ZCZC SPCSWOMCD ALL ACUS11 KWNS 011846 SPC MCD 011846 CAZ000-020045- 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 NNNN