Winter Storm in West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada, California

Caltrans District 3, ski resorts and UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab reported 5 to 9 feet of heavy snow over a 5 day period. Major highways such as Interstate 80, Highway 50, Highway 88 and Highway 49 had extended closures and chain controls from heavy snow and spin outs. Thousands of power outages were reported from gusty southwest winds and heavy snow, trapping people in their homes without power and running out of gas for generators. There was one accident with 5 injuries at Echo Summit from a spinout. Southwest wind gusts of 40 to 60 mph were observed.

A strong winter storm from Sunday, February 15th into Friday, February 19th brought heavy snow, rain, and gusty winds. This brought from 1 to 7 inches of rain, with totals of around 5 to 9 feet of heavy snow above 5000 feet, 1 to 4 feet from 3500 feet to 5000 feet, and 1 to 12 inches from 500 feet to 3000 feet.

Gusty southerly wind gusts of 25 to 50 mph in the Valley, 40 to 60 mph in the mountains and foothills were recorded. Roads were reported to be flooded, as well as covered with mud and rocks in some mountain and foothill areas. Numerous downed trees were reported during this time, along with mountain highway closures and chain restrictions, with roadway flooding in the Central Valley. Numerous roads were closed from flooding and storm damage in the Valley. Up to 80,000 power outages were reported across the mountain and foothill areas from Butte County down to Tuolumne County for an extended period. There were numerous school closures in the mountains and foothills from the storm. Water storage and pump stations were also impacted, leaving homes without water for an extended period.