Winter Storm Warning Extended

The Winter Storm Warning has been extended for the Sierra Nevada through 4 AM Wednesday.

This first in a series of storms, will bring a few inches of snow down to 3500 feet by Tuesday morning. One to two feet of snow is possible at 5000 feet. One to three feet of accumulation is possible above 6000 feet.

Snow levels will fluctuate between 3000 to 4500 feet.

Winds will gust over 40 mph in the Motherlode and 60 mph over the higher mountain peaks.

Earlier today, there was a significant storm cell that moved through southeastern Tuolumne County. It contained hail up to the size of pennies, heavy rain and winds that were gusting up to 50 mph.

The next storm will begin by midday Tuesday and bring one to three feet of snow to the Sierra by Wednesday morning.

The snow levels will fluctuate between 5500 to 6000 feet.

Strong winds will gust once again near the crest.

Additional storms will continue through Saturday.

Rainfall totals in the Motherlode could reach four to eight inches. This will bring the possibility of minor flooding to low lying areas, as well as around flood prone rivers and creeks, during the latter part of the week.

Expect all smaller rivers and streams to rise with swiftly moving water during the week.

Snow levels throughout the second half of the week, will generally begin around 4000 to 4500 feet. At times, the snow level will fall low enough to affect the Motherlode’s foothills.

Total snow accumulation in the Sierra by Saturday, is anticipated to be several feet at 5000 feet and as much as ten feet or more above 6000 to 7000 feet.

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

There will be a break over the weekend before yet another weather system brings more rain and mountain snow on Monday.

Written by mark@mlode.com