Brief weather notes
Posted by: Maven on February 9, 2012 at 7:46 amHere are some brief weather notes:
- The Western Weather Blog takes a look at snow depth in the West in this post.
- Click here to hear Maury Roos, chief hydrologist at DWR, talk about the recent storms.
- Get the latest water conditions from DWR by clicking here.
- Check out the latest edition of the drought monitor by clicking here.
Data shows snowpack at 37 percent of normal
Posted by: Maven on February 9, 2012 at 7:14 amFrom the Siskiyou Daily News:
“According to a recent press release from the California Department of Water Resources (DWR), the Feb. 1 statewide snow surveys “confirmed that water content in California’s mountain snowpack is far below normal for this time of year.”
DWR’s data shows that the snowpack’s statewide water content is at only 37 percent of normal for the date.
“That is just 23 percent of the average April 1 reading, when the snowpack normally is at its peak before the spring melt,” the release stated.
“So far, we just haven’t received a decent number of winter storms,” said DWR Director Mark Cowin. “We have good reservoir storage thanks to wet conditions last year, but we also need more rain and snow this winter.” … “
Continue reading from the Siskiyou Daily News by clicking here.
PG&E predicts wet pattern late February thru early April
Posted by: Maven on February 8, 2012 at 8:36 amFrom Sierra 2 the Sea:
“PG&E’s meteorology office in San Francisco is predicting a weakening of this winter’s stubborn La Nina pattern that has helped shunt storms north and kept them from entering much of the state including central California.
John Lindsey, PG&E forecaster from San Luis Obispo says a weakening of La Nina will allow the polar jet stream to drop south and set up a wet pattern when the storm door should be open from late February through early April.
“This ought to provide relief to much of California” suffering this year’s record dry conditions. … “
Continue reading from Sierra 2 the Sea by clicking here.
Weather update: A short period of wet weather for California
Posted by: Maven on February 7, 2012 at 8:42 am
From the National Weather Service in Sacramento:
“Low pressure moving south along the coast today will bring precipitation to most of interior Northern California today. Heavier precipitation and breezy wind expected over western and southern portions…closer to the low. A couple inches of snow are possible over the higher elevations. “
The Western Weather Blog delves into the details:
“A storm in the Eastern Pacific puts an end to another extended rain free period in California. Unfortunately it will not be a big or long lasting storm and precipitation amounts in the Sierra are likely to be less than along coastal areas.
A satellite picture of the Eastern Pacific shows the storm. The center of the storm is out around 42N and 138W. Well east of that is a long cold front from that extends as far south as below 15N.
One piece of this storm will be riding almost due north over the next 24 hours and just brings the coastal Northwest a brushing of nuisance rainfall. A southern piece of the storm moves east before cutting off into a closed low off the south-central California coast late Tuesday and Tuesday evening. Then that low moves due south to off the coast of the Baja Peninsula Wednesday and Wednesday night. … “
Continue reading from the Western Weather Blog by clicking here.
In other weather news, the storm is not enough to wash away concerns, and cattle ranchers need more rain, reports the Modesto Bee.
Column: Drought
Posted by: Maven on February 7, 2012 at 8:13 amFrom the San Francisco Chronicle, this column by John Carroll:
“I like sunshine as much as the next human. I like sunshine in the winter, when the light is low and a little melancholy and the breeze cools your neck even as the sun is warming it. I live in California partly because I like the weather so much, and the weather does tend to feature mild winters.
On the other hand, this lack of rain is making me uncomfortable. I worry about the snowpack. I worry about the precipitation totals. I worry about the reservoirs. Most of all, I worry about drought.
I know climate change is real, and I know that the deniers of climate change are people who just want to keep the unsupportable fossil fuel business going because it yields such nice short-term profits. And I know that one result of climate change is likely to be a warmer, drier California. … “
Continue reading from the San Francisco Chronicle by clicking here.
Weather update: Wet weather on the way!
Posted by: Maven on February 6, 2012 at 7:33 am
Wet weather alert! Here’s the forecast from the National Weather Service in Sacramento:
“Increasing clouds today as a Low pressure system approaches. The Low will move south along the California coast Tuesday bringing some precipitation to interior Northern California. Heavier precipitation and breezy wind will be over western and southern portions…closer to the Low. Several inches of snow are possible over the higher elevations. “
More on the forecast from Accu-Weather:
” … The return of rain and mountain snow, which has been absent from California too often this winter, will finally come on Tuesday.
The heaviest rain, totaling between 0.75 to 1.25 inches, will wet the coastline from Fort Bragg to San Francisco to north of Los Angeles.
Amounts will dwindle as the rain pushes inland Tuesday afternoon and night with just a couple of showers possible in the deserts of Arizona on Wednesday. … “
More on the long-range forecast from Accu-Weather by clicking here.
Sierra snowpack still grim
Posted by: Maven on February 6, 2012 at 7:13 amFrom the Sierra Wave:
“A little better snow news this week but only a little better. The State Department of Water Resources has taken another look at snow around California and locally the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power conducted another survey following the most significant storm.
Here’s the story – The State says it’s shaping up to be one of the driest winters on record. The Department of Water Resources reports that snow levels average out at just 37% of normal for this time of year so far. Even that low level amounts to a better number than last month’s survey which showed snowpack water content at 19% of normal. … “
Continue reading from the Sierra Wave by clicking here.
This just in … Much needed rain on the way to California!
Posted by: Maven on February 5, 2012 at 11:28 amYes, wet stuff from the sky is in the forecast! I never anticipated calling a meager 1.25″ of rain in the forecast “breaking news” but here it is:
“Drought conditions are worsening across California, but the good news is that a quick shot of rain is on the horizon.
The return of rain and mountain snow, which has been absent from California too often this winter, will finally come on Tuesday.
The heaviest rain, totaling between 0.75 to 1.25 inches, will wet the coastline from Fort Bragg to San Francisco to north of Los Angeles. … “
Continue reading from Accu-Weather by clicking here.
Saturday’s top of the scroll: Dry winter raises concerns about available water
Posted by: Maven on February 4, 2012 at 7:54 amFrom the Visalia Times-Delta:
“News this week that the Sierra snowpack is less than half of average has raised worries about how much water will be available this year for communities and agricultural operations.
But dairy owner Ron Koetsier is optimistic that the second half of this dry winter could still turn around — and he figures the World Ag Expo starting Feb. 14 in Tulare may bring rain.
“We’re banking on that,” he said, explaining that more often than not rain has fallen on the world’s largest farm show.
“One of the reasons they have it in February is it’s usually raining, and farmers can’t do anything.” … “
Continue reading from the Visalia Times-Delta by clicking here.
SEE ALSO: Sierra Nevada Snow (Or Lack Thereof) Worries California Officials, from the Huffington Post
With meager snowpack, time is running out for rebound
Posted by: Maven on February 3, 2012 at 8:36 amFrom the Stockton Record:
“This week’s announcement that California’s Sierra Nevada snowpack is a meager 15 inches in some places came as no surprise. Resorts are suffering as skiers turn up their noses at man-made snow. And farmers are bracing for a tough summer.
The dry winter is much the same across the West. And water managers say time is running out on a rebound.
Paltry snow means big worries this summer for farmers in San Joaquin County and the Valley who depend on snow melt delivered through aqueducts to irrigate the most prolific agricultural region in the nation. The only good news: last year’s heavier-than-normal snow fall means water storage levels don’t reflect recent conditions. … “
Continue reading from the Stockton Record by clicking here.
Thursday’s top of the scroll: Water problems ahead if rain, snow doesn’t come
Posted by: Maven on February 2, 2012 at 9:10 amFrom the San Francisco Chronicle:
“It was snowing lightly when a crew from the state Department of Water Resources set out Wednesday to measure the snowpack at Phillips Station, off Highway 50 close to Echo Summit.
“Physically it looked good,” said Frank Gehrke, chief of the state snow survey, “But the snow was pretty thin.”
The snow was only 15.6 inches deep and held only 3.8 inches of water – 19 percent of normal for this time of year. … “
Continue reading from the San Francisco Chronicle by clicking here.
From the Sacramento Bee:
” … “We had a series of very decent storms in January, but we have not had enough of them,” said Ted Thomas, a DWR spokesman. “The storm gate’s been pretty much closed to California.”
The good news, Thomas said, is that large amounts of water from last year’s heavy winter storms still remain in storage.
The DWR forecast it will be able to satisfy 60 percent of its contracted water demands.
“Sixty percent is actually pretty good,” Thomas said. It is rare that the agency is able to satisfy 100 percent of the contract demand. … “
Continue reading from the Sacramento Bee by clicking here.
MORE COVERAGE:
- Despite Snowfall, Water Levels Still Far Below Average, from the Bay Citizen
- Snow Survey May Portend a Dry 2013, from KQED’s Climate Watch
- Kings River snowpack far below average, from the Fresno Bee News Blog
- State Surveyors Say Average Snowpack Will Be Tough to Reach, from Capital Public Radio
- Snow survey reflects lack of storms, from the Riverside Press Enterprise
- What California needs to prevent a 2012 water shortage, from the Western Farm Press
- California crops at risk to low water table, from the Western Farm Press
This just in … Second 2012 snow survey shows continuing dry conditions
Posted by: Maven on February 1, 2012 at 2:40 pm
From the Department of Water Resources:
“Snow surveyors today confirmed that water content in California’s mountain snowpack is far below normal for this time of year.
Manual and electronic readings record the snowpack’s statewide water content at only 37 percent of normal for the date. That is just 23 percent of the average April 1 reading, when the snowpack normally is at its peak before the spring melt.
“So far, we just haven’t received a decent number of winter storms,” said DWR Director Mark Cowin. “We have good reservoir storage thanks to wet conditions last year, but we also need more rain and snow this winter.”
Results of today’s manual readings by the Department of Water Resources (DWR) off Highway 50 near Echo Summit are as follows:
Location Elevation
Snow Depth
Water Content
% of Long Term Average
Alpha 7,600 feet
14.8 inches
3.6 inches
17
Phillips Station 6,800 feet
15.6 inches
3.8 inches
19
Lyons Creek 6,700 feet
21.8 inches
5.8 inches
30
Tamarack Flat 6,500 feet
15.2 inches
4.8 inches
25
Continue reading “This just in … Second 2012 snow survey shows continuing dry conditions” »
Drought is in the eye of the beholder
Posted by: Maven on February 1, 2012 at 7:50 amFrom KQED’s Climate Watch:
“As state surveyors trudge into the mountains this week for the season’s second official survey of the Sierra snowpack, the auspices aren’t good. Remote sensors currently show that statewide, water content is averaging just 38% of the average for this date, and less than a quarter of what water managers would hope to see on April first — just two months away.
Consequently, the “D-word” is being nervously bandied about. Are we in a drought?
The state’s newly revamped Current Water Conditions website takes on the question with a definitive “Yes and no.” Drought status, it says “can be very different depending on your location.” … “
Continue reading from KQED’s Climate Watch by clicking here.
Coastal California to see cooler temperatures through spring
Posted by: Maven on February 1, 2012 at 7:47 amFrom California Watch:
“It’s pretty well established that the earth is warming up. Researchers and government agencies have the numbers to show it, and they have plenty of graphs and charts to document the trend.
Now, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration has just released an updated animation that allows viewers to understand those numbers more intuitively.
The animated video, which shows a map of the planet, documents global changes in temperature between 1880, when a wide enough network of weather stations was available to record temperatures on a global scale, and 2011.
And while the trend toward higher temperatures is apparent, there are parts of the globe that vary from year to year, with colder-than-normal or average temperatures. … “
Continue reading from California Watch by clicking here.
NASA’s GCPEX mission: What we don’t know about snow
Posted by: Maven on February 1, 2012 at 7:20 am
From PhysOrg.com:
“In the last ten years, scientists have shown that it is possible to detect falling snow and measure surface snowpack information from the vantage point of space. But there remains much that is unknown about the fluffy white stuff.
“We’re still figuring out how to measure snow from space,” says Gail Skofronick-Jackson, a specialist in the remote sensing of snow at NASA’s Goddard Space Fight Center, Greenbelt, Md. “We’re where we were with measuring rain 40 years ago.”
Skofronick-Jackson is part of a team of scientists from NASA and Environment Canada who are running a large experiment in Southern Ontario to improve snow detection. Their GPM Cold-season Precipitation Experiment (GCPEx) supports the new Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission whose Core satellite is scheduled to launch in 2014. … “
Continue reading from PhysOrg.com by clicking here.
Tuesday’s top of the scroll: Where did winter go? Snow survey tomorrow; Dry weather to continue
Posted by: Maven on January 31, 2012 at 8:32 amFrom the Fresno Bee:
“State water officials say recent storms have not made up for this year’s dry winter, leaving California’s snowpack at below average levels.
The Sierra Nevada snowpack is a key source of California’s water supply. Officials said Monday that snowpack water content was just 38 percent of average, compared to the 19 percent they measured in early January. … “
Continue reading from the Fresno Bee by clicking here.
The Department of Water Resources will be doing their monthly snow survey tomorrow, and had this to say about conditions in the press release:
” … Electronic readings today indicate that water content in the statewide snowpack is just 38 percent of normal. That is 23 percent of the average April 1 reading, when the snowpack is normally at its peak before the spring melt. Still, this is an improvement over results of this winter’s January 3 survey, which recorded snowpack water content at 19 percent of normal for that date, and only 7 percent of the average April 1 reading. “Conditions so far this winter continue to be much drier than we would like,” said DWR Director Mark Cowin. “We are fortunate that most of the state continues to benefit from good reservoir storage carried over from last winter, and we remain optimistic for a return to a normal weather pattern between now and spring to sustain adequate water deliveries.”
Lake Oroville in Butte County, the State Water Project’s principal storage reservoir, is at 107 percent of average for the date (72 percent of its 3.5 million acre-foot capacity), Lake Shasta north of Redding, the federal Central Valley Project’s largest reservoir with a capacity of 4.5 million acre-feet, is at 100 percent of its normal storage level for the date (68 percent of capacity). San Luis Reservoir in Merced County, an important storage reservoir south of the Delta, is at 121 percent of average for the date (96 percent of its capacity of 2,027,840 acre-feet). San Luis is a critically important source of water for both the State Water Project and Central Valley Project when pumping from the Delta is restricted or interrupted. … “
Read the full text of the press release from DWR by clicking here.
Expect the dry weather to continue, says the Accu-Weather Western Weather Blog:
“Another prolonged period of tranquil weather is coming up that will bring little precipitation to the Northwest and no precipitation for the much of the far Southwest including California. This nauseating pattern for California Resort operators and ski enthusiast just continues on and on. Of course there is skiing to be had, it just not nearly what it normally is like this time of year.
While there are some small differences in the models on the particulars the screaming message is the same from Washington State to California and Arizona. Below to much below normal precipitation for at least the next 10-days. The main difference in the models today is how they handle a digging trough mid to late week in the eastern Rockies out into the Plains. The GFS solution, the farther west solution, is probably not the most favored. This will have an impact on how much snow may fall in Colorado and northern New Mexico. … “
More from the Accu-Weather Western Weather Blog by clicking here.
Western Weather Blog: Reversal of fortunes for Lake Mead
Posted by: Maven on January 28, 2012 at 8:10 amFrom Accu-Weather’s Western Weather Blog:
“I have documented many times in this blog in the last month the lack of rain and snow across the Southwest U.S. watershed this Winter and its seriousness. I have had one person question why am I being so pessimistic especially since there was a change in the weather coming (from two weeks ago). Some of you may remember this exchange. There was a nice round of precipitation a week ago in the Colorado River Watershed and also in California. But that has proved to be the exception and not the rule. This is no surprise to me as I have been saying all along the El Nino pattern we have been in would remain all Winter and the chance was quite high that the “pattern change” was only temporary. And indeed we are right back into the same kind of weather pattern now that has kept precipitation well below normal for December and much of January. … “
Continue reading from the Western Weather Blog by clicking here.
Santa Cruz officials: December was 2nd-driest in history
Posted by: Maven on January 26, 2012 at 7:37 amFrom KSBW:
“We are halfway through the winter and just 10 inches of rain has fallen on Santa Cruz.
California just had its second-driest December in history and Santa Cruz’s total winter rainfall is six inches below average, according to a report released Wednesday by the City of Santa Cruz Water Department.
“Notably, almost no rain fell from the third week of November through the third week of January,” the department’s conservation manager, Toby Goddard, said. … “
Continue reading from KSBW by clicking here.
Storms leave growers wanting more
Posted by: Maven on January 25, 2012 at 8:22 amFrom the Capital Press:
“Storm clouds in recent days have brought much-needed rain and snow to California’s parched farmland but left many growers wanting more.
The Golden State’s worrisome dry spell came to an abrupt end on Jan. 18, when low-elevation snowfall brought chain requirements to northern highways and hope for a lagging snowpack.
As of Jan. 23, Redding had recorded an above-average 5.54 inches of rain in January and Sacramento had seen a slightly-below-normal 2.45 inches for the month. But most areas are still well below their normal seasonal rainfall totals.
The Sierra Nevada had 22 percent of its normal snowpack as of Jan. 24, an improvement from earlier this month, according to the California Department of Water Resources. … “
Continue reading from the Capital Press by clicking here.
Weather update: Hope you enjoyed the rain and snow – Changes coming
Posted by: Maven on January 24, 2012 at 8:34 amFrom the Accu-Weather Western Weather Blog:
“It was nice to see good rain and snow through California this weekend into Monday. The previous 6 to 7 weeks had been so dry. But I warned you that the Winter pattern was not going to be conducive for a prolonged period of stormy weather in the Southwest. I have said that there is little chance of getting back to normal snow pack in the Sierra, or rainfall in the lower elevations, before the rainfall season is over. The longer range models are bearing that out.
The current storm moving through California exits to the east tonight bringing rain and snow across Arizona then New Mexico tonight and tomorrow. … “
Continue reading from the Western Weather Blog by clicking here.
In other weather news, snow boosts spirits at Sierra ski resorts as the first real winter storm brings snow, rain and some flooding to Northern California; however, clear skies by afternoon in the Bay Area as the rain moves out, and in Southern California, it’s umbrellas on Monday, sunscreen on Wednesday.
Weather update: Wind, rain, snow ends today; warmer weather ahead
Posted by: Maven on January 23, 2012 at 7:18 am
Well, it was a nice blast of winter while it lasted! Here’s the latest forecast from the National Weather Service in Sacramento:
“Wind…rain and snow will end from west to east today as the Pacific storm exits the area. The Winter Storm Warning for the Sierra Nevada will end by noon as the snow and wind subsides. Drier and warmer weather is expected over northern California this week as the storm track shifts farther north pushing the rain and snow northward towards the Oregon border. “
Temperatures in the 80s expected in Southern California by Thursday. Despite the rainfall, Bay Area rainfall totals are still well below normal, reports the Silicon Valley Mercury News.
Weather update: Another round of winds, rain and snow on the way
Posted by: Maven on January 22, 2012 at 7:41 am
From the National Weather Service in Sacramento:
“Next storm moving inland today bringing additional rain/snow as well as breezy to gusty winds. Brunt of the storm is expected to impact our region late tonight into early Monday morning. Showers will taper off by Monday night and drier weather returns by Tuesday. “
It’s even going to hit the 80s in Southern California come Thursday, so says the meteorologist on the evening news, but there’s still one more round to come before then, says the Ventura County Star.
Department of Water Resources launches new website on statewide water conditions
Posted by: Maven on January 21, 2012 at 8:04 amFrom the Department of Water Resources Public Affairs Office:
“To help keep you informed of weather conditions, impacts and predictions, the California Department of Water Resources has launched a new website with up to date as well as historical and background information on rain and snowpack measurements, reservoir levels, runoff projections and a wealth of other information. Visit this site at: http://www.water.ca.gov/waterconditions/ .
Check back often. The new Water Conditions web pages will be updated often and the website will be expanded further in the comings days and weeks.”
Weather update: Stronger winter storm to arrive tonight; more on the way
Posted by: Maven on January 20, 2012 at 8:15 am
From the National Weather Service:
“A stronger storm moves through Northern California tonight. Expect about twice the total rain and snow for this storm compared to Thursday’s storm. Be prepared for inclement weather through the weekend as another storm wave will bring additional precipitation on Sunday into Monday. Impacts will include hazardous driving conditions from rain/snow, windy conditions in the valley and mountains that could lead to power outages, possible urban/small stream flooding during moderate to heavy rainfall.”
The Western Weather Blog has more on the upcoming storms:
“The current storm in the Northwest has a cold front bringing rain now to northern California. Another storm is hot in its heels over the Pacific.
That second storm is out west of 150W and north of 40N.
Storm number 1 and cold front will move east and south tonight. The cold frontal rain now in northern California will weaken as it moves southeast and eventually fall apart by tomorrow. A period of rain occurs around the Bay Area to Sacramento early tonight then tapers to just a shower in spots late tonight into tomorrow. A little rain may survive south onto parts of the Central Coast to San Joaquin Valley but amounts will be quite light. Snow levels are high, above 7,500 feet this evening and only drops to 6,000 feet near Tahoe and 7,000 feet southern Sierra. … “
Continue reading from the Western Weather Blog by clicking here.
AND MORE: Is the dry spell over? La Nina conditions seem to be intensifying: NASA Sees Repeating La Niña Hitting its Peak, from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Weather update: Winter returns and plans to stay awhile
Posted by: Maven on January 19, 2012 at 8:16 am
Winter weather at last! From the National Weather Service:
“Rain and snow will continue to move into the region today. This is the first major winter storm in about two months for interior northern California. Expect snow in most mountain areas and moderate to heavy rain in the valley. Shasta county snow levels will be 2500 feet increasing to 3500 feet later today with 3 to 6 inches at lower elevations and up to 16 inches above 4000 feet. Sierra snow is calculated through Saturday with 9 to 12 inches above 5500 feet and up to 2 feet above 7000 feet. Valley rain totals through Saturday: � inch near Stockton and Modesto, 1 inch near Sacramento, and around 2 inches near Redding. The series of storms will continue through the weekend. Residents should be prepared for winter weather for the next several days. “
Accu-Weather extends the forecast out a bit more:
” … The same weather pattern that brought exceptional warmth all the way to the Canada Prairies drove storms into Alaska and not along the West Coast of the U.S.
However, the pattern has changed to the point now where storms will sweep from west to east along the northern third of the U.S. and will occasionally dip into northern California, Nevada and Utah.
From the middle of this week to the middle of next week marks one of those periods where these same areas will receive precipitation.
“Along the coast of northern California to the Sacramento Valley will catch a few episodes of rain, while the northern Sierra Nevada to the Wasatch will gather needed snow,” Clark said. … “
More of the long-range forecast from Accu-Weather by clicking here.
The rain can’t come soon enough for farmers and ranchers, reports the Sacramento Bee:
“Rain can’t come soon enough for California farmers and ranchers, who are counting the hours in anticipation of Thursday’s forecast arrival of meaningful showers.
A nearly bone-dry fall/early winter season has been accompanied by periodic freezing conditions in December and this week.
Hard freezes have already caused crop damage in some California fields, but agriculture industry officials say a good soaking – and the accompanying warmer temperatures – will go a long way toward easing landowners’ anxieties.
“The absence of rain has been of greatest concern to the cattle ranchers and other livestock owners,” said Dave Kranz, spokesman for the Sacramento-based California Farm Bureau Federation. “The rangelands have pretty well dried out. They need rain to replenish grasses on the hillsides and where cattle go to drink water.” … “
Continue reading from the Sacramento Bee by clicking here.
In other weather news, the Daily News reports widespread snowstorm wallops Pacific Northwest, and 5000 people in Trinity County were left without power, according to the Record Searchlight.
And lastly, KQED’s Dan Brekke takes the opportunity to drive Tioga Pass just before it is shutdown for the rest of the winter: Tioga Pass Unwrapped: A Rare Midwinter Glimpse of “The Roof of California”
Lack of snow turns Yosemite National Park into a very different place
Posted by: Maven on January 18, 2012 at 8:34 am
That is a picture of Tuolomne Meadows taken on January 15th. From the Silicon Valley Mercury News:
“A visit to Yosemite National Park in December or January typically means closed roads, cross-country skiing and towering snow drifts.
But California’s extremely dry weather has created conditions at Yosemite rarely, if ever, seen in the park’s 147-year history. Over the past two months, tourists have been hiking in short sleeves. Visitors have flocked to ice skate on alpine lakes normally buried under snow. The Badger Pass ski area has been closed all season. And Tioga Road, California’s highest state highway, has remained open later into the winter than any year in recorded history.
“It looks like fall. Only the leaves are missing from the trees,” said Kari Cobb, a Yosemite spokeswoman. “There are some places in the high country that have less snow now than during most summers. It’s amazing.” … “
Continue reading from the Silicon Valley Mercury News by clicking here.
Picture of Tuolomne Meadows by flickr photographer Dave R (photo taken 1-15-2012).
Weather update: Wet winter weather pattern returns to California!
Posted by: Maven on January 18, 2012 at 8:30 am
But that’s all going to change now … Welcome, winter! Here’s the National Weather Service forecast as of this morning:
“The images show the GFS model forecast of the incoming moisture toward California through the rest of the week. This will bring widespread rain and snow to northern California, as well as breezy conditions beginning Wednesday afternoon. Hazards include slick road conditions and delays, possible power outages from downed tree limbs, and ponding of water on roads. System should taper off Saturday, but will be followed by another system Sunday and into next week. “
In other weather news, this first storm will hit the Pacific Northwest quite hard, reports the Western Weather Blog, the Eureka Times-Standard is warning of extreme snow and rain aiming for the North Coast, and the Merced Sun-Star and the Union Democrat report on the incoming storms. It’s been dry all over and the Inyo Register is asking where all the snow is? while the Independent Voter Network says this could be the driest year ever.
Grass isn’t greener on these hills: La Niña, lack of rain has crops thirsty, cattle hungry
Posted by: Maven on January 17, 2012 at 8:12 amFrom the Santa Maria Times:
“Anyone who believes the old saying “The grass is always greener on the other side of the hill” hasn’t been to California lately.
Farmers are irrigating crops that are normally wet with winter rain, cattle ranchers are searching for greener pastures for their stock, and almost everybody is thanking their lucky stars for last year’s near record rainfall because this year has been historically dry.
The Sierra snowpack measured on Jan. 3 by the California Department of Water Resources was one of the driest in history, and it hasn’t seen a snowflake fall since. Locally, there have been only three days with measurable rain since December 1. … “
Continue reading from the Santa Maria Times by clicking here.
Weather update: After dry stretch, rain coming to Bay Area, snow to Sierra
Posted by: Maven on January 17, 2012 at 8:10 amYay! Wet winter weather on the way at last! From the Contra Costa Times:
“Northern Californians can expect a splash of wet weather this week — enough to whiten the snow-starved Sierra Nevada and threaten a cold rain for Candlestick Park’s title football game Sunday.
The snow-making machines at Sierra Nevada ski resorts could finally get a break as the storms give skiers several feet of real snowfall at higher elevations by the end of the weekend.
“Now that Mother Nature’s willing to lend a hand we’ll be able to ramp up pretty quickly,” said Squaw Valley resort spokeswoman Amelia Richmond.
“Usually we’re able to be at full operations by mid-December and definitely by earlier January. This was an unusual season.” … “
Continue reading from the Contra Costa Times by clicking here.
Wet, windy weather’s in the forecast for the North state, reports the Times-Standard, and Merced’s got a shot at some rain, too, says the Merced Sun-Star. The Western Weather Blog says this storm has the potential to drop some serious snow on the Cascades (but doesn’t say much about California).
Wondering who to thank? Check this out from YubaNet.com:
“It’s working. Yesterday (Sunday), Native American adults and youth held hands with the public in a traditional “Round Dance” asking for spiritual help to bring snow to the Lake Tahoe region.
This morning, for the first time in two months, a dusting of snow appeared at lake level with two inches at 8,200 feet. According to meteorologists, the storm door is set to open Wednesday with a possible 6 feet of snow falling above 8,000 feet by Monday.
“We were thrilled to wake up to snow on the ground,” said Chief Marketing Officer Andy Chapman of the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association. “It’s been a peculiar winter nationwide, but it looks like Mother Nature is finally stepping up and delivering with storms lined up for the next 7 days. A big thank you goes out to the 200-plus Native Americans, visitors and community members who danced us into a traditional winter.” … “
More from YubaNet.com by clicking here.
However, USA Today is reporting that there’s not much good news for the dry conditions across the southern U.S., and Kelly Henderson at the NRDC blogs how the lack of snow nationwide is hurting the snow sports industry.
Weather update: Wetter weather pattern by midweek
Posted by: Maven on January 15, 2012 at 7:12 am
Here’s the latest weather update from the National Weather Service:
“Cooler temperatures over the next couple of days will be followed by a significant weather change by mid week. Any rainfall over the next couple of days would be quite light and most locations will remain dry through Tuesday. By mid week however, a change to a wetter weather pattern will likely bring rain and mountain snow to most of northern California. This weather pattern is forecast to continue through at least early next week.”
(Here’s the source for the NWS forecast; note that the page is updated daily, so what you’ll see is the latest forecast.)
The Western Weather Blog still seems to see this storm as affecting the Northwest, so it will be interesting to how things shake out.
UPDATE: This Accu-Weather meteorologist is predicting the first storm will affect mainly the Northwest, dipping south to Crescent City and the upper north part of the state, but doesn’t see precipitation in the Bay Area and Sacramento until the end of the week.
I’ll keep you posted!
Where’s all California’s winter moisture? Blame blizzard-buried Alaska
Posted by: Maven on January 14, 2012 at 6:43 amFrom the Silicon Valley Mercury News:
“Yo, Alaska. All your weather? It belongs to us.
Precipitation that was rightfully ours — headed toward California along the Pacific jet stream — has for weeks veered north, burying Alaska in record snow and forcing us to reapply sunscreen.
Even the remote Sonoma County hamlet of Cazadero, “The Wettest Town in California” for its 85-inch average, is thirsty.
Its Austin Creek, which normally cascades out of the coastal mountains into the Russian River, is a trickle. Waterfalls? Zip. … “
Continue reading from the Silicon Valley Mercury News by clicking here.
Weather update: Major change in the weather pattern next week (we hope)
Posted by: Maven on January 14, 2012 at 6:42 am
So what is the outlook for some much-needed precipitation for us? Here’s what the National Weather Service has to say:
“Northern California will see one more day of unseasonably warm days, cool nights and sunny skies before mother nature takes a turn back towards winter. After a clear cool morning, northern California will see another sunny warm day today with high temperatures 10 to 15 degrees above what is normal for this time of year.
A weak weather system will pass to the north on Sunday and Monday bringing some clouds and bringing down daytime highs to closer to normal for this time of year. The system is expected to bring a few showers across the far north but is not expected to bring significant precipitation.
A bigger change in the weather pattern is expected around mid week as a series of pacific storms systems crosses through the region. Much cooler daytime temperatures are expected. Most places should get some precipitation and some may get periods of heavy rain or snow. “
There is a possibility for a chance of light showers in the Southern California on Sunday, reports the National Weather Service in San Diego.
Meanwhile, the Western Weather Blog seems not so optimistic, predicting the incoming storms will affect mostly the Northwest. Here’s the Western Weather Blog’s forecast.
Drought/weather update: Dry weather to continue, but a return to a wetter pattern looks promising; plus pictures from the high country and more
Posted by: Maven on January 13, 2012 at 7:48 am
Here’s the forecast from the National Weather Service:
“A strong high pressure ridge over the eastern pacific has directed the Pacific jet stream well north of California leaving the north state void of precipitation for nearly a month. A weather system will begin to knock this ridge of high pressure down late in the weekend and may even bring some light showers to the far north state. Bigger changes will be possible by the middle of next week with latest weather models indicating that the Pacific jet will dig southward. This will bring Pacific moisture and a good chance of rain and snow to northern California. This scenario could change by next week but at this time the chances of a return to a wetter pattern look promising. “
The Western Weather Blog isn’t quite as optimistic. For a look at the maps and models from the WWB, click here.
SO HOW LITTLE SNOW IS THERE? Alex Breitler hikes into the high country, and has these pictures to show you on his blog.
SNOW ENVY: Meanwhile, Alaska seems to be getting all of our snow as the state experiences one of its worst winters ever.
IN OTHER DROUGHT NEWS, the dry weather is forcing farmers to irrigate in the Sacramento Valley, says the Appeal-Democrat; the Tracy Press reports area farmers are doing the same., and Lodi Sentinel looks at the possible effects of a dry year. The Union-Democrat says even though the dry year is causing problems, there are some positive impacts. National Public Radio takes a look at the effects of the dry year on the Western states.
Drought wrap-up: Conditions remain dry, but a possible weather pattern change next week?
Posted by: Maven on January 12, 2012 at 8:21 am
This morning on KQED Radio’s Forum with Micheal Krasny:
“California water officials, farmers and others who track seasonal snow and rain levels are beginning to worry about how dry it’s been. Officials say they’re not ready to declare a drought, however, because the rainy season isn’t over yet — and many reservoirs are still full of runoff from last year’s heavy snows.
We discuss the potential for a drought, and what might be causing the unseasonably warm temperatures. … “
Jeanine Jones of DWR and William Patzert of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory are today’s guests; the show is set to broadcast at 9:30 this morning. Audio from the show will be posted once the show is concluded. Click here for more from KQED Radio.
In other drought news, fire officials and fisheries scientists are concerned about dry weather, reports the Eureka Times-Standard, while full canals and brown ski slopes are signs of how dry it is, says the Modesto Bee, and warm weather and dry conditions are making it tough for Kern County growers, says KGET News.
THINGS COULD BE CHANGING says the National Weather Service: “High pressure dominates northern California into the weekend. A weak disturbance may clip our northern mountains on Sunday, but a potentially dramatic pattern change is shaping up for mid next week as the jetstream undercuts the central Pacific ridge and flows straight across the Pacific Ocean into the Pacific Northwest and northern California as seen in the image on the left. This jetstream pattern would tap more into subtropical-type moisture from the central and western Pacific. The image on the right depicts a 6 to 10 day precipitation probability outlook of 50 to 70 percent above the median climatological values for northern California. “
Weather update: Latest Sierra snow analysis is ugly / Pattern change?
Posted by: Maven on January 11, 2012 at 8:30 amFrom the Accu-Weather Western Weather Blog:
“The latest Sierra snow analysis is in and it is truly ugly. But if you live in the Sierra, or have wanted to ski in this part of the country, you don’t need this latest report to tell you it is BAD.
So here is the ugly truth.
Average snow pack is down to 14 percent of normal, from 19 percent last week. Another chart shows how this year (pink line) compares to last year (green line) and average (black line). All plots are down around the dry 1976-1977 Winter, mostly below that Winter at this point in the season. … “
Continue reading at the Western Weather Blog by clicking here.
Dry January raises concern over drought in northern California
Posted by: Maven on January 11, 2012 at 8:25 amFrom the Sacramento Bee:
“The dreaded D-word – “drought” – is back on the tongues of many Californians now that a dry December has crawled into a dry January.
A dry December is not that unusual. But a dry January – well along into winter and usually the state’s wettest month – is another matter.
“What is unusual is that it just hangs on and on and on,” said Maury Roos, chief hydrologist at the California Department of Water Resources, noting it will be hard to recover from the missed January storms. … “
Continue reading from the Sacramento Bee by clicking here.
In other drought news, the dry spell is taking its toll on the state’s rangelands (Capital Press), as well as ski races and events (Plumas County News). However, the season could still be saved by a good storm, says the Fresno Bee, and KQED’s Climate Watch points out that we are not alone with our wimpy winter weather.
The year that winter forgot: Is it climate change?
Posted by: Maven on January 11, 2012 at 8:17 amFrom TIME Magazine:
“As I got off the plane in the Vermont town of Burlington on Sunday, I felt something new: cold. It wasn’t that cold — high temperatures in Burlington were hovering around the freezing mark, a little warmer than average for this city of eager ski bums. But after more than a month of unusually mild weather in New York City — where Januarys can sometimes be nothing short of brutal — it was almost a treat to feel a hazy hint of winter.
That’s because 2012 is shaping up to be the year that winter forgot in the U.S. December and the first week of January have seen atypically mild temperatures throughout much of the country — especially in the usually harsh states of the far north and parts of the plains. Fargo, North Dakota — which probably exists in most Americans’ minds as a big white blur of snow — saw temperatures of 55 F on January 5, breaking a more than century-old record for the warmest day in January. High temperatures in Nebraska at the end of last week were more than 30 F above normal, and in December at least half the U.S. had temperatures at least 5 F above normal. … “
Continue reading from TIME Magazine by clicking here.
Inkstain blog: Dust and North American megadrought
Posted by: Maven on January 11, 2012 at 6:30 amFrom the Inkstain Blog:
“The Lamont-Doherty group that has done so much to help our understanding of the factors that drive multi-decadal droughts has added a nice piece to our understanding of the issues.
In a paper in review (for which they’ve done a nice accessible writeup), Ben Cook and colleagues looked at a number of drivers for long-duration drought: sea surface temperature, warming caused when grasses die off and leave bare soil, and then the added role of increased aerosols from dust kicked up in the ensuing mess. … “
For more from the Inkstain blog, including a link to the paper’s write-up, click here.
La Nina has arctic ally in prolonging warm, dry weather; Winter takes a January vacation as the Metropolitan Water District prepares for what could be California’s driest year on record
Posted by: Maven on January 10, 2012 at 8:04 amFrom NBC Los Angeles:
“Enjoying an unseasonably warm and dry January, you might be tempted to attribute it completely to the Pacific Ocean temperature pattern dubbed, “La Nina,” long-associated with reduced precipitation in California.
But wait.
La Nina was also present last winter, when more rainfall than usual drenched Los Angeles, and the snowfall in the Sierra Nevada was even higher above normal, as much as 50 feet in places. Now bare spots are evident even at higher elevations.
“This is truly a tale of two ‘Ninas,’” said Bill Patzert, PhD, the world renowned climatologist based at Pasadena’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. … “
Continue reading from NBC Los Angeles by clicking here.
Weather update: Another week of bad rain and snow news
Posted by: Maven on January 10, 2012 at 7:59 amAnd the weather news just doesn’t get any better … From the Accu-Weather Western Weather Blog:
“Last week my blog was all about the snow drought in the West and the fact that at no time in the foreseeable future was any important precipitation coming. Does this new week bring any hope? Absolutely not. Does next week bring any hope? Much more than likely not if you live in California on east and southeast.
A weak upper level trough moving into the Northwest tonight will bring light precipitation with it. Eventually this trough will start to split with energy heading east but some energy on the western end pinching off into a small closed low off the northern California coast later Tuesday. All models take this small low and move it south. But they range from being just offshore of the Central California coast and down through the Channel Islands of southern California Wednesday to as far west of southern California by 600 to 800 miles. … “
Continue reading from the Accu-Weather Western Weather Blog by clicking here.
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