Late-Season Winter Storm Warning Hits Sierra Nevada
Late-Season Winter Storm Warning Hits Sierra Nevada...
A powerful late-season winter storm is bearing down on California's Sierra Nevada mountains, triggering urgent warnings from the National Weather Service. The system, arriving unusually late in the season, could drop up to 3 feet of snow above 7,000 feet through Saturday.
The storm is trending nationally as it threatens to disrupt Easter weekend travel plans and potentially extend the ski season at Lake Tahoe resorts. Meteorologists warn of whiteout conditions along Interstate 80 and Highway 50, with chain requirements likely for mountain passes.
"This is an anomalous event for mid-April," said NWS Sacramento forecaster Idamis Del Valle. "We're seeing atmospheric river moisture colliding with much colder air than typical for this time of year." The service has issued Winter Storm Warnings for elevations above 5,000 feet from 5 PM Thursday through 5 AM Sunday.
Pacific Gas & Electric has placed crews on standby, recalling last month's widespread Sierra power outages. Yosemite National Park announced possible temporary road closures if conditions deteriorate. The California Highway Patrol advised travelers to reconsider non-essential mountain trips.
Ski resorts like Palisades Tahoe and Mammoth Mountain, which planned to close next week, may extend operations. "We're monitoring hourly," said Palisades spokesperson Liesl Hepburn. "This could be a bonus weekend for spring skiers."
The storm comes as California's snowpack stands at 104% of average, with water managers cautiously optimistic about drought relief. However, rapid snowmelt later this spring could raise flood risks in foothill communities.
Search interest spiked Thursday morning as Bay Area and Central Valley residents checked weekend travel conditions. The California Office of Emergency Services activated its situational awareness team but hasn't issued evacuation warnings.
Meteorologists expect the system to weaken by Sunday afternoon, with drier conditions returning for the start of next week. Until then, officials urge mountain visitors to prepare for winter driving conditions and possible delays.
