Another Snowstorm Set to Hit Northern California Mountains this Week
As mountain communities throughout Northern California continue to dig out of this weekend’s blizzard, yet another round of snowfall is heading for the mountains this week.
The National Weather Service in Sacramento has announced that another wave of precipitation is rolling into Northern California, starting this afternoon and continuing through Tuesday night. This latest weather event is expected to bring moderate snow in the mountains and light rain showers across the region, particularly affecting areas from Interstate 80 northward.
A second, "weaker" system is forecast to move thru the area Mon. thru Wed. next week. An additional 1 to 2 feet of snow is currently forecast to fall, which may hamper blizzard recovery efforts in the mountains. #CAwx pic.twitter.com/X1AdmlfpG0
— NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) March 2, 2024
Mountain residents and travelers should brace for snowfall accumulations ranging from 6 to 12 inches above the 4,000-foot elevation mark, with the higher peaks potentially seeing up to two feet of fresh snow. Additionally, wind gusts could reach up to 40 mph over the Sierra, which may lead to further impacts such as reduced visibility and challenging travel conditions.
The last 24 hours have already seen a range of 0.25 to 1 inch of precipitation over the mountains and 0.25 to 0.50 inches over the foothills, as per the latest radar imagery. The northern Sacramento Valley is also gearing up for chilly conditions, with temperatures potentially dipping to near freezing, accompanied by a 30 to 70% chance of lows hitting 32°F.
As the day progresses, light snow showers are expected to continue before the arrival of more significant snowfall later in the afternoon. Forecast models from the Weather Prediction Center suggest precipitation amounts could range from 0.25 to 1 inch over the foothills and mountains, with the northern and central Sacramento Valley seeing generally less precipitation but possibly higher amounts in the northern part.
The snow levels are anticipated to be between 3,000 to 4,000 feet Monday evening, rising to 4,000 to 5,500 feet by Tuesday. However, as the weather system moves inland, drier air may reduce the potential for further snow accumulation. Predictions indicate a 40-80% chance of at least 6 inches of snow from I-80 northward, adding to the winter landscape of Northern California. Residents and visitors are advised to stay informed and prepare for the changing conditions.
