356
FXUS66 KSTO 271925
AFDSTO

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Sacramento CA
1225 PM PDT Thu Mar 27 2025

.Discussion...

.Synopsis...
Active weather to continue through the end of next week.
Essentually 3 storm systems in the next 7 days. One system today
will bring minor/moderate level impacts with snow in the Sierra.
There will be a pause in the precipitation on Saturday then storm
two arrives later on Sunday and Monday. Rain impacts will be
minimal with minor to moderate level snow impacts with snow above
5000 feet. 3rd storm (with little gap) arrives Tuessday/Wednesday
with rain less than an inch in valley locations and possibly
heavier snow amounts above 5000 feet compared to all the storms.
Forecast confidence in last system is low...stay tuned for
details.

.Key Messages...

* Wind Advisory remains in effect: Through 8 pm this evening.
  Wind gusts up to 45 mph north/central Sacramento Valley and
  adjacent foothills.

* Winter Weather Advisory elevations above 5500 feet
  Sierra/Southern Cascades. Periods of moderate mountain snow
  through Friday Evening. 24-hour Probability of snowfall > 6
  inches: 40 to 60 percent.

* Slight chance (20%) of Isolated Afternoon/Evening Thunderstorms
  Thursday and Friday.

* Brief lull Saturday followed by a return to active weather
  Sunday into next week with two more periods of at least light to
  moderate rain/mountain snow expected with gusty winds and
  isolated thunderstorms possible.

* Sunday-Monday System: Snow levels 4500-5500 feet. 48-hour
  Probability of snowfall > 4 inches: 30 to 60 percent above 5500
  feet along Sierra/southern Cascades.

* Tuesday-Wednesday: Wettest of this series of storms with
  rainfall generally 0.50" to 1.00" rain in valley with snow
  accumulations possibly more than a foot. Low forecast confidence
  with this system.

* Will be small break between these 2 systems next week and a
  winter storm watch may eventually be needed.

.Changes from pervious forecast...

* None

&&

.AVIATION...

Generally VFR conditions expected at TAF sites, although some
MVFR/IFR possible in scattered showers and/or isolated
thunderstorms. Periods of IFR/LIFR cigs/visibilities anticipated
along the Sierra and southern Cascades next 24 hours. Southerly
winds gusting 15 to 25 kts from Interstate 80 southward and up to
35 kts at RDD and RBL through 00z Friday before gradually
decreasing overnight, with gusts up to 20 knots at times. Surface
wind gusts 35 to 45 kts possible along the Sierra until 06z-12z
Friday. Snow levels 5000-6000 feet today, fall to 4000-5500 feet
tonight into early Friday.

&&

.STO WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
Wind Advisory until 8 PM PDT this evening for Central Sacramento
Valley-Northeast Foothills/Sacramento Valley-Northern Sacramento
Valley.

Winter Weather Advisory until 5 PM PDT Friday for West Slope
Northern Sierra Nevada-Western Plumas County/Lassen Park.

&&

$$