Winter Storm — West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada, California

2012-10-21 to 2012-10-23 · West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada, California

Event narrative

Criteria is lower for the first storm of the season. Snow began at approximately midnight (PST) and increased to over 4 inches of snow by 5am (PST) at levels above 5000 ft. Snow levels had dropped to approximately 4000 ft in local areas. Snowfall ended by early morning on October 23rd. Highest snow amounts at highest elevations were measured approximately 2-3 ft. Blue Canyon (5280 ft) received 17, Boreal Ski Resort received 24-28, Kingvale (6200 ft) received approximately 27 total, and Sugar Bowl Ski Resort received 21-28 ft. Winds were 20-30 mph sustained with peak gusts over 50 mph at high elevation mountain passes. One fatality occurred: A 14-year old boy froze to death due to winter storm exposure after getting lost during a hunting trip. The body was found approximately 3 miles west of Hermit Valley Campground, Alpine County, which is approximately 8 miles west of Ebbett's Pass and 22 miles south of Lake Tahoe.

Wider weather episode

A strong low pressure system moved through northern California, bringing several feet of snow to the mountains, significant rainfall to the valley and foothills, and tornadic supercells in the valley.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 411490. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.