An incoming low-pressure system may dump up to 20 inches of fresh pow by Monday at higher elevations in the Sierra Nevada. Models are showing the system to be that of a mid-winter storm with cold temperatures and high winds.
Palisades looks like it will be taking the brunt of the storm, and they are the last resort standing around Lake Tahoe. The legendary Cushing Crossing, their pond skim, has been postponed to May 11 after the news of the incoming snow and inclimate weather.
The storm is predicted to hit the mountains by Saturday with heavy snowfall increasing throughout the day. Expect high winds and possible lift closures.
Temperatures will be higher in the morning and decreasing throughout the day as the cold front moves in. Snow levels may drop to 4,000 feet by Saturday night with up to 18 inches at higher elevations by Sunday.
The weather on Sunday is looking like some scattered snow showers with highs in the 30s.
The other resort still open in California is Mammoth Mountain. This storm won’t be as strong here, but they are expecting some to accumulate for a late season sleeper pow day.
Saturday looks like the heaviest snow day with three inches and two on Sunday. They’ve also postponed their Party in the Park event to May 11.
While you may be tired of shoveling your driveway, this is great news for not only ski resorts and snow enthusiasts, but also for the water systems in California.
On April 1, the California Department of Water Resources measured the California snowpack at various locations throughout the state and determined that the snowpack is higher than average for the second straight year.
Related: California Snowpack is Above Average for Second Straight Year
While this won’t save the drought problem in the Central Valley and across California, and the snowpack isn’t a direct indication of the amount of spring and summer water runoff, it’s encouraging to have consistent snow seasons back to back.
It will depend on how government agencies, water rights, and water needs all come together, but it’s safe to say that reservoirs will likely be brimming and rivers and lakes will be full for water recreation this summer.
Another late season storm will also keep those remote sections of backcountry you’ve been eyeing filled in for longer. So, even though resorts are closing, there’s still plenty of opportunities to be skiing well into the summer.
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