State of the Snowpack for 1/16/2021 - 1/22/2021

Submitted by steve on Fri, 01/22/2021 - 13:48
Dates of the Week: 
1/16/2021 to 1/22/2021
  • Firm rain crusts on NW-N-NE aspects with some melt freeze crusts softening on SE-S-SW aspects early in the week 
  • Minimal snow coverage on SE-S-SW aspects throughout forecast region
  • Deeper and stronger snowpacks exist in the mid to northern Sierra Crest locations with shallower and weaker snowpacks in the Carson and Ebbetts Pass areas and East of the Crest
  • Spring like weather for the start of the week transitioning to below average temperatures and windy conditions 
  • Powerful NE wind event with Sierra Crest wind gusts near or over 100mph for 24 hour period.  Many downed trees and branches littered on snow surface
  • Pattern change expected to start and bring cold and snowy conditions