Weather
NOAA is still talking about around a foot of snow for the Sierra on Thursday-Friday.
We have continued to trend higher QPF and snowfall amounts in the Sierra, with snowfall amounts of over a foot possible in the High Sierra above 7000 feet and several inches of snow expected down to 5500 feet. - NOAA Reno, NV today
Beyond Friday, they’re talking about the storm door remaining open with more cold storms.
More excellent news for the Sierra snowpack...the storm door should remain open through next weekend and into next week as well as the longwave pattern remains favorable for colder storm systems to move into the west coast. Colder temperatures should remain through the second half of January with above average chances for precipitation, including beneficial Sierra snow. - NOAA Reno, NV today
This snow is direly need in CA as we’re currently sitting on an 25% of average snowpack.
LONG TERM FORECAST FOR CALIFORNIA:
LONG TERM...Thursday and beyond... Bottom line up front...forecaster confidence is increasing for Thursday-Friday winter impacts to the region. If you have travel plans over the Sierra Thursday-Friday, you should be paying close attention to the forecast as winter conditions are looking more and more likely. Winter will finally make an appearance to the region by the end of the week and even into next week as well. A much welcomed Sierra snow will be on tap, as a colder, stronger storm is set to move into the region. This will bring the first significant snowfall to the Sierra that we`ve seen in a while (since November). This still looks like a solid January storm by Sierra standards. Latest models continue to show a weak to moderate Atmospheric River (AR) moving into the Sierra, combining with much colder temperatures behind the cold front. We have continued to trend higher QPF and snowfall amounts in the Sierra, with snowfall amounts of over a foot possible in the High Sierra above 7000 feet and several inches of snow expected down to 5500 feet. Colder air will allow for higher snow ratios (and slightly more snow amounts) Thursday evening into Friday behind the front. Snow levels will fall to valley floors by Friday morning, with light snow amounts possible for Reno-Sparks- Carson City for the Friday morning commute. Ridge winds will remain strong Thursday into Friday, associated with a strong jet/cold front. Wind gusts over 50 mph may be possible during this time with ridge winds in the Sierra over 100 mph. Powdery snow and gusty winds may also produce blowing snow and low visibilities for the Sierra passes. Cold and brisk conditions are expected Friday, with temperatures near normal for this time of year. Breezy winds will make it feel even colder, along with scattered clouds and snow showers around the region due to instability under the low. There could also be lake effect snow bands off of Tahoe and Pyramid Friday, so we will need to keep an eye on that as well. More excellent news for the Sierra snowpack...the storm door should remain open through next weekend and into next week as well as the longwave pattern remains favorable for colder storm systems to move into the west coast. Colder temperatures should remain through the second half of January with above average chances for precipitation, including beneficial Sierra snow.
