Heavy Rain in Nevada County, California

A Local Official located at 6.0 mi W of Truckee, CA, a CoCORAHS station (CA-NV-51 Truckee) located 2.0 mi N of Truckee, CA, and a CO-OP Observer located 3.0 mi E of Truckee, CA, at the Truckee-Tahoe Airport (KTVL) reported 24 hour rainfall/liquid totals of 2.07 inches, 1.14 inches, and 0.96 inches respectively.

This second wave brought higher snow levels with heavy rain and high elevation snow. Although significant rises were anticipated on creeks and streams, no river flooding was forecast. This second round featured more widespread precipitation that reached western Nevada and Mono County. This included greater rain and snowfall totals compared to the first round. Snow levels begin above 7500- 8000' at the onset of precipitation as the region remained situated in the warm air regime. This setup, once again confined snowfall to the High Sierra with rainfall elsewhere. By early on the 23rd a transition into the colder side of the storm lowered projected snow levels down to 6000-7000' that marked the beginning of snowfall down to Sierra passes with travel impacts as well. A foot or two of snow was projected along the Sierra crest during this second round with a 20% chance of highest peaks receiving 3 feet or more of snowfall. Meanwhile, only an inch or less was projected for Sierra communities around the Lake Tahoe Basin. Ensemble simulations also leaned toward a stronger burst of winds ahead of the precipitation. Blended guidance highlighted a 40-50% chance for wind gusts exceeding 50 mph for the afternoon and evening of the 22nd along the Highway 395, and Interstate 580 corridor. These conditions brought impacts to backcountry recreation, hazardous lake conditions, high profile vehicle travel restrictions on area roadways, and aviation turbulence.