Tag Archives: national weather service

NWS Visits the Eastern Sierra for Winter Briefing

The National Weather Service Winter Briefing hosted by CalTrans took place yesterday with representatives from Las Vegas and Reno in attendance. NWS representative, Chris Smallcomb gave a lecture which reviewed last year’s weather for winter, spring, and summer.

During the lecture, Smallcomb said that the a dry January and February followed by a precipitous March, helped provide optimal conditions for a scorched summer, because vegetation dried out later than usual. The Reno NWS representative also told attendees that July and August were the warmest months ever recorded in the Eastern Sierra, and that led to optimal conditions for fires.

ARkstorms were additionally discussed. An ARkstorm is a super-storm that brings copious amounts of water to a region causing severe flooding. To compare the effects of an ARkstorm verses a normal storm, Smallcomb said that the the entirety of effects of the 2016-2017 winter season in the Eastern Sierra would take place in just 22 days.

Smallcomb said that with the effects of climate change, there are studies and models which indicate there is a good possibility of an ARkstorm occurring in the next 40 years.

Other topics at the briefing include steps that the NWS are taking to increase radar coverage in the areas of Tonopah and Bishop by lowering the altitude on radar. This measure would possibly allow for increased range of radar and in turn, provide South Central Nevada and the Owens Valley with more accurate weather predictions.

The meeting then opened for discussion between citizens and the National Weather Service. One attendee brought up the issue of altitude weather predictions, saying that although weather forecasts are accurate at lower elevations, they often fail to foretell temperatures and wind in the higher areas of mountainous regions, which can leave hikers and campers unprepared for the shifting climate.

ATMOSPHERIC RIVER

Mono County on storm watch and urges public to be ready

Posted by Seth Conners

According to a press release from Ingrid Braun in Mono County, the predicted storm for Friday into Saturday is anticipated to bring an unusual late season “Atmospheric River” severe storm with the potential for significant flooding. Rivers, creeks, streams and poor drainages are of greatest concern.

The National Weather Service has issued both a Winter Storm Watch and a Flood Watch for Mono County. Current updates can always be found online at: http://mammothweather.com

Please take the time to prepare for the storm. Secure loose outdoor items, clear poor drainages and sandbag where necessary. If you need sandbags, they will be available at these Mono County locations: 

  • Tom’s Place (behind asphalt piles)
  • Long Valley Fire Department (behind station)
  • Benton Road Shop
  • Chalfant Fire Department
  • Lee Vining Road Shop
  • June Lake Community Center
  • Bridgeport Road Shop
  • Walker Road Shop

Sandbags will also be available at the Town of Mammoth Lakes yard at 299 Commerce.

MONO COUNTY BLIZZARD

NASTY WEATHER CONTINUES TO BE THE TOP STORY IN MONO COUNTY.

By Seth Conners

The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning in Mono County.  The warning has been issued due to heavy snow and strong winds that are expected to continue through Wednesday.

100 mile an hour winds are expected over the Sierra Ridge.  Snow will continue to fall indefinitely, with snow accumulation expected to be 1 to 3 feet along Highway 395.  Snow totals are expected to be in excess of 6 feet in some parts, West of Highway 395, above 7,500 feet.

This is a dangerous blizzard with conditions near zero visibility, and heavy snow on all Sierra roads.  Many of the areas local highways are being closed when visibility and high winds become a problem.

Local agencies are advising that you do not attempt to travel until the snow and wind have subsided, as first responders may not be able to rescue you in the event of an emergency.  Even a short walk could be a disaster if you become disoriented.

 

 

Winter Weather System Arriving

Wind Advisory and Winter Storm Warning Posted

Much needed moisture is predicted to arrive today coming in the form of a major weather system prompting the national weather service to issue a wind advisory for Bishop and the Owens Valley and a winter storm warning for Mono County.

For Bishop and the Owens Valley the national weather service has put a Wind Advisory in effect today (December 10th) until 7pm.  Forecasters are calling for southwest winds at 15 to 25 mile per hour, gusting near 40 mph.  There is also a 50% chance of rain this afternoon and this evening.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Mono County.  The warning stays in effect until 7am Friday.  Forecasters are calling for 4 to 10 inches of snow for areas over 7,000 feet and another 4 to 9 inches of snow tonight.  National Weather service forecasters are also calling for high winds for Mono County today, calling for winds out of the southwest at 20 to 35 mph gusting up to 75 mph.  Forecasters are also calling for ridge gusts up to 125 mph today.

West Central Nevada is also under a High Wind Warning until 4pm today.  Southwest winds are expected to gust near 75 mph.  Forecasters are calling for a chance of snow for west-central Nevada with up to 3 inches possible for areas over 6,500 feet.

Cover Photo By Gary Young.  Taken at 8am, Bishop Country Club.

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