The latest declarations from the White House have sent shockwaves through global markets, as President Donald Trump suggests the U.S. could wind down its military campaign against Iran within two to three weeks. However, as domestic petrol prices climb past $4 a gallon and the Strait of Hormuz remains a volatile chokepoint, many are questioning if this mission accomplished narrative is premature. The reality on the ground characterized by a lack of formal negotiations and a mowing the lawn military strategy suggests that ending this conflict will be far more complex than a simple withdrawal. The Stone Age Strategy: Defining the U.S. Military Objective President Trump has pivoted from seeking a diplomatic grand bargain to a strategy of pure attrition. By stating that a deal is no longer necessary, he has redefined success as the degradation of Iran’s capabilities to the point of being put into the Stone Ages.This shift signals an Israelization of American war aims, where the goal is n...
A significant winter storm is taking aim at the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California this week, with the potential to drop an extraordinary amount of snow in some areas. According to the National Weather Service, the storm could bring over six feet or 100 inches of snow to higher elevations starting Wednesday night through Saturday evening.
AccuWeather meteorologists have deemed this upcoming event the biggest snowstorm of the winter season so far for the region. Heavy snow is expected above 7,000 feet with totals up to 150 inches possible locally in the highest mountains. Pass levels and areas like Lake Tahoe could receive two to four feet of fresh powder throughout the duration of the storm.
The prodigious snowfall will create hazardous travel conditions over mountain passes like Highway 50 and Interstate 80. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) warns that roads may be closed periodically during and after the storm to allow for snow removal. Travel is strongly discouraged in the highest elevations due to the potential for significant whiteout conditions.
The heavy snow is being fueled by an atmospheric river event transporting plumes of tropical moisture northward from the Pacific. This “Pineapple Express” pattern frequently taps into the tropics during winter and produces major Sierra snowstorms. Several feet will fall at a foot or more per hour rate at the storm’s peak when multiple winter storm warnings will likely be in place.
While the snow will impact travel and outdoor activities, the substantial fresh powder will be welcomed by local ski resorts. The big snow totals should help areas gain ground on the season snowpack, which so far is less than average throughout much of California due to a dry start to winter. More storms will be needed to make significant progress reducing drought conditions.
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