The ski resorts in the Sierra are hoping for a different kind of "March Miracle" this week, in the form of snow - and lots of it on Tahoe-area slopes. They are hoping the series of snow storms stacked up off the coast will bring them something they have been lacking this season: a real snow storm that last for days.
It is possible 3-5 feet of new snow will fall by Sunday.
The snow could make a significant dent in the snowpack deficits, especially given the long range forecast that calls for more periods of rain and snow clear into next week.
While the Sierra prepares for snow, the Bay Area should be prepared for lots and lots of rain.
Tuesday the rain will slowly move south with increasing rain over the entire Bay Area. Winds will begin to turn gusty near the coastline and the hills.
The rainy windy conditions meant for significant flight delays at SFO Tuesday. The airport initiated it's weather-related ground control program Tuesday morning and said they will be in place through 11 p.m.
An airport duty officer said flights could be impacted by as much as three hours.
Late week rain totals:
- North Bay rain: 3-6”
- SF/Peninsula: 1-3”
- East Bay: 1-1.50”
- South Bay: .75 -1.75”
- Santa Cruz Mtns: 2-4”
Late Wednesday will provide a nice break between systems before the next round begins to spill into the region Thursday. A much colder air mass will follow on Saturday that will have some interesting ts for the weekend in the form of rapidly lowering snow levels and scattered thundershowers that could contain hail at times.
And it looks like the storm door will not close this weekend, which means more rain is still possible for next week.
As we say on television - stay tuned.
