Winter Weather Advisory as Sierra Nevada and SoCal Mountains Remain Hard-Hit by Snow

A winter weather advisory mindset is necessary after back-to-back-to-back storms dumped up to three feet of snow in places from the Sierra Nevada to the San Bernardino Mountains, leaving most mountain roads icy and under strict chain rules that have stalled travel heading into the weekend.

Roads iced, chains mandatory under level 2 requirement

All mountain roads are under a level 2 chain requirement, and chains or traction devices are required for all cars except vehicles with four-wheel drive or all-week drive with four snow-tread tires, though those exempt vehicles must still carry chains in case conditions worsen. The California Highway Patrol has been turning away drivers who tried to head up without chains; some were stopped Thursday at mountain passes.

Travel troubles across the Sierra Nevada and San Bernardino Mountains

Travel Troubles Abound Across Sierra Nevada has played out in real time as clearing skies follow the storms. In the San Bernardino Mountains, areas such as Running Springs received up to three feet of snow over the past few days, and crews and motorists are still contending with icy roads and precarious driving conditions.

What drivers found and what to bring

Some drivers arriving at chain checkpoints were forced to learn how to put on traction devices on the spot. "I just don't really know how to put them on. I only come up every couple years so I never bothered to learn, " said Andrew Malingowski of Culver City after encountering the requirements. Officials are recommending drivers slow to 25 mph on icy stretches and pack extra water, food and blankets in case they become stranded while traveling to mountain communities.

While the recent storm has moved out of Southern California, clearing skies are expected to bring colder overnight lows and a heightened risk of black ice on the same roads that received heavy snowfall. That combination — deep snow in spots and freezing overnight temperatures — is keeping chain rules and caution in place for motorists planning mountain trips this weekend.

For the immediate future, motorists should plan for enforced chain requirements at trailheads and mountain road entrances and expect traffic delays where officers are checking equipment. Those heading into the Sierra Nevada or the San Bernardino Mountains this weekend are advised to carry chains or traction devices, limit speeds to recommended levels, and bring supplies in case weather or road conditions leave them stranded.