FORECAST: Owens Valley, Mammoth and Mono County

FROM: Dennis Mattinson, Weather and Atmospheric Forecaster

www.395travel.com / Sierra Wave Media: Eastern Sierra News

WED JAN 29 2014

A strong westerly flow (a group of storms) continues to weaken our persistent West Coast Ridge. This and moisture extending back to Hawaii (evident on Satellite imagery) has created the likelihood of valley rain and mountain snow Wednesday night through Thursday night. Snow levels should run in the 7,000 foot range in that time period. Snow amounts could be as high as a foot or more at the Crest level. For the weekend and into early next week, a troughy pattern continues off the West Coast, with the big ridge now pushed well out over the Pacific (about 135W).

Below: Eastern Pacific Satellite Infrared showing moisture stream from Hawaii.

LATEST

Owens Valley:

Today: Becoming partly cloudy then mostly cloudy. Highs 65 – 70 / Lows 40 – 45. Winds W 10 – 20 mph.

Thursday: 20% chance of rain showers then 50% overnight. Highs 59 – 64 / Lows 28 – 38. Winds NW 15 – 25 mph G 45.

Mammoth Lakes (7,800 – 8,200 feet):

Today: 40% chance of rain or snow showers then 100% overnight. Highs 40 / Lows 33. Winds SW 15 mph G 25.

Thursday: 100% chance of snow showers. Highs 27 / Lows 17. Winds SW 15 – 25 mph.

Mono County:

Today: Partly cloudy then mostly cloudy with a chance of rain and snow. Highs 50 – 60 / Lows 31 – 36. Winds SW 10 – 15 mph G 40.

Thursday: Rain and snow likely. Highs 38 – 48 / Lows 17 – 27. Winds SW 10 – 15 mph G 35.