CW3E Update: Flood Risk From Snow Melt

May 23, 2017

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Anomalously Warm Temperatures Expected to Contribute to Melting Snowpack and Elevated Runoff

  • High temperatures of 60–80˚F (16–26˚F) are forecast for the higher elevations of the Sierra Nevada Mountains over the next several days
  • The higher than normal water year to date precipitation over much of the West Coast has created snow packs that are much greater than normal over most of the Sierra Nevada Mountains
  • The combination of anomalously high temperatures and snow pack is forecast to lead to increased runoff and potential flooding
  • The National Weather Service has issued flood watches and warnings for several locations in California

    • Loop of GFS Forecast Surface Temperatures

    Valid 1200 UTC 23 May – 1200 UTC 30 May 2017


     

     

     

    Summary provided by C. Hecht B. Kawzenuk and F.M. Ralph; 12 PM PT Tuesday 23 May 2017