Heavy Snow Warning as 18 Inches, 90 mph Winds Emerge
Spring? Never heard of it.
Well into April the National Weather Service finds itself offering a new series of weather advisories as heavy snowfall accumulations are expected in the Sierra Mountain range.
"Very heavy snow is forecast in the Sierra Nevada region, where totals could reach as high as 12-18 inches on Tuesday and Wednesday," the National Weather Service said."The highest peaks of the mountainous areas could even see up to 2 feet of snow."
"Other higher elevation mountains throughout northern California as well as into the Great Basin and north into the Cascades could also see snow, though with more limited accumulations."
Portions of California, Nevada Bracing for up to 18 Inches of Snow, 90 mph Winds
The Reno office of the National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory for Mono County, including the cities of Mammoth Lakes, Bridgeport, Coleville, and Lee Vining as heavy snow looms.
"Heavy snow above 7,000 feet with snow accumulations of six to 12 inches above 7,000 feet with up to 18 inches on highest mountain peaks," the advisory noted. "One to five inches of snow possible for communities along Highway 395 and Southerly wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph across lower elevations with gusts up to 60 mph in wind prone locations.
The wind gusts along the ridges are expected to reach 90 mph. Given the "potentially damaging winds" and heavy snowfall the NWS issued a warning to travelers telling them to "slow down and use caution while traveling."
Travel over Sierra passes will be difficult mid-week due to a late season winter storm. The heaviest snowfall is expected Tuesday afternoon and evening, bringing commute delays. To stay up to date on road conditions, visit CalTrans Quickmap and NVRoads. #nvwx#cawxpic.twitter.com/EW4yRjyBKX
— NWS Reno (@NWSReno) April 20, 2026
The Reno office also issued a winter weather advisory for the Greater Lake Tahoe Area, including the cities of South Lake Tahoe, Glenbrook, Incline Village, Truckee, Markleeville, Stateline, and Tahoe City.
Similar to the prior warning, these cities were warned that snow accumulations of four to 10 inches above 6,500 feet with 12 to 18 inches along highest mountain peaks are approaching. One to four inches of snow possible at lake level, highest on the western shores with wind gusts of 30 to 35 mph across lower elevations and Ridgetop winds gusting up to 90 mph at times.
Again the National Weather Service warned that, "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.
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This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Apr 21, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published April 20, 2026 at 11:36 PM.