In a dramatic display of nature’s force, Donner Pass, situated at an elevation of 7,088 feet in Nevada County, California, has been engulfed by over 80 inches of snow amid one of the most formidable snowstorms the state has ever witnessed. This treacherous section of old US Highway 40, nestled in the Sierra Nevada region, experienced severe whiteout conditions, compelling officials to urge residents to avoid travel and leading to the temporary closure of the highway in both directions.
Throughout the weekend, the blizzard’s intensity left several vehicles immobilized, with some drivers requiring rescue from their snow-ensnared cars. By Monday, although semi trucks were observed navigating the road without apparent difficulty, the aftermath of the weekend’s chaos was still evident, with numerous cars having been trapped on the highway.
The situation escalated when a 70-mile segment of I-80, which includes Donner Pass, was shut down in both directions due to the storm. Adding to the peril were the winds, which reached astonishing speeds of up to 190 mph.
The Truckee community, located close to Donner Pass, felt the storm’s impact acutely, with residents reporting significant snow accumulation obstructing their homes. The adverse conditions also led to the closure of nearby ski resorts, further emphasizing the storm’s severity.
Donner Pass is no stranger to extreme weather, bearing a history marked by tragedy. The Donner Summit Historical Society highlights the area’s significance, noting its pivotal role in the region’s history. This was starkly illustrated in 1896 when a group of about 80 travelers became trapped by a snowstorm, resulting in the loss of 41 lives due to starvation and disease. The desperation of the situation led to reported instances of cannibalism, underscoring the harrowing challenges faced by those early travelers.