Date:           January 31, 2024 #24-007
District:       District 3 - Marysville, www.dot.ca.gov/d3/
                    Dave Moore, Interim District Director                       
Contact:      John O’Connell john.oconnell@dot.ca.gov
Phone:        (530) 701-9459
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Significant Winter Storm Expected to Impact Travel
Up to Two Feet of Snow in the Sierra and Three Inches of Rain in the Valley
MARYSVILLE – Caltrans is alerting motorists about an impactful winter storm in the Sacramento Valley and the Sierra Nevada that will create challenging travel conditions today through early Saturday morning. 
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning that is in effect until Saturday, at 4 a.m. The forecast calls for up to 2 feet of snow above 7,000 feet and 8 to 12 inches above 5,000 feet, with gusty winds up to 65 mph affecting several mountain passes. Motorists should be prepared for chain controls, additional travel times and delays. Forecasters advise to avoid mountain travel during this period if possible.
In the Sacramento Valley, precipitation amounts are forecast between 1.5 and 3 inches, with the highest amounts in the foothills and farther north near Chico. A Flood Watch has also been issued for the Sacramento Valley until Friday, at 4 a.m. Motorists could experience some ponding on roadways that are located in low-lying areas along with rises on small streams and creeks.
Motorists are 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.