MD 0181 CONCERNING HEAVY SNOW FOR PORTIONS OF THE HIGHER TERRAIN OVER THE SIERRA IN CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
Mesoscale Discussion 0181
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
1246 PM CST Fri Mar 01 2024
Areas affected…portions of the higher terrain over the Sierra in
central California
Concerning…Heavy snow
Valid 011846Z – 020045Z
SUMMARY…Snowfall rates are expected to gradually increase through
the afternoon and early evening hours at higher elevations along
portions of the Sierra Nevada. Blizzard conditions should also
become more widespread as snowfall and winds increase.
DISCUSSION…Persistent precipitation continues across the northern
half of CA as the primary trough axis associated with an upstream
upper wave approaches the West Coast. VWP observations from southern
OR to central CA have shown an uptick in mid-level winds over the
past couple of hours – particularly within a belt of enhanced
mid-level moisture notable in recent IR/water-vapor imagery. This
mid-level flow is forecast to continue to increase through the
afternoon and early evening hours as the trough approaches, which
will bolster orographic ascent along the portions of the Sierra
Nevada range. Latest surface observations and web cams continue to
show areas of moderate to heavy snowfall ongoing roughly above 5
kft. Further intensification of snowfall rates – as high as 2-3
in/hour by late afternoon/early evening – is anticipated as ascent
increases. Although ridge line winds in excess of 100 mph have
already been reported at a few locations, wind gusts between 60-75
mph should become more common between 5-8 kft as stronger 800-700 mb
winds approach the region. This should promote an increase in
coverage of blizzard conditions heading into the late afternoon and
evening hours.
..Moore.. 03/01/2024
…Please see www.spc.noaa.gov for graphic product…
ATTN…WFO…REV…HNX…STO…
LAT…LON 38221929 37951905 37801899 37661897 37541905 37471914
37521936 37751962 38432028 39062067 39572091 39802086
39862059 39752039 39202011 38972004 38531963 38221929
