By Monday, the chances had increased to “7 or 8 out of 10, if not higher, for a warm atmospheric river event of some magnitude,” Swain said. At least one more storm could follow this month.The forecast comes as California is mired in remarkably deep snowpack amid one of its wettest winters on record. We’re looking at potential for flooding.”Indeed, the highest likelihood of flood-related impacts are in lower-elevation areas with unusually deep snowpack, Swain said. Forecasts show that at least one more system could follow close behind.“There is some potential for greater flooding if we do get additional successive warm atmospheric rivers following the first,” he said. In the southern Sierra, snowpack was at a near-record 263% of average.The deep snow came as something of a surprise after fall forecasts leaned toward a drier-than-normal winter.

Source: Los Angeles Times March 07, 2023 18:23 UTC