0600 temp. at 6350′ in Carnelian Bay: 26.1 deg. & 89% RH / .5″ new snow

No obs. from the backcountry today as the next storm affects the region.

Forecast Thoughts:

NWS Reno is more bullish with the snow totals for the incoming storm with a solid 1-2′ for the Tahoe Basin.

It’s been snowing lightly since last night and this morning has begun to pick up in intensity with short waves ahead of the main system. The bulk of the energy looks to arrive late morning and into the afternoon and evening. This is perfect timing for the storm to get an extra boost from afternoon convective energy. Hopefully we can get some intense snow bands setting up with snowfall rates of 2-3″ per hour later today.

Although this system has some similarity’s to the 1/6 event, every storm is unique. Today’s storm is coming in a bit warmer, so expect the snow character, especially below 7000′ to be a bit denser. This is good news for adding a base to the backcountry snow pack and hopefully making more zones accessible. A solid base also adds resilience to the snow pack in the event of a prolonged warm/dry spell later this winter.

The system showing up for Sat/Sun is still looking likely, but it doesn’t look to be major by any stretch. Models are still mixed on whether the bulk of the energy will come into the PacNW or a bit further south towards the northern Sierra. Either way, this one will favor areas to the north with the eastern Sierra south of Tahoe largely missing out. There will also be more warmth with this system as snow levels look to begin tickling lake level, 6229′.

Quieter weather and a slow moderating trend follow the weekend system. Looking at models out in the Pacific, the storm door doesn’t appear to be closing, but discerning any specifics on storms, timing, and their flavor for the next week and beyond is next to impossible. Just gotta wait and see, and ski the new snow falling today.