District: District 3 - Marysville
Contact: Steve Nelson (530) 701-9459
MARYSVILLE — Winter-like weather returns to the Sierra this weekend, and Caltrans is alerting motorists to be prepared for the changing conditions.
Mountain passes are expected to receive a foot or more of new snow beginning Saturday night. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch from 11 p.m. Saturday to 11 a.m. Monday.
The forecast calls for 12-18 inches of snow over Donner Summit on Interstate 80 and 8-12 inches over Echo Summit on Highway 50. Motorists should be prepared for chain control checkpoints and extended travel times. Snow levels are expected between 4,000 and 5,500 feet.
Rain and windy conditions will impact motorists in the Valley, with a half-inch of rain expected in the Sacramento region and up to 2 inches in the foothills. Rain and snow showers will linger into Monday, with dry and warm weather returning Tuesday through the rest of next week.
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.
Motorists also are reminded to carry traction-control devices in their vehicles as permitted highway chain installers do not sell traction devices. Periods of chain control are anticipated during both storms with posted speed limits of 30 mph on Interstate 80 and 25 mph on U.S. Highway 50 during chain-enforcement periods.
The department will issue traffic updates on Twitter @CaltransDist3 and on Facebook at CaltransDistrict3. Check out Caltrans' “QuickMap” for current road conditions and chain requirements or download the free QuickMap app on the App Store or Google Play.