Winter Weather — West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada, California
2017-09-21 to 2017-09-22 · West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada, California
1
Direct deaths
Event narrative
An unusually early season snow storm brought slippery Sierra road conditions above 5500 feet. Snow was 6 inches deep at Sugar Bowl Ski Resort. I80 was held several times due to collisions, including a major accident involving 16 vehicles. One driver was killed in this accident. At Ebbetts Pass there were 6 ill-prepared hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail who were rescued by a deputy sheriff.
Wider weather episode
An unusually cold storm system brought accumulating snow to the Sierra, impacting travel and closing seasonal passes.
Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 715218. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.