Sierra Nevada Road Conditions – Highway California
Winter Snow/ Winter Roads Sierra Nevada:
On rare occasions the Golden State freeway – Interstate 5 can be closed due to snow; N of Valencia on the Grapevine (near Lebec) or more likely up in NorCal (near Shasta).
Interstate 80 (aka Donner Pass) is often closed during big storms. Luckily there are hotels in Auburn or Truckee.
Highway conditions on mountain passes higher than 4000′ elevation can be unpredictable in winter months (Oct-May). It may be fine & just sprinkling @ 2000′, but a few miles up can be a white out. Ask anyone who’s ever driven the infamous Donner Pass in winter time. (more on Donner Party)
Annual Sierra Highway Closures
Where does it Snow in California ?
Okay, okay ….so it’s nothing like those dreaded East Coast winters, but hey, some parts of California do get some serious snow. (see elevations) And the newbies who don’t prepare for it will be sorry. On the winter vacation travels, be prepared for almost anything, especially in the Sierra’s & Northern California.
Snowy towns in California
See California Weather & Road Conditions
California Winter: When does winter actually ‘set in’ for California?
Eastern Sierra CA: OCT- MAY |
Western Sierra CA: NOV- APR |
High Sierra CA: SEPT- MAY |
North Coast CA: OCT- MAY |
Northeast CA: OCT- APR |
The following mountain roads are partially closed or totally closed during winter months. Please check road conditions before you leave for your trip. Chains may be required in most mountain areas of California.
Highway CA | County | Region | Connecting Towns |
Hwy 155 | Kern | Southern Sierra | Alta Sierra – Wofford Heights |
Hwy 190 | Tulare | Western Divide Hwy | Camp Nelson – Ponderosa CA |
M 375 | Tulare | Sequoia NP | Hammond – Mineral King |
Hwy 180 | Tulare | Kings Canyon NP | Hume Lake – Cedar Grove |
Whitney Portal Rd | Inyo | Eastern Sierra | Lone Pine – Mount Whitney |
Onion Valley Road | Inyo | Eastern Sierra | Independence – Onion Valley |
Glacier Lodge Rd | Inyo | Eastern Sierra | Big Pine – Glacier Lodge |
Lake Rd Hwy 168 | Inyo | Bishop Area | Hwy 168 – South Lake |
Hwy 120 | Mariposa | Yosemite NP | Yosemite – Lee Vining CA |
Hwy 120 | Mono | Mono Lake | Lee Vining – Benton Hot Springs |
Hwy 108 | Mono | Eastern Sierra | Dardenelle – Sonora Jct. Hwy.395 |
Hwy 89 | Alpine | Eastern Sierra | Markleeville – Lake Topaz |
Hwy 4 | Alpine | South Lake Tahoe | Lake Alpine – Hwy 89 |
Hwy 44 | Shasta | Lassen Volcanic NP | Manzanita Lake – Mineral CA |