Tahoe just got buried in snow.
Squaw just saw 97″ of snow in the past 7 days. Squaw has seen the most snow they’ve ever recorded in January – 269″ in January as of today. That’s 23 feet of snow in 23 days…
Now NOAA is hinting at ANOTHER Atmospheric River storm in Tahoe next week.
Fingers crossed!
"Forecast models have been indicating another system approaching the west coast for the start of February backed by a 130kt+ jet. The surface gradient and 50+ knots at 700 should increase wind speeds through all areas and mix out inversions on Wednesday. Simulations have been trending wetter during this time frame as have atmospheric river tools. Therefore have introduced precipitation chances on Wednesday, which will likely need to be increased if the trend continues. - NOAA Reno, NV today
Please remember that Nevada is also very significantly affected by these ARs, as well as California. Although the effects may not be as dramatic as those on the western side of the Sierra, and Lake Tahoe, both Reno/Sparks and Carson City are on the edge of deserts and we are ill-equipped to deal with the ‘remains’ of Atmospheric Rivers, since we are traditionally fairly dry climates. Although the rain is often welcome, the huge amounts of precipitation resulting from the ARs can have equally catastrophic effects east of the Sierras too: floods, avalanches, power outages and wind events at the very least. It would be appreciated if at least western Nevada were also given some consideration in this otherwise excellent coverage.