Last updated: Feb. 16, 2026, 8:13 p.m. PT
Winter Storm Warning Prompts Carson City School Closures
8 p.m. update: The Carson City School District announced a snow day for Tuesday. Notification of school closures was issued Monday evening due to an active winter storm warning. The district clarified that this early decision aimed to provide families ample time to arrange childcare.
The Washoe County School District was contacted by the Reno Gazette Journal. While the district usually announces closures early on the day of impact, it has on occasion decided the night prior, especially when a challenging morning commute is expected.
6:45 p.m. update:
Caltrans reported that eastbound Interstate 80 traffic is currently halted at Colfax following several vehicle spinouts.
From 3.4 miles east of Gold Run to Truckee, tire chains are mandatory for all vehicles, excluding four-wheel-drive vehicles equipped with snow tires on all wheels.
Westbound tractor-trailer traffic is stopped at the Nevada state line due to snow, while trucks already on the pass are required to pull over at the Nyack brake check area.
Motorists should anticipate considerable delays and treacherous winter driving conditions throughout the evening.
Interstate 80 Reopens; Chains Still Mandated Near Nevada-California Border
1:15 p.m. update:
Eastbound Interstate 80 through the Sierra is now open following prior traffic stoppages, though chain requirements persist due to ongoing snowfall.
Earlier on Monday, eastbound traffic had been halted near Colfax.
Caltrans advises that tire chains are mandatory for all vehicles, excluding four-wheel-drive vehicles with snow tires on all four wheels, from the Nevada state line up to 2.1 miles east of Baxter.
Tractor-trailers are banned from traveling eastbound at Applegate and westbound at the Nevada state line.
Motorists should prepare for delays and winter driving conditions this afternoon, especially around the state line and in elevated areas.
Mount Rose Highway Requires Tire Chains
Noon Monday update:
Tire chains are now mandatory on Mt. Rose Highway, specifically from Sunridge Drive (close to Tannenbaum Event Center) to the approach of Incline Village.
Eastbound I-80 Traffic Halted at Colfax
11:35 a.m. update:
Caltrans reported at 11:30 a.m. Monday that eastbound Interstate 80 traffic is stopped at Colfax. The California mountain pass is open for westbound travel, and trucks are undergoing screening 5 miles west of Reno.
The California Highway Patrol advised on social media Monday, “Anticipate chain requirements and substantial delays in the Sierra due to heightened holiday traffic and prevalent winter driving conditions.”
Reno-Sparks Forecasted for Up to Six Inches of Snow
Reno experienced snowfall Monday morning, preceding a winter storm warning scheduled to take effect Tuesday across much of Northern Nevada.
Mountain passes are projected to receive several feet of snow, while valley floors could see accumulations of up to 6 inches.
National Weather Service Reno meteorologist Edan Lindaman stated Monday that “today will bring a mix of rain and snow,” with valley floors potentially accumulating up to an inch.
By Tuesday, valley areas might receive 4-6 inches of snow, and higher elevations over a foot. Both morning and evening commutes on Tuesday are likely to be impacted.
Lindaman indicated that the majority of precipitation from two converging storm fronts is expected to arrive late Monday night and continue into Tuesday.
She characterized it as “the most significant snowfall to impact the valley floor this winter,” adding that “it’s the kind that requires shoveling and can be problematic.”
Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe observed moderate snowfall Monday morning, accumulating 1 to 2 inches of fresh snow.
The resort announced on its website, “The storm has arrived. Expect powder days.”
By 8:30 a.m. Monday, Interstate 80 mandated chains or four-wheel drive from just east of Baxter, California, to Truckee. Westbound, chains or four-wheel drive were necessary five miles west of Reno, at Mogul.