Two Feet of Snow Blankets NorCal Mountains, More Expected Next Week
Winter has arrived in Northern California, with the long, dry summer and fall months disappearing behind a flurry of snowstorms in the Sierra Nevada over the past few days. As of Friday morning, up to two feet of snow have fallen at higher elevations, with more in the forecast next week.
Per usual, much of the snow came near Lake Tahoe, where passes like Donner Lake had mandatory chain requirements on I-80.
Currently over Donner Summit I-80! Lots of snow right now pic.twitter.com/coTbmPC1CS
— Rob Carlmark (@rcarlmark) November 23, 2018
As you can see on the map below, the bulk of the snow fell in the westside of Tahoe.
Snow has returned to the Sierra! Some higher elevation have picked up 2 feet! #CAwx pic.twitter.com/WeIx51QI2I
— NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) November 23, 2018
Ski resorts rejoiced as this snowstorm marks the beginning of the 2018/19 season. Although many resorts had already opened this year, they had limited terrain with most of the snow coming from snowmaking machines.
Of course, the resorts took to social media to celebrate their powdery views:
Happy Thanksgiving! Mother Nature delivered the first storm of the season last night with 10-12 inches of snow, and there’s more in the forecast 🙌 pic.twitter.com/IuSkZUmupM
— Sierra-at-Tahoe (@Sierra_at_Tahoe) November 22, 2018
Happy Thanksgiving! We’re thankful for 7†of fresh snow and getting to share in the fun and happiness it brings all of you. pic.twitter.com/gsvVeMaIjj
— Northstar California (@Northstar_CA) November 22, 2018
Who else is stoked for tomorrow? It’s still snowing up here! #mysquawalpine pic.twitter.com/EallXs7Bxk
— Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows (@squawalpine) November 23, 2018
Each resort received nearly a foot, with the big winner being Sugar Bowl, which got almost two feet:
Meanwhile, just to the north, the snow came down in Lassen Volcanic National Park, with over a foot hitting higher up on Lassen Peak. Here is the view of the park from the Yoh-Ma-Nee visitor Center:
The snow is expected to slow down Friday night, but it will be back soon enough. A large, precipitous storm is expected to return to the area on Tuesday and last for three days.
Here are the forecasts for the upcoming week: