Western Railroad Discussion > Record snow in Sierra with 54" last 24 hrs with 76" last 2 days

If it were not for the record rainfall over the weekend at Norden, rotaries would be work now to clear the Overland Route over the Sierra, however, the snow melt from the pounding rain reduced the depth to an average of 30" before the snowstorm moved in. With the new snowfall, there is around 100 to 110" of snow at Norden.  Spreaders and flangers are were around the colck to keep the mountain open and fluid, unlike snowbound I-80. The Sierra will finaly get a break fter the snow ends tomorrow. Skies will be mostly clear Friday through Tuesday, however, much more is on the way with a good sized storm the middle of next week and the following weekend. Both storms look moderate to heavy with total accumulations around 5 to 6 feet of new snow. I was on #5 and #6 just before the rain early last week ad to give you an idea what the snow depth looked like, here is an image taken between  Norden and Tunnel 41.   Text and photo by Meteorologist Mike Pechner 

---

Mike

​Do you know what became of the second set of CA Zephyr equipment which ended up in Emeryville when Donner was shut down? 

Gerry

This has been a very unique pattern, with rain coming in inbetween heavy snow storms.   Without that rain interrupting, this indeed would be rotary days.   Thanks for the report Mr. P!   Maybe by this time next week we'll be hearing the rotaries make their way out of Roseville.
 

Thanks for posting. Great illustration.

Well on the plus side, the snow melt ought to bring Lake Meade back up to normal.