What we feared would happen is happening. Once they start downgrading a storm, it usually continues. This storm is no exception. The advisory level has now been degraded from a Winter Storm Watch to a Winter Weather Advisory.
They’ve been making it sound like the storm is headed south of Tahoe to Mammoth…
TAHOE STORM DEGRADATION:
– Originally on Tuesday, 1 to 2 feet was forecasted above 7,000 feet
– Yesterday, the storm was downgraded to 10 to 18 inches above 7,000 feet
– Today, the storm has been further downgraded to 8 to 12 inches above 7,000 feet
We hope this trend continues no more and we stick to 8”-12” above 7,000 feet.
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY:
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 5 PM PDT FRIDAY…
* TIMING: SNOW WILL MOVE INTO THE SIERRA THIS MORNING…WITH THE HEAVIEST SNOW EXPECTED TONIGHT INTO FRIDAY.
* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 4 TO 8 INCHES…WITH 8 TO 12 INCHES ABOVE 7000 FEET. LOCALLY HIGHER AMOUNTS UP TO 16 INCHES POSSIBLE ALONG THE SIERRA CREST.
* WINDS: SOUTHWEST 15 TO 25 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 45 MPH. RIDGE GUSTS UP TO 75 MPH.
See this previous degradation post for more details on this storm: Tahoe Storm Degradation
NOAA.gov STORM DISCUSSION:
A strong low pressure system moves into the region today providing gusty winds and Sierra snow. Snow will begin in the Sierra this morning with the heaviest snowfall expected late tonight into Friday. For the Sierra, 3 to 6 inches of snow expected today with gusty winds between 40 to 45 mph possible this afternoon. A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for Thursday night into Friday from Lassen County through the Greater Lake Tahoe area and into Mono County. Travel will be impacted across all Sierra passes today through Friday morning. 8 to 12 inches above 7000 feet in the eastern Sierra with 16 inches along the crest. 4 to 8 inches below 7000 feet in the Tahoe area with up to 5 inches below 7000 feet in Mono County. 4 to 8 inches of snow west of highway 395 north of Lake Tahoe into Lassen County with 12 inches around Yuba Pass. High temperatures on Friday will be 15 to 20 degrees below normal with snow showers continuing into the evening.
We shouldn’t be complaining too much. Squaw already has gotten 5″-17” out of the storm that hit yesterday/last night and it is mid-april. Overall, this is gonna be a great cycle.
