Winter Storm — West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada, California

2008-12-24 to 2008-12-26 · West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada, California

Event narrative

A winter storm brought snow accumulations of 2 to 3 feet to elevations above 7000 feet accompanied by strong, gusty winds. Snow amounts of a foot or more fell above 6000 feet, with several inches falling at elevations between 3000 and 6000 feet. Blue Canyon received 19 inches of snow, and Echo Peak measured 24 inches. This brought hazardous travel conditions and chain restrictions to area roads such as I-80 and US Highway 50.

A woman was struck by a train on the 25th while hiking with her son on railroad tracks near Soda Springs. Whiteout conditions and snow accumulation made them unaware they were on railroad tracks. She died in a hospital in Truckee from her injuries. Her son was also injured.

Wider weather episode

A winter storm which came in two waves dropped heavy snow over the mountains of interior northern California on the 24th and 25th. The northern Sierra Nevada Mountains received 1 to 3 feet of snow above 6000 feet, with amounts of more than 5 feet reported at Lassen Volcanic National Park. Wind gusts exceeding 60 mph were recorded over higher mountain peaks. The strong wind, coupled with falling snow, brought limited visibilities over the higher mountains. Holiday travel was significantly curtailed with many roads closed for a period of time, including Interstate 80.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 144074. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.