News reports indicate that the storm(s) that rolled over the basin ranked in the top ten all-time dumpers. No doubt, meteorologists across the country stood up and took notice of the 10' feet of fresh powder that covered the Sierra from Quincy to Mammoth Mountain, blotting out the granite face above the treeline and causing the limbs of many trees to give way under the load.
It is a result of the La Nina phenomena we read about quite often on the West Coast. Unlike her sibling, El Nino, this little girl has a lesser effect, concentrating that effect at irregular intervals during the winter months. Nobody is complaining as the numbers still are somewhat greater than long term averages. More snow is forecast this week, but a lesser amount.
In the Bay Area, local peaks were wearing the white mantle. Mt. Tamalpais in Marin had a light dusting. Mt. Diablo in Contra Costa had a little bit more, and the big winner was Mt. St. Helena in Napa. Mt. St. Helena had several inches on top, and several more covered the adjacent hills, creating a visual treat for locals and visitors alike. Wine train passengers got a rare bonus at no extra charge. Cold day time temps will keep this around for awhile.
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