Weather
This forecast was created at 7:30 a.m. PST on Sunday, March 16
A strong winter storm will bring substantial snowfall and gusty winds across the higher elevations Sunday night into Monday, followed by a lighter midweek system before conditions briefly ease late in the week. Overall, expect impressive accumulations at upper elevations with snow levels lowering significantly by Monday morning, leading to generally good snow quality. Additional precipitation will return Wednesday into Thursday, with more modest totals primarily impacting the northern and central Sierra. A quieter pattern may emerge for most areas by next weekend, although some light snow could linger in the far northern mountains.
Sunday Night–Monday Storm. Heavy snowfall will push into the mountains late Sunday, with snow levels around 5,500–6,000 feet and then dropping closer to 5,000 feet by Monday morning. Strong southerly winds will coincide with the heaviest snow, especially overnight Sunday, creating periods of intense precipitation. Snowfall totals will be substantial above 6,000 feet, reaching up to two or three feet in favored locations, and rates could climb to 1–3 inches per hour during the peak. Snow quality will vary across the event, starting at borderline moderate density before shifting to lighter, fluffier snow as SLRs increase above 14:1 by late Monday.
Midweek System (Wednesday–Thursday). A weaker round of snow arrives Wednesday night into Thursday, favoring the Sierra north of Mammoth. Snow levels should initially hover around 5,000–6,000 feet, with modest accumulation likely on upper mountain slopes. While totals are nowhere near as high as the early-week storm, conditions will still be enjoyable where new snow falls. Snow quality will mostly be in the moderate range, with SLRs around 9–12:1, providing a decent refresher for upper elevations.
Late Week/Weekend Outlook. After Thursday’s system, mountain regions may see breaks in precipitation, with only minor snow possible in the far northern Sierra through the weekend. Temperatures will remain seasonable to slightly cool, preserving snow surfaces at higher elevations. Overall, it looks quieter next weekend than the first half of the week, though leftover flurries or light snow cannot be ruled out entirely in the northernmost areas.
Resort Forecast Totals
- Kirkwood – 20”–30” total (18”–25” Sun night (03/16) – Tue (03/18) + 2”–5” Wed night (03/19) – Thu night (03/20))
- Palisades Tahoe – 17”–26” total (15”–22” Sun night (03/16) – Tue (03/18) + 2”–4” Wed night (03/19) – Thu night (03/20))
- Sugar Bowl – 16”–25” total (14”–20” Sun night (03/16) – Tue (03/18) + 2”–5” Wed night (03/19) – Thu night (03/20))
- Northstar – 10”–17” total (9”–14” Sun night (03/16) – Tue (03/18) + 1”–3” Wed night (03/19) – Thu night (03/20))
- Mammoth – 9”–14” Sun night (03/16) – Tue (03/18)
- Heavenly – 8”–13” Sun night (03/16) – Tue (03/18)
- Mt Rose – 7”–11” Sun night (03/16) – Tue (03/18)
