Step one. Put a hole in the block.

That is right.  The blocking high that has been prevalent this winter is about to take its first real punch in a while.  The storms of the previous week were really just slippery guys, sneaking around and dropping us with a bit of snow.  A lot of luck in those scenarios to get more than a few inches.  Good probability for significant change in the weather pattern.  Starting Saturday as cold air begins to seep south.  By very early Monday morning a pocket of very cold air will be sitting just off the coast, to the west of Santa Cruz.  As that chill moves on shore, the day will feel cold.  And a light drizzle could form along the coastal slopes.  In fact, this light precip could move as far east as the Sierra.  Still, not much than a cold, damp day.  Or some flurries up about 4000 feet.

Desolation Wilderness.  Sierra Nevada. California.  Bluebird days offer the best views.

That cold air is to stay put for at least a few days.  Another wave will come through the area early on Wednesday morning, as it looks now.  This one is to be a bit stronger and carry a little more punch.  But it will not be quite as cold.  But it is not like things are warming up much.  High 50s or maybe 60F on Wed.  The rest of the work week dry and cool.  Low 60s and partly cloudy to sunny skies.  Another storm is out the back though, and we could see more rain and a deeper trough develop by next weekend.    More on all this excitement to bring in the new month as we get a but closer.