High-elevation areas near Mammoth Lakes are forecast to receive snow this week, with accumulations potentially reaching up to 10 inches on the highest peaks in southern Mono County. This storm prompted Caltrans and the National Park Service to announce temporary closures for several high mountain passes in the Sierra Nevada, effective Tuesday.
Heather Richards, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Reno, reported that snow was falling in the White Mountains in southern Mono County midday Wednesday as the storm made its way across the Central Valley. She anticipated precipitation would start later Wednesday afternoon, with showers "streaming northward through the Central Valley and starting to make their way into the Sierra."
As the storm progresses into the Sierra Nevada, both elevation and specific location will significantly influence snow amounts. Mountains near Mammoth Lakes are expected to receive more snow than areas closer to Lake Tahoe. The forecast suggests there is a 70% chance of 2 inches of snow accumulating at high elevations, with a slim chance for more.
The highest peaks in southern Mono County, particularly those near Mammoth Lakes, may see around 10 inches of snow this week. Snow levels are expected to remain above 8,500 feet in elevation on Wednesday. Richards noted that while snow might be observed falling along U.S. 395, significant accumulations will be limited to the most elevated stretches of that road, with totals likely remaining below an inch.
Caltrans announced on Tuesday that several high mountain passes in the Sierra Nevada would temporarily close for the storm, including Ebbetts Pass, Sonora Pass, and Monitor Pass. In addition, the National Park Service confirmed the closure of Tioga Pass in Yosemite National Park.
Looking ahead to Thursday, snow levels in Mono County may lower to 7,000 feet. However, Richards explained a "timing issue" as the colder temperatures arrive on the "tail end" of the storm, which may limit new accumulation on the ground despite the lower snow levels.
The storm's impact on the Tahoe Truckee region is projected to be less substantial. Moisture is forecast to move through the Tahoe Basin on Wednesday and Thursday, primarily favoring the west shore of Lake Tahoe, but largely delivering rain. Elevations above 7,500 feet in that area might experience some snow mixed with rain on Thursday, though Richards described it as largely "a wet mess," with limited accumulations.
The storm is expected to clear out by Friday morning, making way for crisp and cool fall weather over the upcoming weekend. Richards mentioned that overnight lows in the Sierra Nevada could drop into the teens or single digits during this period, accompanied by dry conditions and light winds. Looking further out, hints of a more active storm pattern, predominantly wetter with average temperatures, are anticipated for the end of the month.
