Winter Storm Warning – Up to 3 Feet Snow of Forecast for NorCal Mountains this Week
We’ve been keeping our eye on the first big winter storm heading for Northern California this week, and now the numbers have been released and they are crazy!
The snow accumulations will be more than many expected, with 2 to 3 feet of snow expected to hit the mountains. The largest snowfall is expected on Lassen Peak, Carson Pass and Ebbett’s Pass, all with up to 36 inches through Thursday. Other notable snowfall forecasts include 30 inches at Donner Pass and Tioga Pass, and 24 inches near Mount Shasta.
But they bigger news might be the low snow levels, with the possibility of snowflakes hitting the valley floor, including a little snowfall all the way down in Redding.
The heavy snow forecast has inspired a Winter Storm Warning from the National Weather Service, who is predicting near whiteout conditions on some mountain passes during the week.
Holiday travelers can expect delays, chain controls and flat out closures on mountain passes through the week, and any travelers are encouraged to begin their travels early Tuesday if traveling through the mountains is needed:
âš ï¸Hazardous mountain travel is likely Tuesday after 5pm through Wednesday. Expect chain controls, significant delays & road closures.
— NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) November 25, 2019
â„ï¸2 to 3 FEET of snow is expected above 3000-3500 feet during this time frame!
‼ï¸Now is the time to adjust your holiday plans accordingly! #CAwx pic.twitter.com/x87eOCNB61
The best part? This is hardly the end. 10-day weather forecasts in high-elevation areas of NorCal are predicted to see snow for the coming weeks. In fact, multiple storms are expected to bring nonstop snow to the mountains through December 9th. Buckle up, winter is here.
