Seven states are expecting additional snowfall this weekend as a winter storm moves across the Western US, with upper snowfall limits ranging from 13 to 24 inches depending on the state.
An atmospheric river arrived in the Pacific Northwest earlier this week, bringing heavy rain and snow. Snowstorms will continue this weekend for seven Western states – including Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, Montana, Utah and Nevada – as the storm moves through the region.
Additional snow is expected this weekend in each of those states, with the highest amounts in mountainous areas.
Oregon
The heaviest snow in Oregon is expected in the towns of Siskiyou Summit, Howard Prairie, Crescent Lake and Diamond Lake, with up to 20 inches accumulating from Sunday afternoon into Monday.
“Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, are likely to be slippery and dangerous. Travel can be very difficult to impossible,” said the winter storm from the office of the National Weather Service (NWS) in Medford. “Hazardous conditions could impact commuters Monday morning and evening.”
Washington
Washington is expecting the most snowfall of all seven states, with up to 24 inches of heavy snow in locations around 2,500 feet in the Cascades, the NWS office in Seattle warned. A local amount higher than the highest peak in the region is also possible.
Snow will begin falling Friday night and continue into Monday evening, the winter storm watcher said.
“Snow may briefly transition to rain over Stevens and Snoqualmie Passes Friday night before changing back to snow Sunday afternoon,” the alert said. “Slushy conditions are possible when it rains.”
Lower amounts between 1 and 6 inches are expected in valley areas, the NWS office in Spokane said.
California
Various winter weather alerts are in place across the Golden State, with the highest snow expected in Yosemite National Park and Kings Canyon National Park, as well as surrounding areas. Up to 13 inches of snow is expected to fall at higher elevations through Friday night.
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NWS meteorologist Katrina Hand from the Sacramento office said Newsweek that the snowy weather is related to the atmospheric river that hits the Pacific Northwest, although the impact of California is not considered to be the caliber of the atmospheric river.
The worst of the snow fell on Thursday, but some additional amounts will fall on Friday.
Mountain areas in the San Diego forecast area are also expecting snow, albeit lighter amounts of up to 4 inches, through Friday night.
Idaho
Up to 10 inches of snow is expected to fall by Saturday morning on the elevation strip in southern Idaho, according to a winter weather advisory issued by the Pocatello office.
Snow is likely to affect overnight travel on Saturday morning, especially for the Emigration Pass.
Up to 4 inches of snow is expected for areas below 5,500 feet in elevation.
Montana
Higher elevations in Montana expect up to 10 inches of snow through Saturday morning, with up to 4 inches expected in lower elevation areas.
The Missoula forecast office warned of minor impacts for lower amounts and moderate impacts for the 3 to 6 inch range. It urged drivers to be careful, especially on Friday night.
Utah
Northern Utah expects up to 12 inches of snow in the Wasatch Mountains and western Uinta Mountains through Saturday evening.
“Winter driving conditions are expected along the route, including Sardine Canyon, Parleys Canyon, Big Cottonwood Canyon, and Little Cottonwood Canyon,” said a winter weather advisory issued by the Salt Lake City forecast office. “Snowfall rates will peak at more than 1 inch per hour Friday evening through Saturday morning.”
Nevada
Western Nevada is expecting up to 10 inches of snow in areas above 6,500 feet by Friday night. About 1 to 3 inches of snow is expected for lower areas.
“Plan on slippery road conditions. Dangerous conditions can impact Friday morning and evening commutes,” the Reno office said.
