SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS RADIO) – The snow in the Sierra is about to gain some weight, posing a risk to homes and businesses.
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With the atmospheric river anticipated to hit later this week, it’s likely to impact the already snow-covered region.
The issues transform with elevation – down low about 2,000 to 4,000 feet, the rain could be warm enough to trigger a big melt-off.
"The small rivers and streams and urban areas in those elevations are going to see some significant potential for runoff issues and some flooding," said UCLA climatologist Daniel Swain.
The hazards become different at elevations higher than that.
"We're already seeing problems with structural collapses and roof cave-ins," he said.
Add in some more rain and heavy snow, "you may actually start to see additional structural issues from heavier snow loading," said Swain.
The mountains have already been inundated with more snow than usual due to the recent storms.
The snow season has been relentless this year, and some, like snow removal businesses, are struggling to keep up.
There just aren't enough people available to help get the snow off the roads and off people’s roofs.
Sequoia National Park has even called in private snow removal outfits to lend a hand in clearing away the snow.
Signs that a roof might be struggling to bear the weight of snow are if the doors and windows aren’t opening as they should be.
Others include cracks in the ceiling and new creaks in the house.
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