0600 temp. at 6350′ in Carnelian Bay: 19.9 deg.

24 hr. new snow as of 0800: 24″

Total storm total since Thurs., 2/29 at 0800: 62″

Backcountry obs.:

Backcountry obs have been limited throughout the storm due to lack of power and being snowed in. However, I did head out again to the 7000′ high point between Tahoe Vista and Agate Bay this morning. It’s deep. Very deep. Breaking trail, I sank down to knee/thigh depth with each step. Snow is right side up, but the upper 2-3′ of the new snowpack is not consolidated and comprised of cold, fluffy powder.

Strong SW winds continue to rake the area. Some wind effect and pillows cover windward SW aspects, but the snow surface in these areas is still soft. Unstable wind slabs are surely large and easy to trigger in steeper avalanche terrain.

The incredibly deep powder made turning unnecessary on the descent–gentle steering would be more accurate. The snow could use a day of two to consolidate to improve skiing in the backcountry.

Forecast and weather thoughts:

This has been quite the storm. All the anticipation and excitement was largely warranted as forecast snow totals have verified. Personally, I made a forecast for snow total amounts at my house with a friend for 56″ from Thurs. at 0800 through Sun. at 0800 and landed at 62″, and the snow continues falling. Here’s a breakdown:

2/29: 0800-2000: 2.5″

2/29-3/1: 2000-0800: 7.5″

3/1: 0800-2000: 9″

3/1-3/2: 2000-0800: 19″

3/2: 0800-2000: 14″

3/2-3/3: 2000-0800: 10″

Beyond snow totals, the hype surrounding wind speeds and blizzard conditions was justified as well. Widespread power outrages affected the Tahoe Basin on Fri. night as wind gusts whipped snow laden trees and branches onto power lines and utility infrastructure. Roads over the major passes in the area closed as well. There is still no projected opening time for I-80 & NV 431 in N. Lake and CA 88 in S. Lake as of this writing. Impressively, the summit of Alpine Meadows recorded a 184 mph wind gust around 9:15pm on the evening of 3/1. It was around this time that many in N. Lake lost power.

Things are winding down this afternoon, with intense bands of snow showers intermixed with brief peaks of sunshine. Gusty winds are still creating occasional whiteouts as they send tree laden snow airborne. Expect highs today to reach the mid to upper 20’s around the lake and teens in the backcountry.

Tonight snow showers will continue with modest accumulations of anywhere from 3-12″ depending on elevation and proximity to the crest. Winds will still gust from time to time, but should begin trending downward.

Tomorrow brings partly sunny skies and break with a few scattered snow showers firing up, especially in the afternoon hours bringing light accumulations. Temps will modify a bit to reach freezing in Sierra communities, while the backcountry will remain cold. Tomorrow could be an incredible day…

More on the forecast tomorrow. Time to start digging out.