The Sierra Nevada experienced its first snowfall of the season Thursday following this week’s cold snap. According to the UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab, snow began to fall Thursday morning. Yet accumulation had to reach at least 0.5 centimeters by 5 p.m. for it to officially count as the season’s first measurable snowfall. A bit of the white stuff fell in August in a rare early season event, yet the Snow Lab said flakes only fell on the highest mountain peaks and not down at the labs level.
With temperatures dropping across the region, this early snow signals the start of winter weather in the mountains, potentially impacting travel and outdoor activities as the season progresses.
Cooler temperatures are expected to stick around through the weekend, yet the rain and snow have subsided and a gradual increase in temperatures by Monday will see the region return back to more seasonal norms.
Image via screenshot from UC Berkeley SCSL
