Is it Snowing in Rosemont Yet?

Anybody have a sled I can borrow?

Rosemont may not have a witty website watching for local snowfall, but the white stuff has been a common topic of discussion around Sacramento this week.

The question is, how low will the snow go? Meteorologists say there is a 50:50 chance Californians will see snow at sea level, while Friday night's snowfall level in the Sacramento area is listed at 100 feet–about 60 feet above Rosemont's elevation.

“It has to be the right combination of factors, in just the right sequence,” said Jan Null, a meteorologist with Golden Gate Weather Service. “First, you need the cold air, then the precipitation, not just cold rain.”

It’s been 35 years since snow has dipped so low as to hit the Bay Area, when a cold front brought snow all of the Bay area on Feb. 5, 1976. However, according to the National Weather Service, the last time Sacramento had snow was on January 28, 2002.

The National Weather Service predicts the most likely chance for snowfall in Rosemont will arrive Friday night. There's a high chance for precipitation Friday, but the weather service says it's unlikely any snow would stick.

Those snowy vistas can be powerful draws for folks unaccustomed to seeing snow this low. That’s where the California Highway Patrol find many flatlanders heading for the hills to flex their snowball-throwing muscles … and getting their vehicles stuck when they pull off the road to play.

“We highly recommend not getting out of the car when they see snow on the side of the roads,” said CHP spokeswoman Liz Dutton. “That can lead to many kinds of problems–ones that can turn fatal.”

Dutton emphasizes for those who have never driven in snow or drive in areas not typically affected by snow to slow down and allow plenty of time to get to destinations. She also recommends people be very aware of their surroundings.

“Make sure to watch for cars doing things they shouldn’t be doing,” Dutton said.

It is also treacherous for those who don’t have a snow day on the agenda.

“We recommend you have a back-up plan if you go over mountains for your commute,” said National Weather Service Meteorologist Steve Anderson.

Sacramento County officials are advising residents to be prepared for power outages and high winds by visiting SacramentoReady.org. To report flooding, call 916-875-RAIN (7246), and to report downed trees in roadways, call 916-875-5171.

So that just leaves Rosemont residents with fingers crossed for a light dusting–or perhaps more.