NOAA: 2 Options for Gulf of Alaska Storm Headed to California for Thanksgiving | 4-8″ or 12-18″ of Snow

The cold Gulf of Alaska storm headed for California is forecast to take one of two potential paths:  one over land that would be colder and drier & one over sea that would be wetter, bringing big snow to the Sierras.

The wetter, green path could bring 12-18″ of snow to the Sierras.  The drier, blue path would bring 4-8″ of snow to the Sierras.

Unfortunately, the drier path is the more likely path.

THERE ARE TWO POTENTIAL SCENARIOS INCLUDING THE MOST LIKELY DRIER
INLAND TRACK AND A LESS LIKELY OFFSHORE TRACK THAT WOULD BRING
HIGHER SNOW AMOUNTS THE SIERRA. - NOAA Reno, NV today

This storm is forecast to arrive in California on Tuesday morning.

“Saturday update for next week’s storm: a cold-core low pressure system will begin impacting California on Tuesday. Snow levels will fall to near 2,500 ft by Wednesday, bringing the threat of hazardous travel conditions for holiday travelers. Temperatures will be cold late week with the potential for a widespread San Joaquin Valley freeze. Precipitation totals look to be low at this time, but stay tuned as amounts will depend on the forecast track.” – NOAA Hanford, CA today