Alpine County, CA
Alerts
Alerts are listed in order of start time and level of severity. Click on the alert title to read details for each alert.
In effect from Tuesday 04/21 2:00 AM PDT – Wednesday 04/22 5:00 PM PDT
Issued by NWS Sacramento CA
What
Heavy snow likely above 5000 feet. Total snow accumulations of up to 12 to 18 inches, with up to 2 feet at the highest peaks. Minor accumulations of up to 2 inches possible down to 4500 feet. Southwest winds could gust as high as 50 mph.
Where
Sierra (El Dorado-Amador) Above 5000 ft, Lassen Volcanic NP, Sierra (Cal-Tuo) Above 5000 ft, Sierra (Sierra-Placer) Above 5000 ft, and Sierra (Tehama-Plumas) Above 3000 ft Counties.
When
From 2 AM Tuesday to 5 PM PDT Wednesday.
Impacts
Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday and Wednesday commutes.
Additional Details
Snow levels initially 6000 to 7000 feet tonight, lowering to 5500 to 6500 feet Tuesday, and down to 4500 to 5500 feet Wednesday. Heaviest snowfall expected Tuesday afternoon and evening with snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour.
What to do
Check the latest road conditions from Caltrans online at quickmap.dot.ca.gov or dial 5 1 1.
Areas impacted
- Lassen Volcanic National Park
- Sierra Nevada of Tehama-Butte-Plumas Counties Above 3000 ft
- Sierra Nevada of Sierra-Nevada-Placer Counties Above 5000 ft Including Interstate 80
- Sierra Nevada of El Dorado-Amador-Northern Alpine Counties Above 5000 ft Including Highway 50
- Sierra Nevada of Calaveras-Tuolumne-Southern Alpine Counties Above 5000 ft
Tips to stay safe
A Winter Storm Warning means that a dangerous winter storm is expected, making travel difficult or impossible. Take immediate action to prepare your home, vehicle and family.
- Avoid travel if possible. If you must travel, check road conditions and closures before you leave, and make sure you have an emergency kit in your car. Make sure you have a full tank of gas and/or a fully charged battery.
- Stock emergency supplies in your home before the storm hits. Include food, water, essential medications, flashlights and batteries.
- Make sure that pets and other animals have plenty of food and water, and access to a warm shelter.
- If using heat from a fireplace or wood stove, make sure it is properly ventilated. Never use a gas range or oven to heat your home. If using a generator, it should be placed outdoors, at a distance from the home.
- If stuck in your vehicle, stay there and contact the authorities for help. Run the motor about 10 minutes per hour for heat, but open the windows just a little for fresh air.
In effect from Tuesday 04/21 5:00 AM PDT – Wednesday 04/22 5:00 PM PDT
Issued by NWS Reno NV
What
Heavy snow above 6500 feet. Snow accumulations of 4 to 10 inches above 6500 feet with 12 to 18 inches along highest mountain peaks. 1 to 4 inches of snow possible at lake level, highest on the western shores. Wind gusts of 30 to 35 mph across lower elevations, including Lake Tahoe where wave heights reach 1 to 3 feet. Ridgetop winds gusting up to 90 mph at times.
Where
Greater Lake Tahoe Area.
When
From 5 AM early this morning to 5 PM PDT Wednesday.
Impacts
Travel could be very difficult through Sierra passes. The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday and Wednesday commutes. Strong winds could cause damage to trees and power lines.
Additional Details
Heaviest snowfall expected late today morning through this afternoon. Heavier snow showers could result in locally greater snow totals. Isolated lightning is also possible along the Sierra crest today and Wednesday afternoons.
What to do
Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.
Areas impacted
- Greater Lake Tahoe Area
- Greater Lake Tahoe Area
Tips to stay safe
A Winter Weather Advisory means that your area can expect or is seeing some amount of snow, ice, or sleet. Weather conditions may be inconvenient or even dangerous.
- Plan for any travel to take extra time.
- Slow down and use caution while driving.
- Stay tuned for updates here or through local radio and news.
In effect from Tuesday 04/21 5:00 AM PDT – Wednesday 04/22 5:00 PM PDT
Issued by NWS Reno NV
The Winter Storm Watch has been replaced. Please see the latest information from NWS Reno NV on this developing situation.
What to do
Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.
Areas impacted
- Greater Lake Tahoe Area
- Greater Lake Tahoe Area
Tips to stay safe
A Winter Storm Watch means that the area could see a significant winter storm, including sleet, heavy snow, ice, or some combination. Take action now to prepare your home, vehicle and family.
- Make sure you have an emergency kit in your car, and emergency supplies in your home. These should include food, water, essential medications, and spare phone chargers.
- Try to avoid travel when winter weather is expected. If you must drive in the snow, make sure you have a full tank of gas and/or a fully charged battery. Go slowly and keep your distance from other vehicles.
- Make sure that pets and other animals have plenty of food and water, and access to a warm shelter.
- Stay tuned for updates here or through local radio and news.
From the forecaster
Winter Storm Warning
Created by the NWS Sacramento WFO
With periods of moderate to heavy snow possible Tuesday into Wednesday, a Winter Storm Warning is in effect through 5 pm Wednesday, April 22, 2026 for Sierra/southern Cascades locations above 5000 feet.
Winter Weather Advisory
Created by the NWS Reno WFO
A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for the Greater Lake Tahoe region and Mono County as a spring storm brings heavy snow and strong/gusty winds Tuesday morning through Wednesday.
Seven-day weather risk overview
Daily weather risk summary
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