Late-Season Winter Storm Threatens Sierra Nevada with 4 Feet of Snow and 80 MPH Winds

Key facts

• Snowfall of 1-2 feet above 6,000 feet, up to 3-4 feet on highest peaks.
• Wind gusts up to 80 MPH along the Sierra crest.
• Chain requirements for most vehicles above 5,000 feet, including AWD/4WD.
• I-80 (Donner Pass) and Highway 50 (Echo Summit) face multi-hour closures from Sunday night into Monday.
• Moisture intensity about 90% above seasonal norms, per Weather Prediction Center.
• Winter storm warnings in effect for Teller County until Friday noon and for Sangre de Cristos and Wet Mountains until midnight Friday.
• Snow accumulation of 8-16 inches expected in Sangre de Cristo and Wet mountains.

Blizzard Conditions Descend on Sierra Nevada

A powerful late-season winter storm is barreling into the western United States, threatening to bury the Sierra Nevada under up to four feet of snow and unleash hurricane-force winds. a Pacific low ejecting onshore will drive moisture intensity roughly 90 percent above seasonal norms, setting the stage for extreme conditions through Tuesday. Snow will begin falling at elevations above 7,000 feet, then crash to 4,500 feet by Tuesday morning. Above 6,000 feet, accumulations of one to two feet are expected, with three to four feet possible on the highest peaks. Wind gusts along the Sierra crest will reach 50 to 70 MPH, locally up to 80 MPH, creating blizzard-like whiteout conditions.

Major Highways Face Extended Closures

Travel across the central Sierra is expected to become perilous, with two critical arteries—Interstate 80 over Donner Pass and Highway 50 over Echo Summit—facing multi-hour closures from Sunday night into Monday. If both routes shut simultaneously, no realistic alternative paths exist across the central Sierra, stranding motorists and disrupting commerce. Chain requirements will likely begin for most vehicles at elevations above 5,000 feet. Even all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive vehicles equipped with snow tires may be compelled to install chains depending on the severity of conditions. Officials urge drivers to avoid travel if possible and to prepare for extended delays.

Colorado Mountains Under Winter Storm Warnings

In Colorado, winter storm warnings remain in effect for the Sangre de Cristo and Wet mountains until midnight Friday, with heavy snow accumulations of 8 to 16 inches expected, highest on east-facing slopes. A winter weather advisory is in effect until noon Friday for elevations above 8,500 feet, where 5 to 10 inches of snow could make travel difficult over mountain passes due to wet, slushy, and snowpacked roads. Teller County is under a winter storm warning until noon Friday, with an additional 4 to 8 inches forecast, and spots like Monument and Castle Rock expecting 1 to 2 inches. Travel on I-25 may be impacted. Temperatures in Colorado Springs will dip to 33 degrees Friday morning before warming to the 60s and 70s over the weekend.

Western Slope Sees Mixed Conditions

On the Western Slope, valleys will see mostly sunny to partly cloudy skies with a slight chance of rain, while higher elevations face isolated snow above 8,500 feet and rain throughout the day. Daytime highs in the valleys will range from the low 60s to high 60s, with wind gusts of 20 to 25 MPH possible. Overnight lows will drop to the low 30s to low 40s. Friday is expected to be mostly dry in the valleys, with isolated rain and snow chances for higher elevations that could spill into the valleys. High temperatures will again range from low 60s to high 60s. The weekend brings warming trends, with highs reaching the 60s and 70s and mostly sunny skies.

Weekend Warm-Up Followed by More Rain

Saturday will be mostly sunny in the valleys, with partly cloudy skies in Cortez and an isolated chance for leftover showers at higher elevations. Highs will range from the high 60s to low 70s. Sunday brings partly cloudy skies across most of the Western Slope, with highs from low to high 70s. Rain chances return Monday morning for most of the Western Slope, accompanied by partly cloudy skies and wind gusts of 20 to 30 MPH. Temperatures will range from low to high 70s. Rain chances continue into Tuesday and Wednesday morning, with highs from high 60s to low 70s and partly cloudy skies.

Precise Snowfall Forecasts and Travel Hazards

The storm's impact will be highly elevation-dependent. In the Sierra Nevada, snow levels start at 7,000 feet and drop to 4,500 feet by Tuesday morning. Above 6,000 feet, one to two feet is expected, with three to four feet on the highest peaks. Wind gusts of 50 to 70 MPH, locally 80 MPH, will create blizzard conditions. In Colorado, the Sangre de Cristo and Wet mountains are most affected, with 8 to 16 inches of snow, highest on east-facing slopes. The winter storm warning there expires at midnight Friday. For areas above 8,500 feet, a winter weather advisory warns of 5 to 10 inches of snow, making travel hazardous over passes like Vail Pass to the continental divide at the front range.

Stakes for Travelers and Infrastructure

The simultaneous closure of I-80 and Highway 50 would sever the central Sierra, leaving no realistic detour. Chain requirements above 5,000 feet apply to all vehicles, including those with all-wheel or four-wheel drive. Motorists are advised to carry chains, blankets, food, and water in case of prolonged delays. In Colorado, the combination of snow, slush, and ice on mountain passes poses significant risks. The storm's late-season timing means many drivers may be unprepared for winter conditions. Authorities emphasize that even with warming temperatures over the weekend, the immediate threat of heavy snow and high winds remains acute through Friday night.

The bottom line

• Sierra Nevada faces up to 4 feet of snow and 80 MPH winds through Tuesday, with blizzard conditions likely.
• I-80 and Highway 50 may close simultaneously, leaving no alternative routes across the central Sierra.
• Chain requirements above 5,000 feet apply to all vehicles, including AWD/4WD.
• Colorado mountains under winter storm warnings until Friday night, with 8-16 inches of snow expected.
• Weekend warming trend follows the storm, but rain and snow chances persist into early next week.
• Travel is strongly discouraged in affected areas; drivers should prepare for extended delays and hazardous conditions.