Mesoscale Discussion 0181
   NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
   1246 PM CST Fri Mar 01 2024

   Areas affected...portions of the higher terrain over the Sierra in
   central California

   Concerning...Heavy snow 

   Valid 011846Z - 020045Z

   SUMMARY...Snowfall rates are expected to gradually increase through
   the afternoon and early evening hours at higher elevations along
   portions of the Sierra Nevada. Blizzard conditions should also
   become more widespread as snowfall and winds increase.

   DISCUSSION...Persistent precipitation continues across the northern
   half of CA as the primary trough axis associated with an upstream
   upper wave approaches the West Coast. VWP observations from southern
   OR to central CA have shown an uptick in mid-level winds over the
   past couple of hours - particularly within a belt of enhanced
   mid-level moisture notable in recent IR/water-vapor imagery. This
   mid-level flow is forecast to continue to increase through the
   afternoon and early evening hours as the trough approaches, which
   will bolster orographic ascent along the portions of the Sierra
   Nevada range. Latest surface observations and web cams continue to
   show areas of moderate to heavy snowfall ongoing roughly above 5
   kft. Further intensification of snowfall rates - as high as 2-3
   in/hour by late afternoon/early evening - is anticipated as ascent
   increases. Although ridge line winds in excess of 100 mph have
   already been reported at a few locations, wind gusts between 60-75
   mph should become more common between 5-8 kft as stronger 800-700 mb
   winds approach the region. This should promote an increase in
   coverage of blizzard conditions heading into the late afternoon and
   evening hours.

   ..Moore.. 03/01/2024

   ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov for graphic product...

   ATTN...WFO...REV...HNX...STO...

   LAT...LON   38221929 37951905 37801899 37661897 37541905 37471914
               37521936 37751962 38432028 39062067 39572091 39802086
               39862059 39752039 39202011 38972004 38531963 38221929