Massive California Winter Storm to Bring Record Snowfall and Blizzard Conditions

A very dangerous winter storm has hit California, bringing heavy snow, strong winds, and rare blizzard conditions in the mountains over the weekend.

This storm will bring the largest snowfall of the year to California, creating hazardous conditions for travelers but also benefiting the state's water supply and tourism industry.

The National Weather Service office in Reno, Nevada, issued a warning on Wednesday about the dangerous road conditions during the storm. They emphasized the importance of staying indoors to ensure safety for yourself and your family, as whiteout conditions can be disorienting.

The storm brought snow to the Pacific Northwest on Wednesday and then moved into California's Northern Coast Range, the Klamath Mountains, and the Sierra Nevada on Thursday. As the snow spreads across California, strong winds and blizzard conditions are expected to accompany it.

Snowfall rates are forecasted to reach extreme levels of 3 to 5 inches per hour from Friday through Saturday, particularly along the Sierra Nevada.

This prolonged extreme snowfall could lead to 6 to 10 feet of snow accumulating in parts of the Sierra in just two to three days.

At the highest elevations, the most extreme conditions will be experienced, with wind gusts exceeding 100 mph and feet of snow expected on the highest peaks of the Sierra. The strong winds may make it challenging to accurately measure the snow, leading to the formation of large snow drifts.

A combination of heavy snowfall and powerful winds will create rare and prolonged blizzard conditions across the Sierra and parts of the northern ranges. During these intense blizzards, visibility could drop to near-zero, making it impossible to see more than a few feet ahead.

The Weather Prediction Center has issued a warning that there is a high likelihood of significant and prolonged disruptions to daily life in the higher elevations of the Sierra Nevada from Friday through Saturday.

Yosemite National Park, currently under a blizzard warning for the weekend, will be closed from Friday until at least Sunday afternoon, according to the National Park Service. Visitors are advised to depart as soon as possible due to the possibility of approximately 8 feet of snow in the park.

Unlike the previous winter storms, this time the snow will be falling at levels much lower than usual for all affected mountain ranges. In fact, areas as low as 5,000 feet can expect up to a foot of snow through the weekend. Even lower elevations, like Reno, Nevada, may see several inches of snow. Alongside the snow, wind gusts of up to 60 mph will be blowing through the lower elevations.

These intense conditions at lower elevations pose a higher risk of danger on the roads.

Traveling through the Sierra this weekend will be very risky, as warned by the weather service. Major roads like I-80 may be closed for extended periods of time.

In addition to heavy snowfall, strong winds will also be a concern. Gusts exceeding 55 mph are expected across the West, including the Rockies, until Sunday.

Strong winds have the potential to cause trees and power lines to fall, leading to property damage and power outages.

The most intense snowfall and powerful winds from this major storm are expected to gradually decrease in California by Sunday.

But another quick burst of less-intense snowy weather could arrive as early as Monday across Northern California.

Storm will provide much-needed boost to critical snowpack

California’s Sierra Nevada snowpack had a slow start this winter, according to Edan Lindaman, a senior meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Reno.

"We’ve definitely been playing catch up with the snowpack in the Sierra," Lindaman told CNN.

January 2019: The Colorado River winds its way along Utah Highway128 and always provides a relaxing and scenic drive into the red sandstone canyons leading toward Moab, Utah. Larry Clouse/CSM(Credit Image: © Larry Clouse/CSM via ZUMA Wire) (Cal Sport Media via AP Images)

In January 2019, the Colorado River flows peacefully alongside Utah Highway 128, offering a tranquil and picturesque journey through the stunning red sandstone canyons that lead to Moab, Utah. The scenic drive is always a delightful experience for visitors looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. Larry Clouse/CSM(Credit Image: © Larry Clouse/CSM via ZUMA Wire) (Cal Sport Media via AP Images)

Larry Clouse/Cal Sport Media/AP

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Fortunately, recent storms have had a positive impact. Lindaman reports that certain regions in the Sierra are close to replenishing the snowpack deficit.

With the massive snowfall expected to cover the Sierra over the weekend, there is a high possibility of closing the snowpack gap or even surpassing the usual amount, according to Lindaman.

Snowpack plays a crucial role as a water source, and surveys carried out by California's Department of Water Resources assist in predicting the water availability for the rest of the year.

Millions of people in the West depend on a melting snowpack in the warmer months for hydropower, irrigation and drinking water, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Editor's P/S:

The recent winter storm in California has brought both challenges and benefits to the state. While the heavy snow, strong winds, and blizzard conditions have made travel hazardous and led to road closures, the storm is also a much-needed source of water for the state's drought-stricken regions. The snowpack that will accumulate from the storm will provide a critical water source for millions of people in the West in the coming months.

The storm is a reminder of the extreme weather events that are becoming more common due to climate change. While the snowpack will provide much-needed water, it also poses a risk of flooding and other hazards as it melts in the spring. It is important for communities to be prepared for these events and to take steps to mitigate their impacts.