Crippling blizzard to pummel Sierra Nevada with 10-plus feet of snow, high winds
The event will begin Thursday but hit its peak starting Friday. The Sierra Nevada ridges will see wind gusts easily exceed 100-plus mph, leading to intense blizzard conditions that may last for days, the FOX Forecast Center said. Lake Tahoe could see 2-4 feet of snow amid blizzard conditions.
A crippling blizzard is expected to slam the mountains in California and Nevada this week, dropping the biggest snow of the season so far. By the time it's all over, over 10 feet of snow may fall at the highest elevations.
The worst of the storm will be felt across the Sierra Nevada. The event will begin Thursday but hit its peak starting Friday and last through the weekend. With a major storm like this, the Sierra ridge wind gusts will easily exceed 100-plus mph, leading to intense blizzard conditions that may last for days.
The biggest snow storm of the season could bring 12 feet of snow to the Sierra.
(FOX Weather)
Extremely dangerous to impossible mountain travel is expected into the weekend. Blizzard Warnings go into effect Thursday through Sunday for the Northern and Central Sierra.
"We're getting to the point where snowfall amount probabilities in the Sierra/northeast (California) won't even matter," warned the NWS Reno office in their Tuesday forecast discussion. "Snow amounts will be so much and difficult to accurately measure due to strong winds producing prolonged periods of near zero visibility and blowing/drifting snow capabale of burying vehicles and making it difficult to locate roads. Even walking outside would not be advised during this storm as a person could quickly become lost or disoriented."
(FOX Weather)
Blizzard Warnings cover Lake Tahoe area
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Blizzard Warnings even extend into the Lake Tahoe area - a popular travel destination throughout the year, especially for those around the San Francisco Bay Area, Las Vegas and Reno.
As much as 2-4 feet of snow is expected around Lake Tahoe, with the worst conditions likely late Friday into Saturday. Additional snowfall is likely thereafter.
Lake Tahoe area snow forecast
(FOX Weather)
Overall with the storm, snow rates of 2-4 inches per hour are expected, with road closures, white-out conditions and near-zero visibility at times. Very strong winds and heavy snow could cause extensive tree damage and extended power outages.
Strong and potentially damaging winds are forecast Thursday through Friday for the lower valleys and foothills, with a high potential for peak gusts over 55 mph.
Hourly snowfall rates of 2-4 inches at times will linger into early Saturday morning before decreasing to 1-2 inches per hour during the day.
"Storms of this magnitude are rare and capable of closing major roads and damaging power infrastructure for extended periods of time," the NWS warned. "Make sure you have food, water, and a secondary heat source for more than several days in your home in case of extended power outages. If you must travel, do it before the storm arrives as travel may be impossible once the storm arrives."
It will still be a major deal at lower elevations as well, the FOX Forecast Center said. Lower elevation snow is favored on Saturday at or below 2,000 feet, as a surge of colder air is expected to lower snow levels through the weekend.
First impacts already felt in Washington, Oregon
The significant winter storm and its associated atmospheric river will also blast the Pacific Northwest with strong to damaging winds and heavy rain.
The first impacts are already felt in Washington and Oregon as snow and rain arrive off the Pacific Ocean. Snow levels will initially be high, above 4,000 feet, as southwest winds bring in mild Pacific air, the FOX Forecast Center said, but will soon crash down below pass levels again.
Winds gusting up to 40 to 55 mph on Wednesday will keep mountain passes in near whiteout conditions.
Wind gust forecast.
(FOX Weather)
The Olympics and Cascades could see 2 to 4 feet of snow by the end of Thursday, while the lowlands could see 1 to 3 inches of rain. The NWS issued a Winter Storm Warning for the mountains of foothills above 1,500 feet through Thursday night into Friday morning.
An unsettled weather pattern continues to keep the northwest corner of the country cool through the weekend. Look for snow showers without much accumulation in the mountains. Portland and Seattle will continue to see a mix of wet snow and rain
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