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97830


Date: February 27, 2024 at 21:59:51
From: ryan, [DNS_Address]
Subject: Extraordinary storm could bring 10 feet of snow to California Sierra

URL: https://www.sfgate.com/weather/article/storm-forecast-10-feet-snow-california-sierra-18691638.php


Extraordinary storm could bring 10 feet of snow to California Sierra
By Amy Graff
Feb 27, 2024

An extraordinary winter storm is poised to sweep California’s Sierra Nevada from Thursday through Sunday. Meteorologists are predicting it will bring the heaviest snowfall so far this season, with up to 10 feet of snow possible at the highest elevations, according to the National Weather Service.

Snowfall rates could reach up to 1 to 3 inches of snow per hour, bringing whiteout conditions with zero visibility across the Sierra.

“Snow amounts will be so much and difficult to accurately measure due to strong winds producing prolonged periods of near zero visibility, and blowing/drifting snow capable of burying vehicles and making it difficult to locate roads,” the weather service’s Reno office, which provides the forecast for the Lake Tahoe Basin, wrote in its forecast. “Even walking outside would not be advised during this storm as a person could quickly become lost or disoriented.”


The message meteorologists are trying to get out: Stay home.

Rich Bann, a forecaster with the weather service’s Weather Prediction Center, said the storm will dump snow across Washington and Oregon on Wednesday and Thursday before pushing into California on Thursday. He suspects the heaviest snowfall across the southern Cascades and the Sierra Nevada will occur on Friday into Saturday.

“There will also be a lot of strong winds and that will cause a lot of drifting of snow, making travel difficult to impossible in the mountains,” Bann said. “It goes without saying as the storm continues inland, much colder air will sweep in by the weekend with temperatures 10 to 20 degrees below normal.”

Truckee, a Sierra town that’s a popular spot for skiers to stay overnight, is expected to see a low of 18 degrees on Friday night and 11 degrees on Saturday night.


⚠ A very strong winter storm is expected to impact our region Thu-Sun. This storm continues to show impressive signals for the heaviest snowfall so far this season in the Sierra.

Winter Storm Watch: https://t.co/k76LRXQVor
High Wind Watch: https://t.co/NNHJg6gpVM #nvwx #cawx pic.twitter.com/f3BLHyEAuF
— NWS Reno (@NWSReno) February 26, 2024

“A big deal” is what UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain called the storm on social media. Swain, who has become a spokesperson for California weather through his Weather West blog, said the storm will bring snow whiplash, as the Sierra has seen a generally slow snow season. Fall was abnormally dry and winter has seen several warmer storms that brought more rain than snow. This storm is expected to bolster the snowpack.

The weather service’s Sacramento office, which provides the forecast for people driving highways 50 and 80 between Tahoe and the Central Valley, sounded the alarm bells on Tuesday, warning people to stay home this weekend.

“A MAJOR winter storm will bring EXTREMELY HEAVY mountain snow Thursday-Weekend,” the weather service posted on X, formerly Twitter. “Multiple FEET of snow are forecast with whiteout conditions and road closures likely. Heaviest snow above 3000 ft.”

Snowfall levels could reach as low as 2,000 feet by the weekend, warned the Sacramento office, which covers the southern Cascades and western side of the Northern Sierra, including the highly traveled Donner and Echo passes. Elevations above 5,000 feet could see 5 to 10 feet of snow Thursday into Sunday.

The office said Friday will be the worst day for travel in its forecast region.

The Tahoe Basin could see 3 to 4 feet in South Lake and Truckee, as well as 5 to 8 feet for elevations above 7,000 feet, according to the weather service’s Reno office.


Responses:
[97847] [97849] [97851] [97853] [97848] [97850] [97852] [97833] [97835] [97834] [97837] [97836] [97831]


97847


Date: March 03, 2024 at 08:49:13
From: Chuckles, [DNS_Address]
Subject: Re: Extraordinary storm could bring 10 feet of snow to California...

URL: https://characterandleadership.com/why-do-meteorologists-over-hype-the-weather/


Main part of the storm moved inland
up on the Oregon Coast, didn't move
far enough south like they thought
it would, very typical. Lots of
wind, but snow fall totals far below
what they were forecasting. What I'm
trying to say here is, me and others
have noticed the media over hyping
storms the last several years
compared to years past for what ever
reasons. More than not, the storms
don't pan out like they say. Sure
this storm had some good winds, but
that is typical for low systems
coming out of the Gulf of Alaska.
Personally this wasn't a huge storm
compared to many over the years.
Here's a link describing what has
changed with the media over hyping
storms. I learned much in my earlier
years watching Pete Giddings teach
about these storms, and knew from
observing the storm from early on,
it was going to move over the North
West and not come far enough south.
If it would have moved farther south
right over Tahoe, we would have had
at least 15 feet of snow higher up
with even more powerful winds.


Responses:
[97849] [97851] [97853] [97848] [97850] [97852]


97849


Date: March 03, 2024 at 11:28:09
From: Redhart, [DNS_Address]
Subject: Re: Extraordinary storm could bring 10 feet of snow to California...


We seemed to have missed most of it. We got (from a
neighbor with a rain gauge) 1.5" of rain. It did snow
last night, but did not stick. The winds here were not
that bad at all. I would describe it as "breezy".
And..for those that missed it, we live in the "southern"
Sierras and had gotten a ton of wind/winter warnings as
well.

But hey, we can always use whatever rain we get.
California still is recharging it's ground water, even
if the reservoirs are doing well.


Responses:
[97851] [97853]


97851


Date: March 03, 2024 at 16:14:25
From: Chuckles, [DNS_Address]
Subject: Re: Extraordinary storm could bring 10 feet of snow to California...


Appears the southern Sierra has
received more moisture this season
compared to the tahoe area which is
needed down that way. We still have
all of March to try and catch up to
a normal snow pack, hopefully with
less wind and more snow. Lake Tahoe
is still pretty full from last year
along with most lakes in Northern
California, and would assume
Southern California reservoirs are
full due to all the heavy rain this
season.


Responses:
[97853]


97853


Date: March 04, 2024 at 13:14:28
From: Redhart, [DNS_Address]
Subject: Re: Extraordinary storm could bring 10 feet of snow to California...


They're definitely doing much better. We also have a lot
of ground water storage to recharge in our water tables.
That takes a little longer to filter down.

We have gotten a lot of rain, a little snow, but it's a
good water year down here no matter how it goes down.

Would like a little less wind, please lol (at least
until we get the new shingles on the house which we're
working on this spring).

Hoping for a banner wildflower display this spring.


Responses:
None


97848


Date: March 03, 2024 at 09:24:35
From: ryan, [DNS_Address]
Subject: Re: Extraordinary storm could bring 10 feet of snow to California...

URL: https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/4504086-powerful-blizzard-california-disrupting-traffic/


i've noticed that too, to some extent...but this storm system did deliver 10'...

Powerful blizzard dumps more than 10 feet of snow on California, disrupting traffic
by Filip Timotija - 03/02/24 4:48 PM ET



A strong blizzard is blasting through California, bringing wind gusts exceeding speeds of 190 mph and dumping over 10 feet of snow, leaving drivers stuck on the roads and forcing closures of ski resorts.

Snow dumps will intensify at higher elevations as the Northern Sierra Nevada area is expected to get 7 to 12 inches of snow accumulations at lower elevations and 18 to 24 inches at higher elevations, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). The visibility will be at one-quarter mile or less.

The busy Interstate 80, which connects Lake Tahoe and San Francisco, is closed due to the storm.

“At one point, emergency personnel and tow trucks had a difficult time getting to motorists due to blizzard conditions,” the California Highway Patrol posted Saturday morning on X, formerly known as Twitter. The patrol is advising residents to stay at home.

Troopers are working Saturday to clear the road with vehicles plowed on the motorway after drivers left them to get to a safe location.

NWS warned that gusty winds and heavy snow can cause power outages and tree damage.

Lake Tahoe’s Palisades Ski Resort is experiencing strong winds, as one wind gust was recorded at 190 mph Friday night.

The storm, which prompted a blizzard warning across 300 miles, began hitting the region on Saturday. Heavy snowfall rates will continue through Sunday morning surpassing two inches per hour at times, according to NWS.


Responses:
[97850] [97852]


97850


Date: March 03, 2024 at 11:29:42
From: Chuckles, [DNS_Address]
Subject: Re: Extraordinary storm could bring 10 feet of snow to California...

URL: https://www.onthesnow.com/lake-tahoe/skireport


Here's the last 24 hour snow totals
from different areas around Tahoe,
not too impressive, but not bad for
the 7 day totals. Boreal did get 8
feet from the last 7 days. Tahoe has
had the least snow totals this
winter compared to the north and
south due to the storms not pushing
in on top of us. I know the Crescent
City area has had some really decent
rainfall this season. But all and
all, California should be fine again
this summer as far as water storage.
And hopefully no large fires this
summer.


Responses:
[97852]


97852


Date: March 03, 2024 at 18:12:08
From: ryan, [DNS_Address]
Subject: Re: Extraordinary storm could bring 10 feet of snow to California...

URL: https://www.sfgate.com/weather/article/tahoe-buried-snow-safe-drive-18701483.php


Tahoe buried in fresh snow: Here's when it will be safe to drive there
By Amy Graff March 3, 2024

FILE - A sign is buried in deep snow along Highway 89 outside of Tahoe City, Calif., on Saturday, March 2, 2024. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group via AP)
Jane Tyska/AP

Latest March 3, 5:40 p.m.: Caltrans on Sunday night said Interstate 80 will not reopen Sunday night, and that "With a break in the weather, we hope to be able to reopen I-80 sometime tomorrow."

March 3, 9:24 a.m.: California's Sierra Nevada was hammered by a monster winter storm Saturday that kicked up powerful winds, dumped heavy snow and brought life-threatening blizzard conditions to the the mountain range.

A large section of Interstate 80 remained closed Sunday morning, with no estimated time for reopening the highway that's a main route between the valley and Tahoe Basin, Caltrans said. Highway 50 is under chain control and has had several traffic holds. Travel to Tahoe is being discouraged Sunday, but there may be some windows when the roads are safe this week, officials said.


This is why ALL mountain travel is highly discouraged. Not only is I-80 closed but US-50 has seen traffic holds for spin outs and avalanche control. Chain control (R2) Saw Mills to Meyers Trucks Max.

SR-89 is also CLOSED from Emerald Bay to Bliss State Park. pic.twitter.com/3FP8WtLo3I
— Caltrans District 3 (@CaltransDist3) March 2, 2024

While the most extreme weather had passed by Sunday morning, dangerous conditions are expected to continue through the day. "Conditions in the Sierra will be treacherous through tonight, with life-threatening travel conditions in snow and blowing snow," the National Weather Service said Sunday morning in its forecast. "Additional chances for snow showers will continue into Wednesday, especially for the Sierra north of US-50."

The entire Sierra down to 2,000 feet was under a blizzard warning through Sunday morning. In many areas of the Sierra, the warning was extended: A blizzard warning for the western slope of the Sierra that was set to expire Sunday morning is now in effect through midnight, the weather service said. The greater Tahoe Basin is under a warning through 4 a.m. Monday.

The weather service is forecasting moderate to heavy snowfall on Sunday in the Tahoe Basin and on the western Sierra, including Highway 50 and I-80, with another 0.5 to 2 feet of snow above 5,000 feet possible. Snowfall showers are predicted to be scattered and intermittent.


"We're going to see nothing too extreme today," said Justin Collins, a forecaster with the weather service. "We may get up to 2 inches per hour at times."

Collins said the west side of the Tahoe Basin is expected to pick up another 8 to 12 inches of snow today and the east side 2 to 6 inches. A break in the snow is expected Sunday night into Monday morning; winds are also forecast to calm.

"The showers will start to lighten up late tonight," Collins said. "Tomorrow morning, for the morning commute, conditions will be better weather-wise. Hopefully the roads will be cleared by then. If all goes well, hopefully sometime tomorrow or maybe even tonight people can travel."

A chance for snow returns Monday night and continues into Tuesday and Wednesday. Thursday and Friday are expected to be mostly dry, although the forecast could change in coming days.

Snow falls downtown, north of Lake Tahoe, during a powerful multiple day winter storm in the Sierra Nevada mountains on March 02, 2024 in Truckee, California.

Snow falls downtown, north of Lake Tahoe, during a powerful multiple day winter storm in the Sierra Nevada mountains on March 02, 2024 in Truckee, California.
Mario Tama/Getty Images

"Thursday and Friday could provide good travel days," he said. "There's potentially another system on Saturday. Something is going to move in this weekend. We just don't know exactly what yet."

Few snowfall totals from the weekend storm had been shared as of Sunday morning. These will be tricky to nail down with the snow still blowing all around. Palisades Tahoe in the Tahoe Basin said Saturday morning the ski resort has received 6 feet of fresh powder in the last two days.


Responses:
None


97833


Date: February 28, 2024 at 13:28:42
From: Jeff/Lake Almanor,CA, [DNS_Address]
Subject: Re: Extraordinary storm could bring 10 feet of snow to California...

URL: https://www.star.nesdis.noaa.gov/GOES/sector_band.php?sat=G18§or=np&band=GEOCOLOR&length=12


This is what a strong cold low pressure system looks like, with plenty of
moisture being fed right into California.



Sauce for the goose, for this man. But everyone be safe, and get prepared.
And all those to the east, who will have to deal with this next.


Responses:
[97835] [97834] [97837] [97836]


97835


Date: February 28, 2024 at 14:00:01
From: Redhart, [DNS_Address]
Subject: Re: Extraordinary storm could bring 10 feet of snow to California...


yeah, we got a warning in the southern sierras, as well.
Our level, only probably a foot (rather than 10). But
still, restocking firewood and checking supplies.
Grandson has back up plans to stay in town to be able to
get to work easier.

Beautiful today, though . Currently about 64F on the
front porch, sunny--dog in the yard just laying out full
in the sun. Soak it up, pup..this too shall pass.


Responses:
None


97834


Date: February 28, 2024 at 13:39:02
From: Jeff/Lake Almanor,CA, [DNS_Address]
Subject: Here's our Blizzard Warning

URL: https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=CAZ068&warncounty=CAC063&firewxzone=CAZ268&local_place1=Chester%20CA&product1=Blizzard+Warning&lat=40.3114&lon=-121.2274




Blizzard Warning



URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE

National Weather Service Sacramento CA

200 AM PST Wed Feb 28 2024



CAZ066>069-290000-

/O.CON.KSTO.BZ.W.0001.240229T1200Z-240303T1800Z/

Northeast Foothills/Sacramento Valley-Motherlode-

Western Plumas County/Lassen Park-

West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada-

Including the cities of Paradise, Grass Valley, Jackson, Chester,

Quincy, and Blue Canyon

200 AM PST Wed Feb 28 2024



...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM THURSDAY TO 10 AM

PST SUNDAY...



* WHAT...Extremely dangerous to impossible travel from blizzard

conditions Friday into Saturday morning. Total snow

accumulations of 5 to 10 feet above 5000 feet, with 1 to 4 feet

above 3000 feet from Thursday through Sunday morning. Minor

accumulations down to around 2000 feet. Winds gusting as high as

75 mph or higher.



* WHERE...West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada, Northeast Foothills,

Motherlode, and Western Plumas County/Lassen Park above 2000

feet. Including Interstate 80 and Highway 50.



* WHEN...From 4 AM Thursday to 10 AM PST Sunday.



* IMPACTS...Extremely dangerous to impossible travel conditions

with extended road closures likely. Widespread blowing snow will

create blizzard conditions with white-out conditions and near

zero visibility. Very strong winds, combined with heavy snow

could cause extensive tree damage and extended power outages.



* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels initially around 5000 to 6000

feet, lowering to 4000 to 5000 feet Friday, and down to around

2000 feet by Saturday. Snow rates of 2 to 4 inches per hour at

times. Blizzard conditions expected Friday into Saturday morning

when snowfall is heaviest.



PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...



Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must

travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded,

stay with your vehicle.



The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can

be obtained by calling 5 1 1.



&&



$$



Responses:
[97837] [97836]


97837


Date: February 28, 2024 at 15:53:23
From: Eve, [DNS_Address]
Subject: Re: Here's our Blizzard Warning



Blizzard memory...only time I almost perished due to
weather. Big one came unexpectedly while I was at work
in the midwest...trying to get home on a two lane road on
a slope without any visibility with zero blizzard
experience. I did not know it was that bad till I got out
in it and it became worse. I did make it after I pulled
over and in the one place I could and waited till a snow
plow came along with the big lights and I got behind that
and made it home...whew.


Responses:
None


97836


Date: February 28, 2024 at 14:01:39
From: Redhart, [DNS_Address]
Subject: Re: Here's our Blizzard Warning


Here's ours:

Advisory: Winter Storm Warning until 10:00AM Sunday

Dear Nixle User,

* WHAT...Snow accumulations 4 to 6 feet above 6000
feet. Total snow 2 to 4 feet from 5000 feet to 6000
feet. Snowfall 1 to 2 feet from 4000 feet to 5000 feet.
Total snow accumulations 1 to 2 feet above 2500 feet.
Winds may gust as high as 55 mph on exposed ridgetops
and along the crest.

* WHERE...Grant Grove Area, Sequoia NP and South End of
the Upper Sierra.

* WHEN...From 4 AM Friday to 10 AM PST Sunday.

* IMPACTS...Travel will be very difficult to
impossible, and is not advised. Widespread blowing snow
could significantly reduce visibility. Gusty winds
could bring down tree branches. The cold wind chills as
low as 15 to 20 below zero can cause frostbite on
exposed skin.

* AFFECTED AREAS: GRANT GROVE AREA ... SEQUOIA NP ...
SOUTH END OF THE UPPER SIERRA

Instructions:

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and
water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The
latest road conditions for the state you are calling
from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.


Responses:
None


97831


Date: February 28, 2024 at 04:37:57
From: Chuckles, [DNS_Address]
Subject: Re: Extraordinary storm could bring 10 feet of snow to California...


We'll see! I remember growing up as
a kid in the North Bay watching and
learning from the best meteorologist
Pere Giddings KGO channel 7 news. He
and his manager had a heated
argument due to the manager wanting
Pete to start doing a 7 day forecast
because every news station was doing
them now. Pete knew that due to our
latitude, it wasn't a good idea to
go that far out with 7 days. And
growing up watching Pete, I'd
witnessed exactly what he was
talking about watching these big
storms forecast to come in, and they
would split, move south and track
and go down the coast, or stall off
the coast, happened so often. The
further north you go from the Bay
Area, the more predictable the
storms were. But we will see more or
less when the storm arrives here in
the Sierra as we could only get 5
feet, or even 15 feet. People will
still come up, get stuck (crappie
tires), complain as their stuck in
line on the hwy going nowhere for
many hours. Happens every time as
Caltrans get the order from the CHP
to shut down the highways due to
white out conditions and
accidents(crappie tires and don't
know how to drive in the snow).


Responses:
None


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