MD 0186 CONCERNING HEAVY SNOW FOR PARTS OF THE SOUTHERN SIERRA NEVADA
Mesoscale Discussion 0186
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0718 AM CST Fri Feb 24 2023
Areas affected...parts of the southern Sierra Nevada
Concerning...Heavy snow
Valid 241318Z - 241715Z
SUMMARY...Heavy snow rates may begin to maximize around 2-3+ inches
per hour across the Sierra Nevada near and south of the Yosemite
vicinity by 9-11 AM PST.
DISCUSSION...As the center of a broad deep mid-level low continues
to slowly dig southward, just offshore of the northern California
coast, south to southwesterly lower/mid-tropospheric flow has
strengthened ahead of an associated cold front, inland of central
and southern California coastal areas. This has contributed to
strengthening warm advection and an associated shield of
precipitation, the leading edge of which is beginning to spread into
the southern Sierra Nevada.
Sub-freezing, or near sub-freezing temperatures, appear to be
initially falling to around or perhaps a bit below 2000 ft with the
onset of precipitation across the adjacent San Joaquin Valley,
before slowly rising to around 3500 ft through mid/late morning. An
increasing upslope component across the southwestern slopes of the
higher terrain probably will lead to increasing snowfall rates
within the next few hours. Toward 16-18Z, it appears that these
rates may begin to maximize on the order of 2-3+ inches per hour, as
forcing for ascent is enhanced further by a strengthening divergent
upper flow field.
..Kerr.. 02/24/2023
...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov for graphic product...
ATTN...WFO...REV...HNX...STO...
LAT...LON 37581997 38122014 38151956 37491900 36751881 36721903
37121956 37341963 37581997
