According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the combination of snowfall and gusts reaching as high as90 mph may make travel “very difficult to impossible” in affected regions. Officials have advised residents in certain locations to delay journeys as the system moves through early in the week.
Severe Conditions Expected across California and Nevada Mountain Regions
The most intense impacts are forecast in higher elevations of California’s Sierra Nevada, where snowfall totals could range between 12 and 18 inches, with up to 2 feet possible on the highest peaks. According to the NWS, areas including Kings Canyon, Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks are likely to experience these conditions from Monday night through Wednesday afternoon, alongside winds reaching 75 mph.
Visibility is also expected to deteriorate sharply. The NWS notes that blowing snow may reduce visibility to less than a quarter of a mile at times, particularly along the Sierra Crest. In Mono County, snowfall could reach 18 inches at higher elevations, while lower levels may still see accumulations of up to 4 inches, especially along Highway 395.
Further north, the Sierra Nevada and southern Cascades, including major routes such as Interstate 80 and Highway 50, are also forecast to receive between 12 and 18 inches of snow above 5,000 feet. Winds in these areas could reach 50 mph, compounding already hazardous conditions.
In communities around Lake Tahoe, including Truckee, South Lake Tahoe and Tahoe City, snowfall totals will vary significantly by elevation. According to NWS projections, lake-level areas may receive up to 4 inches, while elevations above 6,500 feet could see up to 10 inches, and the highest peaks up to 18 inches. Ridge-top winds in these areas may reach 90 mph, increasing the likelihood of severe travel disruption.
On the Nevada side of the Tahoe basin, including Incline Village and Stateline, similar conditions are expected. According to the NWS, snowfall totals between 4 and 18 inches are possible along higher ridges, accompanied by similarly strong winds through Wednesday afternoon.
Alaska Regions Face Reduced Visibility and Moderate Snowfall Totals
In Alaska, the storm system presents a different but still disruptive set of conditions. Snowfall totals are generally lower than in California and Nevada, though strong winds and reduced visibility remain key concerns.
The easternNorton Sound and Nulato Hills are forecast to receive up to 4 inches of snow, with gusts reaching 30 mph. According to the NWS, these conditions may reduce visibility to less than half a mile at times, making travel difficult through mid-Monday morning.
Elsewhere, the middle Yukon Valley could see up to 8 inches of snow, while the lower Yukon and Innoko Valleys, along with the upper Kuskokwim Valley, are expected to receive up to 5 inches. Wind speeds in these regions are also forecast to reach 30 mph, contributing to drifting and blowing snow.
In the eastern Alaska Range, snowfall totals between 4 and 12 inches are expected south of Trims Camp, with winds reaching up to 40 mph. According to the NWS, these conditions will persist into Monday afternoon, with similar concerns about visibility and travel safety. Across all affected states, authorities continue to emphasise caution. The combination of snowfall, wind and reduced visibility is expected to create hazardous conditions, particularly in mountainous areas and along key transport routes.
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