Sierra Nevada mountains brace for ‘life threatening’ storm that will dump up to TWELVE FEET of snow and threatens to close Tahoe ski resorts
Officials in California have issued warnings and asked locals to ‘hunker down’ after predictions of a life-threatening storm hitting the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Blizzard warnings have been issued through Sunday morning in the northern and central Sierra, including Lake Tahoe and eastern Nevada.
According to the Weather Channel, the Sierra Nevada could soon be covered in 12 feet of snow and strong winds.
Experts have categorized these conditions as ‘life-threatening’ and have asked residents not to travel this weekend.
Power outages and tree damage may also occur in some areas due to the heavy snow accumulations.
The National Weather Service of Reno, one of the cities expected to be affected and which covers parts of California including Lake Tahoe, said about X: ‘There is already snow in the Sierra and it is not expected to stop this weekend.
Blizzard warnings have been issued through Sunday morning in the northern and central Sierra, including Lake Tahoe and eastern Nevada (photo El Dorado County, California on Thursday)
According to the Weather Channel, the Sierra Nevada could soon be covered in 12 feet of snow and strong winds
According to the Weather Channel, the Sierra Nevada could soon be covered in 12 feet of snow and strong winds (Kingvale, California photo on Thursday)
The agency also issued a blizzard-like condition advisory for the Greater Lake Tahoe Area, including the cities of Stateline, Markleeville, Incline Village, Tahoe City, Glenbrook, Truckee and South Lake Tahoe (pictured Thursday in El Dorado County, California)
“Your safe travel period in the Sierra is over; it’s best to stay where you are.’
Rich Bann, a meteorologist with the NWS, said the western slope of the Sierras will see the heaviest snow, with wind gusts of 100 mph (161 kph) or more likely as the storm crashes over the mountain ridges.
“There could be widespread power outages,” Bann said. “This will be a very major disruption to life until it eases up on Sunday.”
The agency also issued a blizzard-like condition advisory for the Greater Lake Tahoe Area, including the cities of Stateline, Markleeville, Incline Village, Tahoe City, Glenbrook, Truckee and South Lake Tahoe.
Snow accumulations between four and six feet are expected for Lake Tahoe communities through 10 a.m. Sunday and wind gusts up to 75 mph at lower elevations and above 115 mph over the Sierra ridges.
According to South Lake Tahoe government, the city’s Public Works staff has already completed anti-icing of all streets in anticipation of the coming storm.
Snow accumulations between three and six feet for Lake Tahoe communities and wind gusts up to 75 mph at lower elevations and above 115 mph across the Sierra ridges are expected through 10 a.m. Sunday
The NWS said Thursday that strong winds had already caused damage around the Lake Tahoe area, and even stronger winds with gusts up to 80 mph were expected today (Kingvale, California pictured Thursday)
A long line of trucks are parked in front of westbound I-80 as drivers place chains around truck wheels in preparation for the snowstorm over the Sierra Nevada
According to South Lake Tahoe government, the city’s Public Works staff has already completed anti-icing of all streets in anticipation of the coming storm.
“Municipal Public Works personnel have completed anti-icing treatment of all city streets in anticipation of the upcoming storm. Anti-icing involves placing a layer of brine on the sidewalk to prevent snow and ice from freezing on the road.
“As the storm continues, snow removal crews are prepared to respond 24 hours a day, if necessary, to clear city streets,” city officials said. wrote on Facebook.
The California Highway Patrol has also imposed travel restrictions on a long stretch of Interstate 80 between Reno and Sacramento, requiring drivers to put chains on their tires.
As a preventative measure, Palisades Tahoe Ski Area has announced limited operations for today and will likely be temporarily closed through the weekend.
Backcountry avalanche warnings were already in effect around Lake Tahoe, as well as in areas around Yosemite National Park extending to Mammoth Lakes.
The NWS said Thursday that strong winds had already caused damage around the Lake Tahoe area, and even stronger winds with gusts up to 80 mph were expected today.
The National Parks Service has asked visitors to leave Yosemite National Park on Friday afternoon and not return until Sunday.
Backcountry avalanche warnings were already in effect around Lake Tahoe, as well as areas around Yosemite National Park extending to Mammoth Lakes (photo on Thursday in Soda Springs, California)
Officials with the California Department of Water Resources said Thursday that the Sierra Nevada snowpack is 80 percent of average so far, but only 70 percent of the typical April 1 peak.
Skiers enjoy a day of skiing and snowfall at the North Star California Resort in Truckee, California, on Thursday
The cold fronts could bring heavy rains to lower elevations in the foothills of the Sierras and northwest California, a state that has been drenched by heavy rains this winter.
The additional rainfall “increases the risk of isolated flash flooding,” the NWS said.
California Department of Water Resources officials said Thursday that snowpack in the Sierra Nevada is 80 percent of average so far, but only 70 percent of the typical April 1 peak.
Despite dire warnings for most of the state, Los Angeles County won’t see snow, but there is a slight chance of showers on Friday and more likely rainfall on Saturday and Sunday.