Are You Traveling To Northern California? Better Plan Ahead

During cold winter months, one has a tendency to plan a vacation- anywhere to get outdoors. However, in cold winter months, snow can change a happy vacation to fear and anger. Currently, while Alton is getting its snow, more moisture is coming in on the west coast, bringing layers of snow to the elevations.

Where Is The Snow?

Snow is coming in from the ocean and up to Sacramento and east of it ^[1]. East of Sacramento elevation rises rapidly, thus, snow. While the storm will go north into Northern Ca and Oregon, it will go east also. The storm is forecast to continue into Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho. From there, the land begins to roll down without the sharp elevations. That brings snow, not mountain snow, just snow. From there, weather forecasts say the storm will go across the Great Lakes and dump additional snow in northern Ohio and into New York.

How Much Snow?

A lot of snow in Alton could be four inches, like what many residents saw this week. The Rocky Mountain states see that as a dusting. From Tuesday until Friday, Truckee, CA (a city along the infamous Donner’s Pass), is expected to receive between 4-6 feet of snow! High elevations across the mountain range can see that much fall.

What Happens With That Much Snow?

Generally speaking, with that much snow falling so fast, the roads end up closing. First, plows go out. Then snow-chains are required ^[2]. Then the road closes. CA Department of Transportation monitors the major highways throughout the winter.

What To Do?

To prepare for a winter vacation, one must prepare his vehicle ahead of time. After that, prepare yourself. Check weather forecasts for several days. Know where elevations are and what is expected. Don’t discount snow plows or chain restrictions. Plan a different route, if possible.

Remember, snow can be fun when you are home and are properly prepared. Be when away and stranded is not the time to think of what should have happened.