Sierra Winter Storm Watch

A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for the Sierra Nevada from Sunday afternoon through late Monday night.

According to the National Weather Service, the change in weather will begin with a weak system that will move through the area today. It could bring some light precipitation.

Then several strong storm systems will begin on Sunday and continue, one after the other, through Friday.

The first storm from Sunday afternoon through late Monday night may bring one to three feet of snow over the highest mountain peaks.

Snow levels will generally begin around 4500 to 5500 feet with snowfall accumulations of one to three feet, at the 7000 foot elevation, by Monday night.

Winds could gust over 50 mph over the higher mountain peaks.

The next series of storms will then begin Tuesday afternoon and continue with little break through next weekend.

Rainfall totals in the Motherlode could exceed three to six inches, with the possiblity of minor flooding in some areas during the latter part of the week.

Snow levels will generally be around 4000 to 5500 feet, but could briefly lower at times.

Snow accumulations in the Sierra are anticipated to be anywhere from several feet at the 5000 foot level and possibly ten feet or more above 7000 feet.

There will be periods of very strong winds both locally and in the mountains.

Written by mark@mlode.com