Update: Winter Storm Watch Issued For The Northern Sierra Nevada

Photo by: Mark Croghan

Snow will return to the Sierra Nevada this Thursday and Friday.

A Pacific storm will bring periods of heavy snow to the Sierra Nevada starting this Thursday and continuing into Friday evening.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the northern Sierra Nevada above 5,000 feet, from Thursday afternoon through Friday evening.

The total snow accumulations above the 5,000 foot elevation, will range from half-a-foot to a foot-and-a-half.

The snow levels will start around 5,500 to 6,500 feet on Thursday, before lowering to 4,000 to 5,500 feet on Friday.

Expect wind gusts in excess of forty to fifty mph over the higher peaks.

Heavy snow and significant reductions in visibility are possible. Plan on difficult travel conditions. Travel delays and chain controls will impact travel into the mountains.

A Winter Storm Watch means there is potential for significant snow, sleet or ice accumulations that may impact travel. Continue to monitor myMotherLode.com for the latest forecasts.