After an extended period of weaker spring weather systems and milder temperatures, a strong Pacific storm is expected to impact the region late Thursday night through Saturday according to forecasters at the Reno office of the National Weather Service. Confidence is high that this storm will impact the region, however weather experts are uncertain about just how quickly snow levels will fall once the storm begins. Here in the Honey Lake Valley no snow is forecast, but we will experience heavy rain.
Forecasters expect ridge winds will pick up Thursday night with strong gusty winds throughout the area on Friday. Ridge level winds could gust to 120 mph or more, with widespread wind gusts of 40-60 mph down to the valley floor impacting travel on Friday.
Rain and snow will begin late Thursday night and continue into Saturday, with the heaviest precipitation expected on Friday. Liquid storm totals between 2 and 5 inches are possible along the Sierra crest, with 1-3 inches in the Tahoe Basin and Sierra foothills. Between one-half inch and 1 inch of precipitation is possible along the Sierra Front.
A significant increase in snowpack is expected above 7000-7500 feet around the Tahoe Basin to Alpine County, and above 8000-8500 in Mono County, with 1-4 feet of snow possible. Below 7000 feet around the Tahoe Basin to Alpine County, and below 8000 feet in Mono County, some snow accumulation is expected, but amounts will be highly dependent on how quickly snow levels fall.
Here in the Honey Lake Valley forecasters don’t expect snow, but are saying that substantial precipitation on nearly saturated soils and areas of ripe snowpack are expected to renew concerns for flooding starting Friday. The biggest concern is for lower elevation creeks and streams and areas of western Nevada where trapped water is already creating flooding issues.
Currently the most likely mainstem river to hit flood stage is the Middle Fork of the Feather at Portola this weekend. Other mainstem rivers in the region, including the Susan River, are expected to see rises, but flooding is not forecast at this time. Significant upward changes in the current snow level forecast would increase the risk for flooding throughout the area.
NWS Forecasters say that the biggest takeaway for now is that wet and windy conditions are expected for the end of this week into the weekend. Keep any
ongoing flood mitigation measures in place. For those living in the Sierra, be prepared for heavy snow. Also, if you have travel plans across the Sierra for this weekend, it may be best to either complete travel before Thursday night, or postpone travel until next week.
For more information you can always find current conditions at LassenWeatherNetwork.com.
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