Mesoscale Discussion 0184
   NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
   0316 PM CST Sat Mar 02 2024

   Areas affected...portions of the higher terrain of the central
   Sierra Nevada

   Concerning...Heavy snow 

   Valid 022116Z - 030215Z

   SUMMARY...A gradual increase in heavy snowfall rates is anticipated
   heading into the late afternoon/evening hours within the higher
   terrain of the central Sierra Nevada range in California. Snowfall
   rates of 2-3 inches/hour appear possible.

   DISCUSSION...Surface observations and regional radar composites have
   recently shown a temporary lull in precipitation/snowfall rates
   along the higher terrain of the Sierra Nevada over the past hour.
   However, recent RAP upper air analyses and GOES water-vapor imagery
   indicate that the nose of a 100+ knot mid-level jet is beginning to
   push into central CA. Broadscale ascent within the left-exit region
   of this wave, combined with an increase in orographic ascent along
   the Sierra Nevada owing to strengthening mid-level winds, should
   promote a gradual uptick in precipitation across central CA late
   this afternoon into the evening hours. Recent high-res guidance
   indicates multiple rounds of heavier precipitation bands moving into
   the region during the 23-03 UTC time frame as ascent increases. Both
   deterministic and probabilistic guidance suggest that the potential
   for snowfall rates between 2-3 inches/hour will increase during this
   period for higher elevations (generally above 5 kft) where
   temperatures are below freezing.

   ..Moore.. 03/02/2024

   ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov for graphic product...

   ATTN...WFO...VEF...REV...HNX...STO...

   LAT...LON   36741877 37071933 38652051 38872057 39072040 39112017
               38952003 38631982 38221940 37911914 37651895 37481864
               37341848 37171837 36971833 36771829 36681841 36661854
               36741877