Winter storm warnings have been issued across California's Sierra Nevada and the southern Cascades, with the National Weather Service calling for heavy snowfall and strong winds in popular backcountry areas.
The NWS named affected locations including Yosemite outside the valley, Kings Canyon and Sequoia national parks, Lassen Volcanic National Park, the Upper San Joaquin River corridor, Tuolumne Meadows, Huntington Lake, Cedar Grove and Donner Peak.
Forecasters said the southern Sierra above 7,000 feet could receive 3 to 5 inches and the highest elevations 12 to 18 inches, while areas along the Sierra crest may see wind gusts up to 75 mph and gusts near 50 mph in the northern Sierra.
Similar conditions were expected for the northern Sierra and southern Cascades above 5,000 feet, with 12 to 18 inches forecast and up to 2 feet possible at the highest peaks, and up to 2 inches of accumulation down to 4,500 feet.
Forecasters warned the heaviest snow would arrive Tuesday afternoon and evening with rates near 1 to 2 inches per hour, and that travel could be very difficult to impossible during the warning period, with strong winds raising the risk of tree damage.
Travelers were urged to carry emergency supplies such as food, water and a flashlight, and to check road conditions through Caltrans at quickmap.dot.ca.gov or by dialing 511.
Forecast discussion from meteorologist Angela Schilling noted shadowing that favors heavier snow on the western Sierra rather than the eastern side of Tahoe, explaining the western slope warnings and Tahoe basin advisories.
Schilling said the snow level would start near 6,800 feet then drop to 6,200 feet, with foothill levels reached by Wednesday morning, and she warned of deteriorating visibility and slick roads as the low moves inland.
Local Recovery And Budget Debate In Hardin County
The Hardin County Board of Commissioners met on a budget amendment tied to deputy pay and recovery from January's winter storm, while emergency officials outlined assistance available to residents.
Sheriff Johnny Alexander removed a motion to give immediate raises to deputies after consulting CTAS and auditors, saying he would instead pursue extra pay in the next fiscal year and that commissioners had discussed using excess funds for a bonus.
Alexander said some excess funds could come from vacant positions within the sheriff's department, and the office remains likely to revisit raises during the upcoming budget cycle.
Hardin County Emergency Management Agency Director Larae Smith-Sliger described federal and state recovery steps, noting the county has been approved for individual and public assistance and that residents can apply online.
Smith-Sliger said the Small Business Administration is in Savannah to help with disaster loan applications and said she expected FEMA to open a disaster recovery center to help people register and apply for funding, adding that FEMA staff would also be set up at the emergency management offices.
She noted a mobile registration intake center is operating at the Hardin County Emergency Management Office at 400 Armory Lane in Savannah, and the sheriff's office is still considering raises for deputies in the next fiscal year.
