Tahoe Braces for Major Snowstorm Over Holiday Weekend

Officials warn of 'very difficult to impossible' travel conditions as up to 5 feet of snow is forecast.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for the entire Lake Tahoe basin, with forecasts calling for up to 5 feet of snow and wind gusts up to 100 mph from Sunday evening through Wednesday. The storm is expected to make highways like I-80 over Donner Summit and Highway 50 impassable, leading to potential chain controls and road closures.

Why it matters

This major winter storm comes during the busy Presidents' Day holiday weekend, when many people will be traveling to and from the Tahoe region to hit the slopes. The extreme weather conditions could strand travelers and disrupt plans, while also posing risks to public safety on the roads.

The details

The heaviest snow is anticipated late Monday afternoon through Tuesday afternoon, with the rain-snow line dropping as low as 2,500 feet. This could lead to dangerous travel conditions even in foothill communities along major highways like I-80 and Highway 50. Whiteout conditions are also possible due to the heavy snow and strong wind gusts.

  • The winter storm watch is in effect from Sunday evening through Wednesday evening.
  • The heaviest snow is expected late Monday afternoon through Tuesday afternoon.
  • The rain-snow line is forecast to drop as low as 2,500 feet late Tuesday evening.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency that monitors and forecasts weather conditions in the United States.

Dawn Johnson

Warning coordination meteorologist at the National Weather Service office in Reno.

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What they’re saying

“It is going to be a gorgeous weekend, but the problem is getting home ... conditions are going to rapidly deteriorate Monday evening. That's what we want people to be prepared for.”

— Dawn Johnson, Warning coordination meteorologist (sfchronicle.com)

What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the storm and provide updates on travel conditions throughout the holiday weekend.

The takeaway

This major winter storm is a stark reminder for travelers to closely monitor weather forecasts and road conditions before and during their trips to the Tahoe region, as the extreme snowfall and wind could make highways impassable and lead to dangerous travel conditions.