TRUCKEE, Calif. — Northern Californians trying to drive up to see a bit of snow Saturday weren’t able to get much higher in elevation than Colfax due to spin outs, crashes and more.
“It’s packed a wallop,” said Jeremy Linder with Caltrans District 3.
Chain controls started on Interstate 80 as early as 11 a.m. Saturday and by 3 p.m., traffic was brought to a full halt.
“I came over this morning and hit the snow and it was getting nasty,” said Rick Chambers, a Reno resident.
Many Reno residents were stuck in Colfax, waiting for any change in road conditions.
“We don’t really have a choice, just going to hunker down and wait,” said Virginia, a Reno resident.
Others, like Bay Area residents Diamond and Eric, decided to turn around instead of wait it out.
“They said it could be hours, they said it could be unit morning,” said Eric.
“If it’s not safe, it makes no sense to try and travel another way, now we have to try and pray they will give us our money back for the hotel,” said Diamond.
With the snowfall rate at about two inches an hour, Caltrans says their largest concern is more spin outs.
“When we get into May the snow is heavier, wetter, so it doesn’t take much. When the snow compacts it can become icy and slippery very quickly,” said Linder.
The roads remained closed so long due to spun-out cars being dug out of the snow and plows catching up behind them.
“Our plow trucks need to get back in the groove and catch up cause now for a period of time we have a lot of traffic and people stalled and they haven’t been able to do constant runs,” said Linder.
There is still no estimated time of reopening.
Traffic Updates
I-80
- All eastbound traffic released with chain controls (R2) Alta to Nevada state line, Trucks Max. Reminder speed limit under chain control is 30 mph along I-80, CHP Truckee said.
- Westbound traffic is still being held in Truckee, CHP said.
Hwy. 50
- Traffic on Highway 50 is being held at Chiapa Drive and Meyers due to a big rig blocking the roadway, Caltrans said.
Hwy. 89
- Closed at Emerald Bay due to unstable snow, Caltrans said.
For live updates on traffic conditions view the Waze map below.
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