Snow and Rain to Impact Sierra Travel

RENO, Nev. (Dec. 23, 2025) — A powerful winter storm system will deliver feet of snow to Sierra ski resorts just in time for Christmas, while also creating hazardous travel conditions across mountain passes this week.

Forecasters predict that Monday will bring widespread rain to the Sierra and periods of rain to the Truckee Meadows, with snow possible above 7,000 feet. Rain totals may exceed one inch in the Tahoe Basin, where a Flood Watch remains in effect through 4 p.m. Monday.

Heavier rain bands developed south of Lake Tahoe Monday morning, with higher rainfall totals in Carson City and Washoe Valley. The showers tapered off Monday evening, though spotty showers lingered north into Spanish Springs.

Travel conditions improved Tuesday and over the weekend, but roads will remain wet and sloppy. Expect heavy snow in the Sierra late tonight, through Friday, bringing significant travel impacts during the Christmas holiday.

Snow totals from Tuesday through Friday could range from 1 to 2 feet at lake level in the Tahoe Basin, with 2 to 4 feet possible above 7,000 feet.

Snow may also reach the foothills late Wednesday night into Christmas morning. The snow will be dense and heavy.

Chain controls are already in place on Mt. Rose Highway, Interstate 80 over Donner Summit, Kingsbury Grade, State Route 267, and U.S. Highway 50. Additional controls and delays are likely as snowfall intensifies.

Snow levels will gradually lower throughout the week, dropping from around 7,000 to 8,000 feet to near 5,000 feet by Friday. Foothill communities have about a 50 percent chance of seeing a white Christmas, while lower elevations have roughly a 30 percent chance of snowfall early Thursday.

Wind speeds will be lighter compared to earlier storms, but could still reduce visibility in areas experiencing rain or snow, including Washoe Valley, Donner Pass, Highway 50, and Mt. Rose Highway.

Storm impacts from rain and mountain snow will be low on Tuesday, then high by Wednesday and Thursday as heavy snow returns to the Sierra. A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for the Tahoe Basin from tonight through Friday morning, while a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect above 8,000 feet through early Monday afternoon.

Drivers planning travel over the Sierra should monitor conditions closely, carry chains, and allow extra time.