California blizzard leaves residents tunneling out with more snow on the way: Live

Communities across the region were digging out after snow reached up to roof lines in some towns

100mph Winds And 12ft Of Snow Expected In California Storm

Snow continued to fall across parts of California and Nevada on Tuesday after a blizzard dumped up to 10ft of snow, shutting down major highways for three days and trapping people in their homes.

Isolated, light snow showers would continue across the Sierra Nevada until Thursday morning, the National Weather Service reported, but drier and warmer conditions were expected by the end of the week.

Communities across the region were digging out after snow reached up to roof lines in some towns, and trapped people inside. More than 7,500 customers remained without power in some California counties, according to utility tracker poweroutage.us.

Localized, heavy rainfall is expected on Tuesday for northern California with downpours moving into southern California on Wednesday. Due a recent glut of atmospheric rivers hitting the state, there will be the threat of isolated flash flooding, NWS reported.

Key Points

• Yosemite National Park to close as officials warn of 7 feet of snow
• Sierra Nevada area could experience life-threatening conditions
• Areas with winter storm warnings and advisories

[5 March 2024 02:33 · Louise Boyle]

Blizzard forces Lake Tahoe ski resorts to close

The dangerous blizzard conditions in northern California forced many ski resorts to close this past weekend, with some posting cautious re-opening schedules on Monday. Bear Valley, Boreal Mountain and Woodward Tahoe and Donner Ski Ranch were among the resorts which closed due to too much snow, high winds and generally unsafe conditions.

[5 March 2024 02:03 · Louise Boyle]

California’s extreme storm: The latest

A powerful blizzard that closed highways and ski resorts had moved through the Sierra Nevada by early Monday, but forecasters warned that more snow was on the way for the Northern California mountains.

A long stretch of Interstate 80 from west of Lake Tahoe over Donner Summit to the Nevada state line finally reopened to all but big rigs late Monday morning, but chains or snow tires were required, the California Highway Patrol’s Truckee office said. Closures or chain requirements also affected other highways.

More than 7 feet (2.1 meters) of snow fell in some locations and fierce winds lashed the Sierra over the weekend.

The last blizzard warnings expired before dawn Monday, leaving a few light Sierra showers, but winter storm warnings were issued for a new, less powerful system due to arrive later in the day and last into Tuesday night, the National Weather Service said. (Associated Press)

[5 March 2024 01:31 · Louise Boyle]

Avalanche danger

The Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center warned that there was “considerable” avalanche danger through Tuesday morning at 7am, local time.

“Unstable wind slabs ranging in size and sensitivity are today’s primary concern. The weak layers near the base of our snowpack may still be adjusting to the new snow load,” the avalanche center report read.

“Avoiding steep, wind affected slopes and overhead hazard is the best way to minimize your exposure today.”

Eastern Sierras backcountry avalanche report on 4 March, 2024 (Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center)

[5 March 2024 00:30 · Louise Boyle]

Yosemite National Park re-opens

Yosemite National Park reopened on Sunday after asking visitors to leave the area on Thursday evening.

The popular park was widely impacted by the blizzard, receiving 45 inches of snow in in places.

[4 March 2024 20:50 · Louise Boyle]

Satellites capture the mammoth snowfall on the west coast

Blizzards clobbered the Sierra Nevada Mountains region over the weekend, along with winter storm conditions and strong wind gusts extending across much of the western United States to the edge of the Rocky Mountains, the CIRA research group at Colorado State University posted.

The satellite imagery captured the thick snow bands shifting across the US west.

[4 March 2024 17:03 · Louise Boyle]

Massive mudslide in southern California

A massive mudslide has blocked State Route 150 in the small Southern California town of Santa Paula, transport officials reported on Sunday.

California’s Department of Transportation shared a photo of the slide and said that they were working to open the highway “ASAP” in the town, halfway between Santa Barbara and Malibu.

Southern California has experienced hundreds of landslides this winter after a series of atmospheric rivers slammed the state.

The mudslide in Santa Paula, California pictured on 3 March, 2024 (CalTrans)