Snow elevations plunge as storm keeps highways snarled. ‘The mountain is winning’
Chain controls are in effect on several highways in Butte County as snow falls as low as 1,000 feet in some places, officials reported.
“Say what?! Chain controls in Butte County? Yes, it’s true. Winter has made its way down the hill,” the agency said in a post on X.
Heavy snow also has closed Interstate 80 and Highway 50 in the Sierra Nevada as of 2:30 p.m. Thursday.
“Travel is highly discouraged in these conditions!” the National Weather Service said on X.
In a winter storm warning, the agency warned of “dangerous to near impossible travel conditions.”
Here’s what to know:
Snow levels drop
Snow levels are expected to fall to 1,500 to 2,500 feet through Thursday, a winter storm warning by the National Weather Service said.
Snow levels may at times fall as low as 1,000 feet and as low as 300 feet in Shasta and Tehama counties.
Snow accumulations of up to 1 foot between 1,000 and 3,000 feet, 2 to 3 feet above 3,000 feet, and up to 4 feet at peaks are expected. Elevations below 1,000 feet may see up to 2 inches.
The winter storm warning remains in effect through 10 p.m.
Heavy snow snarls highway traffic
Renewed snowfall has tangled traffic on highways over the Sierra Nevada, forcing chain requirements and some partial closures Thursday morning.
Here’s the latest as of 2:30 p.m. Thursday:
Interstate 80 is closed from Applegate to the Nevada state line as a result of zero visibility and whiteout conditions, Caltrans said on X.
“Let’s just say this, today is not the day to head up the hill. The mountain is winning. Know before you go,” the agency said.
Highway 50 is closed from Kyburz to Meyers. Chains are required on all vehicles except 4-wheel-drive vehicles with snow tires from Placerville to Kyburz.
Chain controls are in effect on Highways 32 and 70 in Butte County, Caltrans also said on X. The chain restrictions were lifted on Highway 191 as of 2:30 p.m.
This story was originally published February 19, 2026 at 11:44 AM with the headline "Snow elevations plunge as storm keeps highways snarled. ‘The mountain is winning’."