From drought to deluge: California experiences second snowiest winter on record

From drought to deluge: California experiences second snowiest winter on record

This winter season in California has been one for the books, with snowpack statewide doubling the normal levels and much above what’s typical by April 1st, historically the deepest snow depth of the season. Despite widespread flooding and mandatory evacuations around rivers and creeks, the southern Sierra region, particularly Soda Springs, has seen an impressive amount of snowfall, marking the second snowiest winter on record with over 17 m (56 feet) of snow. While still shy of the record set during the 1951-52 season, with more snow predicted, it’s expected to come close in the next couple of weeks.

Sierra Snow Lab records snowiest December on record, California

Sierra Snow Lab records snowiest December on record, California

A prolonged period of heavy snow falling over the Sierra Nevada mountain range since December 10 dramatically increased its snowpack and by December 27 piled up to 455 cm (193.7 inches) at the UC Berkeley's Central Sierra Snow Laboratory. At the University of…

More than 330 000 customers without power as major winter storm hits California

More than 330 000 customers without power as major winter storm hits California

A strong frontal system — Category 3 atmospheric river — impacting California and parts of Nevada through Thursday, January 28, 2021, will bring gusty winds, very heavy rain, and mountain snow, in some parts extreme. Whiteout/blizzard conditions and heavy snow in…

Late-season storm brings snow to Sierra Nevada, California

Late-season storm brings snow to Sierra Nevada, California

An unseasonal storm system brought snow to higher elevations of California on Monday, May 18, 2020, while thunderstorms developed through the foothills, as well as the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys on Tuesday, May 19. According to the National Weather Service…

Snow engulfs high desert area of Antelope Valley, California

Snow engulfs high desert area of Antelope Valley, California

Heavy snow blanketed the Antelope Valley in California as a storm hit the high desert area on November 28, 2019. Palmdale saw more than a dusting of snow with over 76 mm (3 inches) covering the region, while some parts of Lancaster saw more than 127 mm (5 inches) of…

Sierra Nevada snowpack at record level, doubles in February, California

Sierra Nevada snowpack at record level, doubles in February, California

Four days of heavy snowfall came to an end on February 28, 2019, leaving statewide snowpack at 153% of normal. Snow depths and water content equaled California's all-time record level for February. While most of the state's reservoirs are at or above 100% of…

NWS: Snow at elevation rarely seen in Southern California

NWS: Snow at elevation rarely seen in Southern California

A very cold upper low pressure system tracked across California on February 21, 2019, bringing scattered showers, with snow showers down to extremely low levels, and isolated thunderstorms with hail. Snow showers were reported by spotters in Thousand Oaks, Simi…