Winter Storm — Mountains Southwest Shasta County To Northern Lake County, California

2009-03-01 to 2009-03-04 · Mountains Southwest Shasta County To Northern Lake County, California

Event narrative

Heavy snow fell over the southern Cascade and northern Sierra Nevada Mountains. Snow levels over the area started at 6000 feet then fell to around 2500 feet by Wednesday. Snowfall amounts were up to 12 inches.

Wider weather episode

A cold winter storm brought 1 to 5 feet of storm total snow accumulation to the higher mountains of the southern Cascades and to the northern Sierra Nevada. Snow levels dropped to near 4000 feet during the latter part of the storm. Gusty winds brought reduced visibilities and broad drifting of snow.

This system also generated thunderstorms in the Central Valley, bringing heavy rain, flash flooding, and other severe effects. Large amounts of hail were reported over Shasta and Glenn Counties, larger than quarter size and more than 6 inches deep in some areas. Flash flooding and slides closed Highway 70 with minor flooding over a number of rural roads. Numerous car accidents from wet roads were reported across the area, as well as trees falling from a combination of wet ground and wind.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 158195. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.