TRUCKEE, Calif. – After an extended dry stretch, rain and snow are expected to return to the Truckee area early next week, bringing a renewed burst of winter conditions to the northern Sierra.

Dry weather is forecast to hold through at least Sunday, March 29, and possibly into the daytime hours on Monday, March 30, according to OpenSnow forecaster Bryan Allegretto. However, a shift in the pattern is expected Monday night as a pair of storms moves through the region.

The systems are projected to impact the northern Sierra from Monday night through Thursday, April 2, delivering colder air, lowering snow levels, and the potential for significant snowfall — especially over higher elevations like Donner Pass.

Snow levels may initially sit above 7,000 feet Monday evening before dropping to 6,000 – 6,500 feet on Tuesday, near 5,000 feet by Wednesday, and as low as 4,000 feet by late Thursday into Thursday night.

“We could see several inches of snow accumulate in the lower elevations, with up to 2–3 feet of snow possible over the top of Donner Pass,” said Allegretto. “Winter is coming back, and driving conditions could be slow and wintry with chain controls Monday night through Thursday.”

In addition to snowfall, gusty winds are expected to develop across the Tahoe region on Tuesday and Wednesday, which could reduce visibility and create hazardous travel conditions.

Travelers planning to cross the Sierra are advised to monitor weather updates and prepare for winter driving conditions throughout the week.

The storm system is expected to taper off by Friday, April 3, followed by a return to drier, more seasonal weather patterns, with a chance of occasional spring showers.