KINGVALE, Calif — In Kingvale, people and transportation officials are preparing for what could be dangerous road conditions along Interstate 80 in the Sierra.
After the recent storm, there are slushy conditions in some areas, created by rain coming down on the snow. And, while Interstate 80 is clear, conditions could change once the temperatures drop and the snow picks back up.
"If the temperature goes down, I suspect it'll get a lot worse because of the water. They'll freeze and it's gonna be very treacherous," said Jared Dalen, of Kingsvale. who assists with local snow clearing operations.
Dalen, who helps with snow-clearing operations, is able to speak from personal experience about the dangers of winter travel in the Sierra.
"My wife got stuck up here one year, 5 miles up from our house, and she had to spend the night in her car," he said. "And we're from up here, and it was a wreck."
There's a break in the weather conditions right now, but Caltrans says crews are still in storm mode going into the weekend.
Jeremy Linder, spokesperson for Caltrans, said more than 600 employees are working on winter operations across the district. That includes crews covering both the valley and Sierra regions.
"Our crews are working 12-hour shifts around the clock," Linder said. "Right now, you pretty much still have the day shift out doing a lot of the preparations. They're taking advantage of these dry conditions and gearing up for the next round."
Plow trucks are doing their rounds on the highway, laying down salt and sand, if needed to help with extra traction on the roadways.
"We have our crews broken up and situated so that we are constantly monitoring," Linder said. "They're doing their rounds."
Travelers should be prepared for potential traffic holds due to spinouts or accidents, which could last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. Dalen offered this advice for anyone passing through the area.
"I advise people to take it slow and be very careful and have their chains and extra supplies in their car, if they end up coming over the summit this weekend for any reason, to go ski or whatever," Dalen said.
Caltrans is calling on drivers to check the forecast before heading out, and for anyone who's not comfortable in the potential conditions, to consider waiting out the storm.
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