder skis back out if you're in California.
Palisades Tahoe is forecasting 9-13" of snow between Tuesday, April 21, and Thursday, April 23. Mammoth Mountain could also see 8-12" from the storm.
Both ski areas are still open and spinning lifts.
Related: Midweek Powder Alert: 12+ Inches for Mammoth, Palisades Tahoe
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This story was originally published April 21, 2026 at 2:26 PM.