Dumping and thumping.

So, yesterday morning a band or rain came through that lasted briefly.  That was why the sky was so dark. Guess I should have looked at the radar, but unfortunately we don't have any stations directly to our west.  Anyway, sun broke in Santa Cruz soon after, and it was a quite nice, if very chilly day.  Clouds filled back in around sunset, and rain developed overnight.  By daybreak it was dumping, both on the coast, and in the hills.  Snow levels down to 3k.  By late morning, Santa Cruz stopped with the rain, and the sun was out for the 1:30 opening bell of the Farmer's Market.  Perfect timing.  Now clouds are starting to filter back in.

Clouds pouring through near the top of the Carson Spur.

This thing is not over yet.  We faired pretty well so far.  On the West Slope, this storm is hitting hard.  Already, since yesterday evening, a fresh foot plus has fallen along the crest.  More north of Route 50.  A second wave is preparing to come onshore later today.  But we should see rain return to the Bay Area.  With some luck, that will happen after the morning commute.  This band is strong, but not quite as strong as last nights.  Moderate rain and strong winds should last through the morning hours on Thursday.  The rain will trail behind, but we could see clearing tomorrow, like we did today.  And behind this next wave of cold rain is just a nice high pressure and sunshine building.  Plan for a nice evening stroll tomorrow night, but remember to bundle up.  It is not warm yet.

Snow continues on Thursday.  By evening, when things begin to taper off, we could be looking at 40-50 inches at the Sierra Crest.  This thing still looks to be on track with those numbers.  Most resorts will see from three to six feet of new snow this week come Friday morning.  And the weekend will be sunny and pleasantly warm.  My bet is some crowds will show up, so hit those slopes early.  You don't want to be standing around in lines, buying tickets and renting gear at ten in the morning as more and more people pack on the mountain.  And if you know your hill, head out to the last terrain that opened this week.   that is where you'll likely find the best fluff.  Finally, stick to the shade once thinks begin to heat up.  That fresh powder will mank up quickly in the March sun.

Peak 9795' and Melissa Corey Peak crown over Fawn Ridge, Look Out Vista, Thunder Saddle and Norm's Nose at Kirkwood, California.

Also today and tomorrow, something to watch out for, is another sizable swell impacting the coast.  Things might begin to clean up by the end of the week for decent surf, but right now, it is mostly going to be some wild ride storm surf.  Makes for a fun walk along West Cliff if you don't mind too much bluster.  But you may want to wait for the turn toward the better if you only get one day to hang on the beach.  Down here on the coast we are still looking forward to some fine weather.  It won't warm up quite like it did last week with multiple days in the mid 70s.  But it will be a beautiful run of weather once again.  Friday will warm up a bit, but that cool air will take a while to warm.  By Saturday the trend will be set.  I'm pegging Sunday for the winner.

More rain tonight and Thursday.  Plenty of wind.  Clearing and warming on Friday.  Sun and almost hot for the weekend.  A little cooler next week, with some chance of rain from storms that look to stay to our north.