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3h ago

First Significant Sierra Snow of the Season Tapers as Pass Closures and Chain Controls Continue

A weak atmospheric river delivered beneficial moisture with snowfall highly dependent on elevation.

MAMMOTH LAKES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 05: In an aerial view, colorful aspen trees below the snow line adorn the Eastern Sierra mountains on October 05, 2025 near Mammoth Lakes, California. The 'peak color' of vegetation varies from location to location and at different elevations each week, influenced by weather changes leading to up to winter. The annual occurrence draws visitors from across the West and from other nations. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)
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FILE: Snow-covered peaks, Sonora Pass, Calif.
A wide shot of a road fully covered by snow with pine trees on both sides and car traces

Overview

  • Winter storm warnings covered parts of the central Sierra into early Wednesday, with the National Weather Service indicating improving conditions by morning.
  • Caltrans maintained chain controls on Highway 50 and Highway 88 and temporarily closed Ebbetts (Highway 4), Sonora (Highway 108) and Monitor (Highway 89) passes.
  • Forecasts pointed to 12–18 inches in the central Sierra mainly south of I-80, up to 16 inches above 7,000 feet in Mono County, and 2 to 3 feet or more on the highest summits.
  • Mammoth officials reported 6 to 10 inches Monday night, and wraparound snow bands produced large local differences with heavier totals at higher elevations.
  • NWS alerts warned of difficult travel over mountain passes with gusty winds and reduced visibility, though precipitation was expected to decrease through Wednesday.