Forecast models are still flipping all over the place. Some models are suggesting snow levels may end up lower, while others say higher. The jet stream will be streaming moisture right at California, like the proverbial firehose.
The big question is the exact aim of that hose. If we end up on the south (warmer) side, we will likely see all rain. If the jet sage farther south and we end up on the cooler northern edge of the jet, we may see snow levels more near 7000′. (Alpine Meadows base is about 6850). You don’t have to be a weather guru to know this pattern. If you have lived in California for any number of years, this is a classic “pineapple express’ situation that develop during El Niño years.
The video below is the GFS cumulative precip forecast in the coming week. It clearly spells out that this will not be your everyday storm. In the meantime…keep those fingers crossed for the colder solutions to pan out.