Staff Report –
Halloween in the Sierra region may look more like Christmas this year with winter weather advisories stretching from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks, and rain on Saturday could result in the cancelation of holiday events, including Trunk or Treat in Coulterville.
The forecast calls for rain on Saturday and overnight and as much as two feet of snow on the highest peaks through Sunday.
Along the northern Sierra, up to 10 inches could fall above 7,000 feet, including areas near Interstate 80 over Donner Summit and Highway 50 over Echo Summit. Around Lake Tahoe, 2 to 6 inches are forecast above 7,000 feet, with as much as a foot on the highest peaks.
Snow levels are forecast to drop to around 6,000 feet Saturday night as an upper-level low-pressure system moves across Northern and Central California toward Nevada, drawing colder air into the mountains. That could bring an inch or two of snow to communities along Lake Tahoe’s shoreline by Sunday morning.
Several mountain routes were already closed Friday, including Sonora Pass on Highway 108 and Monitor Pass on Highway 89. Yosemite National Park closed Tioga Road Thursday evening ahead of the storm.
Travel conditions are expected to deteriorate Saturday afternoon and evening along Interstate 80 over Donner Summit, Highway 50 over Echo Summit and Highway 88 over Carson Pass. Chain controls, delays and even temporary closures are possible as snow intensifies.
Wind gusts could reach 50 mph along Sierra ridges Saturday night, reducing visibility in blowing snow. Snow showers should taper Sunday, with afternoon highs around Lake Tahoe only reaching the upper 30s to lower 40s.
The early-season storm comes as a historically strong El Niño continues to strengthen in the Pacific. Long range weather models overwhelmingly show above average precipitation for California this winter.
__
If you like this story and independent radio news service you can help Fund Yosemite Radio, KNHA 100.9 FM with GoFundMe.
Leave a Reply