Date:             February 26, 2024 #24-016
District:        District 3 - Marysville, www.dot.ca.gov/d3/
                      Sergio Aceves, Acting District Director                       
Contact:       Jeremy Linder jeremy.linder@dot.ca.gov
Phone:         (530) 701-5209
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Major Winter Storm Expected to Impact Mountain Travel
Near Impossible Travel Conditions Forecast Into the Weekend
MARYSVILLE – Caltrans is alerting motorists about a major winter storm in the Sacramento Valley and the Sierra Nevada that forecasters say will create near impossible travel conditions for the end of the week and beginning of March.
 
Early forecast estimates from the National Weather Service show the potential for a total of 5 to 12 feet of snow above 5,000 feet and 1 to 4 feet of snow as low as 3,000 feet starting this Thursday through Sunday, March 3. Winds are also expected to gust up to 60 mph. A Winter Storm Watch is in effect from 4 a.m. Thursday to 10 a.m. Sunday.
 
Motorists should avoid mountain travel if possible. If motorists must travel, Caltrans advises to pack extra supplies in the event of an emergency or if traffic is held for an extended period of time. Those supplies should include extra snacks, water, a blanket, and a flashlight. Motorists should also be prepared for road closures, chain controls, excessive delays, and reduced visibility.
In the Sacramento Valley, rain amounts are forecast between 1 and 1.5 inches. The highest amounts are anticipated near Redding and into the foothills. Motorists should be prepared for slick travel conditions, a longer than normal commute and ponding on the roadways. 
Updates to the forecast as the week progresses can be found on the National Weather Service website. Motorists are also encouraged to check Caltrans’ QuickMap before traveling for current road conditions and chain requirements or download the QuickMap app from the App Store or Google Play. Road information is also available on Caltrans’ website or by calling the California Highway Information Network automated phone service at 1-800-427-ROAD (7623).
 
Caltrans District 3 is responsible for maintaining and operating 4,385 lane miles in 11 Sacramento Valley and Northern Sierra counties. The department will issue updates on X @CaltransDist3 and on Facebook CaltransDistrict3.