More than 6 feet of snow: Blizzard conditions impact California

Blizzard conditions delivered more than six feet of snow in parts of California over recent days as one of the most impactful storms of the year begins to ease.

In the Sierra Nevada and Great Basin, more than six feet of snow fell from Thursday, February 29 to March 3, with higher amounts locally piling on top of what was already in the Sierra Nevada snowpack.

Blizzard warnings were issued at least 48 hours in advance of the system's arrival, giving those in the area time to evacuate to safety from the severe conditions.

The northern Sierra was hit hard by snowfall and the blizzard conditions, especially. The highest snow reports are coming out of ski resort Sugar Bowl with 126 inches! Soda Springs Ski Resort also saw 116 inches.

Near Lake Tahoe in Palisades Tahoe Ski Base, winds gusted to 145 mph at 8,700 feet in elevation – Category 4 hurricane strength.

Alongside the snowfall, heavy rain also hit the drought-hit state. Honeydew, north of San Francisco, reported more than 7 inches of rainfall, with half-foot readings being recorded in both northern California, Oregon, and Washington as the storm hit the coast.

The short-term impacts of the heavy rainfall can bring many issues such as flash flooding, mudslides, and landslides, but the long-term impacts will be seen in lesser drought and more water table availability.

Currently, California is only experiencing abnormally dry conditions in a very small area. Marking a recovery since 2022 where three-quarters of the state was reported to be in extreme or exception drought.

The snowpack in the Sierras should be close if not above its normal water equivalent now that this large storm system has wrapped up. The last overall measurement was on March 1 as the storm was still in place.

The Snow Lab in the central Sierras is already reporting 98% of their median season snow peak.