A hell of a storm is currently impacting the Sierra and Tahoe resorts will see even more snow by the end of the weekend reports NOAA.
Related: Atmospheric River Events Can Make or Break Your Ski Season. Here is Why
Models currently have all of Tahoe receiving significant accumulations this week with the higher resorts (Sugar Bowl, Mt Rose, and Kirkwood) set to benefit the most from this particular winter storm system.
“Another big storm is looking likely next weekend with heavy snow and perhaps even heavy rain.” – NWS Reno
The current storm impacting the area is staying cold but look for that to steadily change as slightly above freezing temps move into the area mid-week. NOAA currently has Sugar Bowl getting up to 34°F on Wednesday afternoon.
The Atmospheric River will continue that trend by bringing above freezing temps to lake level as well as excess precipitation. Higher elevations could see upwards of 5 FEET of snow when this storm is over and done with. With all that snow, lower elevations will likely see massive rainfall totals, causing flooding in low-lying areas. With all that in mind, the storm is still a ways out and we won’t know snow totals or snow levels until we get a little closer to this particular weather event.
*In the meantime, we have a winter storm warning on our hands with cold temps. Get the powder sticks out!
Forecast: Sugar Bowl, CA
Winter Storm Warning (Sugar Bowl)
A VERY COLD AIRMASS COUPLED WITH PRECIPITATION WILL CONTINUE SNOW SHOWERS OVER INTERIOR NORTHERN CALIFORNIA MUCH OF THIS WEEK.
SNOW LEVELS WILL BE LOWEST IN SHASTA COUNTY BELOW 1000 FEET WITH SNOW LEVELS ALONG THE SIERRA INTO THE FOOTHILLS BETWEEN 1000 TO 3000 FEET INTO TUESDAY. MOTORISTS SHOULD BE PREPARED FOR HAZARDOUS WINTER TRAVEL.
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM PST TUESDAY…WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TUESDAY TO 4 AM PST THURSDAY…
* MAIN IMPACT…HAZARDOUS WINTER TRAVEL DOWN TO LOW ELEVATIONS WITH REDUCED VISIBILITIES, CHAIN CONTROLS AND TRAFFIC DELAYS LIKELY OVER THE MOUNTAINS.
* TIMING…SNOW SHOWERS EXPECTED TODAY THROUGH THURSDAY. HEAVIEST SNOWFALL TUESDAY AFTERNOON INTO EARLY WEDNESDAY.
* LOCATIONS…INTERSTATE 80, HIGHWAYS 36, 50, 70 AND 88 ALONG THE WESTERN SIERRA SLOPES.
* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS…10 TO 20 INCHES THROUGH TUESDAY. UP TO 4 FEET ACROSS THE HIGHER ELEVATIONS BY EARLY THURSDAY.
* OTHER IMPACTS…STRONG GUSTY SOUTHWEST WINDS MAY RESULT IN AREAS OF BLOWING SNOW WITH LIMITED VISIBILITY THROUGH THE PASSES.
