More rain, some snow, ahead for Valley, hills

Forecasters have a clearer picture than they did a couple days ago about just how clear the sky won’t be over Modesto this weekend.

Storm systems moving through Northern California from Thursday night through Sunday could drop as much as half an inch of rain in Modesto, 2 to 3 inches in Sonora.

The National Weather Service calls for a 40 percent chance of rain Friday in Modesto, then a 40 percent chance of showers Friday night and Saturday. Showers are likely Sunday, meteorologists say, and possibly a thunderstorm. There’s a chance of small hail, too.

For Sonora, the chance of rain Friday is 80 percent, rising to 90 percent at night. The weather service notes rain could be heavy at times there. Saturday carries a 70 percent chance of rain in Sonora.

The system over the region Thursday and Friday will be the warmer of the two, with snow levels above 8,000 feet. The system moving through Saturday and Sunday will be colder, bringing snow as low as 4,000 feet in some places.

A snow forecast map from the weather service shows as much as 8 to 12 inches could fall in parts of Yosemite on Saturday, less on Sunday.

For the area of the Dodge Ridge ski resort east of Pinecrest, the weather service predicts a 30 percent chance of rain early Friday morning, and probably less than a 10th of an inch. But Friday, the chance of rain rises to 80 percent there and could be heavy at times. The high temperature is expected to be near 50 degrees.

Saturday should bring a mix of rain showers and snow to Dodge Ridge, the weather service said. The chance of precipitation is 90 percent. “From late Friday night till Saturday late afternoon, we’re expecting 7 to 15 inches,” Dodge Ridge marketing assistant Jack Meotti told The Bee in an email. “The latter of this storm is bringing in cold, cold temperatures, which should bring the light, fluffy snow that our skiers and snowboarders love so much. In addition the forecast is saying the cold temperatures will stick around next week, ensuring the new snowfall stays in prime condition.”

The ski resort has received 225 inches of snow this season and anticipates its season lasting until mid- or late April, Meotti said. That will mean not only months more of skiing, but employment opportunities.

“We’re looking to hire full- and part-time schedules for positions both indoors and on the mountain, with all levels of experience welcome and training provided,” he said. Open positions include ski and snowboard instructors, lift operators and food and beverage staff. Applicants should visit the jobs page at DodgeRidge.com.For more information, call 209-536-5386.

This story was originally published January 27, 2016 at 2:26 PM with the headline "More rain, some snow, ahead for Valley, hills."