Heavy snow is moving through the west as a low pressure center moves ashore, continuing the unseasonably wet winter. Winter Storm Warnings are in effect for the Sierra Nevada & Santa Monica Mountains in California. In Nevada, the Spring Mountains are under warnings, along with the mountain ranges in the Salmon-Challis and Yellowstone National Park areas.
Snowfall totals will likely be the highest in the Sierra Nevada, with 1 to 3 feet of powder likely. Accumulations of more than a foot are possible for the Santa Monica Range and for the mountain peaks outside of Las Vegas.
Latest snowfall accumulation estimates for LA/VTU Mtns thru Sat eve. 1-2 ft. above 8,000 ft 6-12 inches between 6-8k ft. #CAstorm #LArain pic.twitter.com/IBMxzc5tuZ
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) February 17, 2017
In the Northwest, accumulations above a foot will be measured for the mountains of Idaho this weekend. Early next week, heavy snow will be possible again in the Cascades.
More snow on the way! Winter storm warnings are in effect in the Central Mountains and Upper Snake River Highlands tonight through Sunday. pic.twitter.com/Z2tXVimZCV
— NWS Pocatello (@NWSPocatello) February 17, 2017
Computer model forecasts show precipitation increasing throughout the rest of the day and into tonight. Another round of heavy snow will build across the mountains Saturday morning. Snow will continue into Sunday into the Northwest.
The latest model run from 6 am-12 am PST depicting rain/snow. The next round of showers is expected for the LV Valley after midnight. #nvwx pic.twitter.com/QR3r8xK9Cc
— NWS Las Vegas (@NWSVegas) February 17, 2017
Storms expected to impact Friday and Monday travel in the Sierra. Monday's storm could cause very long delays and closures in the Sierra. pic.twitter.com/PWCBMwUg74
— NWS Reno (@NWSReno) February 17, 2017
Caution for travelers across SW MT mountain passes bordering Idaho frm I-15 east to W. Yellowstone this evening thru Sun afternoon. #mtwx pic.twitter.com/oSwebVoBN0
— NWS Great Falls (@NWSGreatFalls) February 17, 2017
No surprise, this will not be the only snow-maker over the next week. A stronger low pressure center will come ashore early next week, bringing another round of heavy snow to most of the mountain ranges across the west.
If you are planning to travel in the Sierra this weekend, you might want to avoid Monday. Heavy snow and rain expected. #Flooduary pic.twitter.com/e9ZO2szCxr
— NWS Reno (@NWSReno) February 17, 2017
Today's storm is impacting all of #California. But the next one will be bigger and more impactful for #NorCal early next week #CAStorm #cawx pic.twitter.com/IWlzHEVW05
— NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) February 17, 2017
For WeatherNation: Meteorologist Mace Michaels