Sierra Snow Update

An extremely wet winter storm dumped heavy snow in the Sierra the past 48 hours.  Heavenly and Squaw Valley received the most snow with 78 and 72 inches.  Snowfall rates reached as high as 2-3 inches per hour.

As as general rule, we use 1 inch of water to forecast 10 inches of snow.  This storm had ratios as wet as 1 inch of water to 3 inches of snow.  The heavy wet snow pushed our snow levels to 90% of average for today's date.  The water equivalent is now 23 inches. 

The snow season ends April 1st.  Our percentage compared to an entire season is 81 %.

Good news for our reservoirs, more snow is on the way Thursday, Friday, Sunday, and Monday.  Amounts will be much lighter than the last 48 hours.

Unfortunately, the extreme snow amounts created an avalanche hazard.  An AVALANCHE ADVISORY is in effect until 8 AM Thursday.

Mike

Forecast - Monday 3/2/09

Our morning light rain becomes scattered showers this afternoon with thunder and small hail possible.  Highs hang around 60 degrees today. 

Widespread rain returns tonight and temperatures remain mild, upper 40s to lower 50s Inland to lower and middle 50s around the Bay and Coast.

WIND ADVISORY is in effect until 6 AM Tuesday. 

Showers with heavier rain, small hail, and thunder are more likely Tuesday afternoon.  High temperatures remain near 60 degrees.

Rainfall totals near .25” – 50” in the South Bay and East Bay valleys with .75” – 1” around the Bay and up to 1.5” in our mountains.