NOAA: "Winter Storm Watch" for California! | 6-12" of Snow Wednesday

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for California. It’s in effect from 3:00pm on Wednesday through 4:00am Thursday Morning. Heavy snow and high winds are forecasted to impact the area throughout that time.

California:

6-12″ of Snow Wednesday – Wednesday Night

“Two waves of weather are expected to move through the Sierra this week, likely impacting travel in the mountains.”

– NOAA Reno, NV

A second round of heavier snow is forecasted to hit California Friday into Saturday, so plan ahead for holiday travel.

Look for Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, CA to get dumped on by this storm, so if you’re looking for some holiday powder turns, you know where to go.

7 day snowfall totals. Image: Tropical Tidbits

Snow levels may drop down to 6,000ft on Wednesday night, but the heaviest accumulations are forecasted to occur above 8,000ft.

The 6-10 day forecast is calling for above average temperatures and below average precipitation in California.

Additional Storm Info:

“A major change in the weather pattern is forecast for mid to late this week with rain and mountain snow expected. This will bring travel difficulties to the region with slick roadways due to summer oil build up and accumulating snow forecast at pass level. If you are traveling this week, make sure to check the forecast and road conditions before you go.” Image: NOAA Sacramento, CA

“Here’s a forecast of rainfall totals through early Sunday. The wet systems are expected to help suppress the Campfire & improve air quality. Recently burned areas could see ash flow, though, and even have the potential for debris flow if rain intensity is high enough.” Image: NOAA Sacramento, CA

California: 6-12″ of Snow Above 8,000ft On Wednesday

* Heavy snow possible above 7000 feet. Total snow accumulations
  of 6 to 12 inches above 8000 feet. Between 7000 and 8000 feet
  4 to 8 inches are possible with 4 inches or less below 7000 feet.
  Winds could gust as high as 60 mph through passes and over ridge lines.

Snowfall totals Wednesday – Friday morning. Image: NOAA Sacramento, CA

“Two waves of weather are expected to move through the Sierra this week, likely impacting travel in the mountains. The best travel windows are expected to be Tuesday through early Wednesday afternoon and again Saturday through Sunday. Snow levels could fall to around 6000 feet Wednesday night further impacting travel in the Sierra. Mainly rain showers are expected below 6000 feet. Gusty winds will could impact travel on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning. Keep in mind that seasonal Sierra passes like Ebbetts, Sonora and Tioga will likely close ahead of the storm. Remember – Wet roads are slippery too! Slow Down, even if the road is just wet.” Image: NOAA Reno, NV

Winter Storm Watch:

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Reno NV
1114 AM PST Mon Nov 19 2018

Greater Lake Tahoe Area-Mono County-
Including the city of Mammoth Lakes

...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH
LATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT ABOVE 7000 FEET...

* WHAT...Heavy snow possible above 7000 feet. Total snow
  accumulations of 6 to 12 inches above 8000 feet. Between 7000
  and 8000 feet 4 to 8 inches are possible with 4 inches or less
  below 7000 feet. Winds could gust as high as 60 mph through
  passes and over ridge lines.

* WHERE...Greater Lake Tahoe Area and Mono County.

* WHEN...From Wednesday afternoon through late Wednesday night.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Travel could be very difficult over the Mt
  Rose Highway, Carson Pass and Monitor Pass. Expect Ebbetts Pass,
  Sonora Pass and Tioga Pass to close. Holiday travelers should be
  prepared for long delays on Interstate 80 and Highway 50.