Storm expected to be first major snow accumulation in Reno, Sparks
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Updated Feb. 16, 2026, 8:13 p.m. PT
Carson City cancels schools in advance of winter storm warning
8 p.m. update: The Carson City School DIstrict called a snow day for Tuesday. The message was sent Monday night that its schools would be closed as a winter storm warning is in effect. The district said it made the decision early to allow families to prepare for childcare.
The Reno Gazette Journal reached out to the Washoe County School District. Typically, the district makes the decision early in the morning but has, at least once, made the decision the night before an anticipated tough morning commute.
6:45 p.m. update:
Eastbound traffic on Interstate 80 is being held at Colfax due to multiple spinouts, according to Caltrans.
Chains are required on all vehicles except four-wheel-drive vehicles with snow tires on all four wheels from 3.4 miles east of Gold Run to Truckee.
Snow has halted westbound tractor-trailers at the Nevada state line, and trucks already on the pass must stop at the Nyack brake check area.
Drivers should expect significant delays and hazardous winter driving conditions through the evening.
I-80 reopens; chains required near Nevada-California line
1:15 p.m. update:
Interstate 80 eastbound has reopened over the Sierra after earlier traffic holds, but chain controls remain in effect as snowfall continues.
Earlier Monday, traffic was being held eastbound near Colfax.
According to Caltrans, chains are required on all vehicles except four-wheel-drive vehicles with snow tires on all four wheels from the Nevada state line to 2.1 miles east of Baxter.
Tractor-trailers are prohibited eastbound at Applegate and westbound at the Nevada state line.
Drivers should expect delays and winter driving conditions through the afternoon, particularly near the state line and at higher elevations.
Chains required on Mount Rose Highway
Noon Monday update:
Chains are required over Mt. Rose Highway from Sunridge Drive, near Tannenbaum Event Center, to just before Incline Village.
Traffic held on eastbound I-80 at Colfax
11:35 a.m. update:
Traffic is being held eastbound on Interstate 80 from at Colfax, Caltrans is reporting at 11:30 a.m. Monday. The mountain pass to California is open westbound. Trucks are being screened 5 miles west of Reno.
“Expect chain controls and significant delays in the Sierra with increased holiday traffic and winter driving conditions,” the California Highway system said on social media said on Monday.
Reno-Sparks expected to get up to 6 inches
Parts of Reno are seeing snow Monday morning, ahead of a winter storm warning officially starting Tuesday for most of Northern Nevada.
Snow is expected to accumulate in feet over mountain passes and as much as 6 inches on valley floors.
“There will be a rain and snow mix today,” with as much as an inch on valley floors, National Weather Service Reno meteorologist Edan Lindaman said Monday.
On Tuesday, valley floors could see 4-6 inches, with more than foot in higher elevations. Tuesday morning and evening commutes can expect to be affected.
Lindaman said the bulk of precipitation from two storm fronts will arrive late Monday night into Tuesday.
“This will be the most significant snow to hit the valley floor this winter,” she said. “It’s the shovelable, problematic kind.”
Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe reported moderate snowfall Monday morning, with 1 to 2 inches of new snow.
“Storm is here. Powder days ahead,” the resort posted on its website.
As of 8:30 a.m. Monday, chains or four‑wheel drive were required on Interstate 80 from just east of Baxter, Calif., to Truckee. Westbound chains or four‑wheel drive were required five miles west of Reno at Mogul.
