A monster snowstorm has pummeled California's mountain towns and ski resorts, leaving them buried under several feet of snow and causing major travel disruptions. The storm, which lasted multiple days, delivered its most extreme conditions to the highest elevations of the Sierra Nevada, where over 7 feet of snow and hurricane-force wind gusts of 170 mph-plus were reported.

As residents and authorities work to dig out from the aftermath of the blizzard, a new storm looms on the horizon. Although it is expected to bring additional snow to high elevations in Northern California and the Pacific Northwest, the amounts are predicted to be significantly less than the weekend's monstrous storm. Nevertheless, even minimal snowfall has the potential to further complicate travel across the region.

A 70-mile stretch of Interstate 80 in California, near the Nevada state line, has been closed for more than two days, stranding drivers since Friday night. While there is a possibility that the interstate could reopen later in the day, transportation authorities are closely monitoring the situation. Additionally, portions of routes 49, 70, 88, and 108 that traverse the Sierra Nevada remain closed as of early Monday, and blowing snow and poor visibility have forced the closure of parts of I-580 and Route 395 in Nevada.

The South Lake Tahoe area, which experienced 3 to 5 feet of snow, saw a significant snowslide that temporarily shut down Highway 50 on Sunday morning. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and road crews quickly reopened the highway. However, several ski fields and chairlifts, including Palisades Tahoe, Sierra-at-Tahoe, and Mammoth, have remained closed due to the extreme conditions. Palisades Tahoe, which received a staggering 8 feet of snow, plans to reopen on Monday, following extensive efforts by staff to clear the snow. The resort's Alpine Peak experienced a wind gust of 171 mph on Saturday, leading to its closure.

Neighboring ski resorts also faced staggering snow accumulation. The Sugar Bowl Ski Resort near Donner Peak recorded 87 inches (7.25 feet) of snow over the weekend, while Sierra-at-Tahoe in Twin Bridges shared images of snow piling up against doors and cars buried in snowdrifts that exceeded 5 feet in height.

Despite the treacherous conditions, some travelers ventured out on the roads during the storm, leading to numerous vehicles becoming stuck or in need of rescue. The main road to Mammoth Mountain ski resort, US 395, experienced a significant number of stranded motorists, prompting its closure. Emergency personnel and tow trucks faced challenges reaching those in need due to blizzard conditions.

Even the equipment used to clear roadways has suffered from the severe winter storm. The California Department of Transportation reported that many of their snow blowers were damaged or inoperable due to the intense conditions.

As residents and authorities continue their cleanup efforts, it is crucial for everyone in the affected areas to exercise caution and adhere to any road closures or travel advisories. The aftermath of this massive snowstorm serves as a reminder of the power and unpredictability of Mother Nature, but it also showcases the resilience of the communities affected as they work diligently to restore normalcy.