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Storms Bring Snow To Sierra, Rain To Reservoirs

  •  Ed Joyce 
Sunday, March 13, 2016 | Sacramento, CA
Brandon Skinner / Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows

March storms have brought several feet of new snow to the Sierra Nevada and have helped fill some California reservoirs. Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows employee Andrew Smith (in costume) enjoys the fresh powder March 7, 2016, at Squaw Valley.

Brandon Skinner / Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows

The Sierra Nevada snowpack is getting an added boost from weekend storms and California's largest reservoir, Shasta, is now at 75 percent of capacity and 99 percent of its historical average.
 
The statewide Sierra Nevada snowpack (Snow Water Equivalent) is 83 percent of normal and 79 percent of the April 1 average as of March 11.
 
031316 WXR- Today's Storm untitled.jpg
The National Weather Service in Sacramento says the next strong Pacific storm will move through California Sunday into Monday, bringing areas of moderate to heavy precipitation and strong gusty winds. Isolated afternoon thunderstorms are also possible.
 
031316 WXR Prec untitled2.jpg
 
Along with gusty winds up to 55 mph in the Central Valley, the NWS says up to 1 foot of additional snow is possible in the Sierra Nevada above 4,000 feet, with 1-3 feet of new snow above 6,000 feet.
031316 WXR SNOW untitled3.jpg
 
 031316 WXR Wind untitled4.jpg
 
 
Additional precipitation is forecast for the valley, foothills and mountains through Monday.
But dry and warm weather is expected for Tuesday through March 20.
 
031316 WXR HAZARDS hazards_d3_7_contours.jpg 
The NWS in Sacramento has issued several Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Northern California: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/sto/
 
031316 WXR -RES312 Capture1.jpg
  

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 agriculturedroughtcalifornianevadaclimate changesnowpacksierra nevadawater conservationWater SupplyEl NiñoDrought2016

Ed Joyce

Former All Things Considered Anchor & Reporter

Ed Joyce is a former reporter and All Things Considered news anchor at Capital Public Radio. Ed is a veteran journalist with experience in a variety of news positions across all media platforms, including radio, television, web and print.   Read Full Bio 

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