New Winter Storm System Brewing in the Pacific, Taking Aim at California

Posted: March 3, 2023 11:59 pm

Another winter storm is going to drop snowfall measured in feet to the Sierra Nevada over the weekend, building the crucial snowpack heading into the spring and summer months. Here is what you need to know about this latest blockbuster snow event.

Storm Brewing in the Pacific Ocean

A new storm system is coming on shore from the Pacific Ocean, triggering more unsettled weather for California and beyond. Like past storms this winter, the Golden State will see rain at the lower elevations with heavy snow in the mountains. The Sierra Nevada snowpack is already sitting at over 100 inches, well above the historical average by this point in the season.

Unlike last week’s storm which took aim at Southern California, it will be the central and northern portions of the state that bear the brunt of this current weather maker. The precipitation began falling late Friday across western Washington and down through Oregon.

Snow levels will drop to 500 feet as the storm moves on shore. This could mean snow for the foothills surrounding cities such as Seattle and Portland by Saturday morning.

California to Experience Impacts by Saturday Morning

The most significant snow will fall across Northern California beginning late Saturday morning and continuing on and off through Monday. Snow in this part of the state may fall as low as 1,000 feet. A snow level in this range would bring the white stuff to the northern Sacramento Valley. Areas above 3,000 feet of elevation can expect to see up to 5 feet of snow out of this powerful storm system.

Winter sports enthusiasts will delight in the new accumulation, certain to extend the ski and snowboarding season for a longer time. However, the snow will also present a number of travel challenges. The usual suspects, including Donner Pass over Interstate 80, will be at risk of road closures. The higher elevations across Interstate 5 in Northern California and up through southern Oregon may also be dealing with dicey travel conditions.

The storm system will also usher in strong winds. These winds may create blowing and drifting snow as well as poor visibility.

It will be rain causing disruptions across the lower elevations. Rainfall amounts in the San Francisco Bay Area may reach half of an inch, disrupting outdoor plans across the region.

California Governor Declares State of Emergency

It has been a rough winter for much of California. On Wednesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in 13 counties. The declaration freed up state resources to help with the rescue and recovery efforts currently happening in the southern and central portions of the state.

Although this parade of storms have created a host of complications in the region, the massive snow totals is good news for the state’s drought conditions. Last weekend brought up to 7 feet of new accumulation to some parts of the Sierra Nevada. For instance, the seasonal total of snow is now well over 500 inches at the Palisades Tahoe ski resort.

The latest data from the U.S. Drought Monitor continues to show a significant drop in the portion of the state under an official drought. As of Thursday’s report, only 49.1% of California is under the official designation of a drought. This is a drastic change from the 84.6% of the state under this designation just last week. The number is predicted to go down even more by next week thanks to the latest storm.

As the temperature starts to creep up in the coming weeks, this snow will inevitably begin to melt and flow into the state’s reservoirs. Residents and local officials hope that this is a good sign for the upcoming wildfire season.

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