Placer 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 Nevada and southern Cascades above 5000 feet, including Highway 50, Interstate 80 and Lassen National Park.
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 Tuesday 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 Tuesday morning through Tuesday afternoon. Heavier snow showers could result in locally greater snow totals. Isolated lightning is also possible along the Sierra crest Tuesday 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 Monday 04/20 11:00 AM PDT – Monday 04/20 10:00 PM PDT
Issued by NWS Reno NV
What
Southwest winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph on northeast California and eastern Sierra lakes, including Lake Tahoe where wave heights of 1 to 3 feet are expected.
Where
Greater Lake Tahoe Area, Lassen-Eastern Plumas-Eastern Sierra Counties, and Mono County.
When
Until 10 PM PDT this evening.
Impacts
Small boats, kayaks and paddle boards will be prone to capsizing and should remain off lake waters until conditions improve.
Additional Details
Impacted lakes include Eagle Lake, Lake Davis, Frenchman Lake, Stampede and Boca reservoirs, Donner Lake, Lake Tahoe, Bridgeport Reservoir, Mono Lake, and Crowley Lake.
What to do
Check lake conditions before heading out and be prepared for a sudden increase in winds and wave heights. Consider postponing boating activities on the lake until a day with less wind.
Areas impacted
- Lassen-Eastern Plumas-Eastern Sierra Counties
- Greater Lake Tahoe Area
- Mono
- Greater Lake Tahoe Area
Tips to stay safe
A Lake Wind Advisory means that strong winds are happening now or soon, and will cause rough waters on area lakes.
Boaters should use extra caution.
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 Watch
Created by the NWS Sacramento WFO
With periods of moderate to heavy snow possible Tuesday into Wednesday, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect from 2 am Tuesday, April 21 through 5 pm Wednesday, April 22, 2026 for Sierra/southern Cascades locations above 5000 feet.
Lake Wind Advisory Today
Created by the NWS Reno WFO
Gusty winds will produce choppy lake waters and hazardous boating conditions across most area lakes on Monday. A Lake Wind Advisory has been issued, going in effect until 10 PM Monday night.
Seven-day weather risk overview
Daily weather risk summary
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