August Snowstorm Forecasted for California

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an unusual warning for Californians in late-August... snow is in the forecast! An unseasonable cold front is expected to move through the Sierra on Friday, August 23rd, 2024. According to records, it's the first time snow has been forecasted in California in August in over 20 years.

The NWS office in Sacramento, California is predicting an "uncommon" storm track for this time of year that is expected to bring widespread rain, hail, and gusty winds for all elevations below the snow line.

Snow is expected to fall between 7,500 feet and 9,000 feet of elevation from Thursday night through Friday night with an emphasis on peaks north of I-80, but accumulations will occur further south. The NWS office in Hanford, California published the map below to show the probability of snow accumulation greater than .1 inches in the Eastern Sierra region. Looks like Mammoth Mountain might pick up a dusting!

As skiers, the possibility of August snowfall is exciting, even if it's just a dusting. Seeing our favorite peaks adorned with a fresh coating of white will provide respite from the long and warm summer.

Despite the excitement regarding snowfall, the NWS has issued important warnings related to the storm. Notably, there's the potential for "strong" thunderstorms to sweep through the region. Rain is expected to come with the storm, but considering the dry summer California has experienced, wildfires spurred by lightning are a concern. The odds for experiencing thunder seem to be relatively low according to NWS' published forecast map, but it's an important callout nonetheless.

I'm based here in Truckee, California and plan on taking some pictures of the summer snowfall, if its in the cards. I might have to brave some wet and windy weather, but it sounds like it could be worth it. Should I bring my rock skis...? Stay tuned in here at POWDER Magazine as I continue to track this exciting summer storm.

Related: NOAA's Updated Winter '24/'25 Outlook Is Promising

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