At an elevation of nearly 4700 feet, Blue Canon (or Blue Canyon) was the start of the major snow belt on the West Slope of the Sierra.  For many years snowsheds extended from Blue Canyon to Donner Summit and beyond to help keep the line open during winter storms.

In January 1890, several passenger trains were stranded in this area for nearly two weeks during a series of severe snowstorms that brought snow to very low elevations.  A westbound train took refuge in the snowsheds at Blue Canyon until the tracks could be cleared.