District: District 3 - Marysville
Contact: Raquel Borrayo (530) 701-5209; Steve Nelson (530) 701-9459
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARYSVILLE – Sierra snow and valley rain will return this weekend, according to the National Weather Service, and Caltrans is advising motorists to be prepared for winter driving conditions.
Precipitation is forecast to start north of Interstate 80 Friday evening and then become widespread overnight. Snow levels are expected to start at 4,000 feet and then rise to over 7,000 feet Saturday afternoon. Another system will arrive Sunday, with more rain and high-elevation snow lingering into Monday.
Donner Pass over Interstate 80 and Echo Summit over U.S. Highway 50 are expected to receive 4-6 inches of snow and the Sacramento Valley area .50 inches of rain this weekend. Sierra ski resorts remain open during the state’s COVID-19 pandemic “stay-at-home” order but have modified business practices to comply with health guidelines. The order prohibits hotels and lodging resorts from accepting or honoring any reservations except those related to critical infrastructure support for the next three weeks.
Caltrans reminds drivers to winterize vehicles by ensuring tires are properly inflated and have good tread, and to stock up with water, blankets, snacks, a flashlight and a full tank of gas before mountain travel. Further tips for safe winter driving and information about chain controls can be found at Winter Driving Tips.
Check out Caltrans' “QuickMap” for current road conditions and chain requirements or download the free QuickMap app on the App Store or Google Play. Motorists also can call the California Highway Information Network automated phone service at 1-800-427-ROAD (7623).
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