Winter Storm — Northeast Siskiyou and Northwest Modoc Counties, California

2017-01-03 to 2017-01-04 · Northeast Siskiyou and Northwest Modoc Counties, California

Event narrative

The cooperative observer at Tulelake reported 12.0 inches of snow in 24 hours as of 04/1900 PST.

Wider weather episode

Two fronts combined with an usually cold air mass already in place to bring heavy snow to many portions of northern California. This storm had an unusually severe impact due to the low snow levels, all the way down into the deepest valleys. Some areas that usually only get a few inches of snow in a season got as much as two feet over several days. There were numerous reports of power outages and tree damage. Traffic along major highways, including Interstate 5, was shut down at times, and there were numerous traffic accidents. Many people were stranded on the roads or in their homes. There were widespread school closures, many closed for the entire week.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 666300. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.