Sierra Nevada Roads: The Sierra Nevada and the Tahoe Basin in California are expected to be hit by a strong cold front on Wednesday night and Thursday, followed by more snow showers during the weekend. Travel is strongly discouraged, the National Weather Service tweeted on Wednesday.
The agency published snowfall forecast cross-sections for a number of major thoroughfares. For instance, at Highway 80, Alta might see a total of 6-8 inches, Donner Summit could see 18-24 inches, and Truckee could see 12-18 inches.
Yosemite National Park’s entry on Highway 120 might get 12-18 inches of precipitation, while Tenaya Lake and Tioga Pass could get 24-30 and 18-24 inches respectively.
Despite the fact that “we’ve had storms stronger than this one,” meteorologist Scott Rowe from the weather service predicted a “solid accumulation” of up to 1 foot, over 2 feet at pass level, and over 3 feet at the crest, with 3 to 4 feet on the highest summits.
Based on past experience, Rowe predicts that the Sierra will have snowfall effects comparable to those of the early September storm. Rowe added over the phone, “We’re also going to experience wind impacts with this storm.” “Expect some serious wind today.
Rain and snow will continue to push out of the area this evening. Mountain travel will continue to be hazardous into the overnight. #CAwx pic.twitter.com/gEv1rt2ieT
— NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) December 2, 2022
The snow will be blown by the winds. Tonight and tomorrow will be the riskiest hours for travelling. Overnight, we may have 2–3 inches of snowfall, making it difficult for snowploughs to keep up. This period could last anywhere from 4 to 6 hours.
Here are the highest wind gusts from this storm over the past 24 hours across northeast California, the Sierra Nevada, and western Nevada. Snow reports from this past event will be sent out Friday morning, December 2, 2022, when observers report. pic.twitter.com/fauogr9bTJ
— NWS Reno (@NWSReno) December 2, 2022
Rowe mentioned that Friday could be a good day to travel through the mountains, but advised that people check with Caltrans to make sure the roads are clear. The snow will begin to let off Thursday night, and by Friday morning, the Sierra should be dry, according to Rowe of the Sacramento office.
Things dry out tonight and we will see dry conditions tomorrow with morning fog. Rain and snow return for the weekend. #CAwx pic.twitter.com/OzfZLGOHYL
— NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) December 2, 2022
In other words, “Friday could be a window of opportunity, but the million dollar question is what will roads be like.” Saturday night and Sunday morning will likely see another round of snow showers.
A Winter Storm Watch is in effect from 10 PM Fri until 4 AM PST Mon for Mono County and 4 AM Sat until 4 AM PST Mon for the northern Sierra and northeast California. Plan on periods of heavy snow with significant travel impacts in these areas. pic.twitter.com/XPGdukf1qx
— NWS Reno (@NWSReno) December 2, 2022
The weather service said that individuals planning to travel to the Sierra for the weekend should be aware that “snowfall rates aren’t predicted to be as strong as the first system, but storm totals could end up being similar” since light to moderate snow would remain all the way through Sunday night.
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