A robust winter storm is bearing down on California’s Sierra Nevada area, prompting Winter Storm Warnings and Climate Advisories throughout 4 counties.
Based on the Nationwide Climate Service (NWS), the storm will convey important snowfall, gusty winds, and harmful journey circumstances beginning late Monday night by way of Wednesday afternoon.
The warning highlights doubtlessly life-threatening climate, notably for larger elevations the place snow totals are anticipated to succeed in 12 to 24 inches, and wind gusts might exceed 50 mph. Affected areas embody in style locations like Yosemite Nationwide Park, Mono County, Kings Canyon, Sequoia Nationwide Park, and Lassen Park.
Authorities are urging residents and vacationers to keep away from pointless journey, particularly into the backcountry or mountain passes. Situations are anticipated to worsen shortly in a single day, and with visibility dropping and wind chills intensifying, officers stress that the storm have to be taken critically.
Affected Counties in California
The Winter Storm Warning and Advisories are targeted on the center of the Sierra Nevada, spanning from the southern excessive nation close to Yosemite and the Higher San Joaquin River, to the northern slopes of Plumas County and Lassen Park. Right here’s a breakdown:
Yosemite NP Exterior of the Valley
This consists of areas like Tuolumne Meadows, Wawona, and Devils Postpile. The valley itself will not be below the warning, however surrounding elevations above 7000 ft are anticipated to see 18+ inches of snow and robust winds, making journey into and out of the park treacherous.
Higher San Joaquin River and Kaiser to Rodgers Ridge
Distant however closely forested, this space is forecasted to obtain as much as 24 inches of snow at larger elevations, notably round Shaver Lake and Florence Lake.
Kings Canyon NP, Sequoia NP, and the South Sierra
A Winter Climate Advisory covers this area, with anticipated snow totals starting from 4 to 10 inches above 6000 ft, and as much as 18 inches above 7000 ft. Iconic areas like Large Forest and Grant Grove are included.
Mono County and the Japanese Sierra Slopes
The favored vacationer locations of Mammoth Lakes, Lee Vining, and Bridgeport fall below this advisory. Count on as much as 12 inches above 7000 ft, however sturdy 70 mph gusts on the Sierra Crest will amplify the chance of whiteouts and street blockages.
Snowfall Projections by Elevation
Accumulations Above 7000 Ft
Essentially the most impacted zones will likely be these sitting above 7000 ft, the place the forecast predicts:
- Yosemite Excessive Nation: 12–18 inches, presumably 24 inches at peaks.
- Mono County Crestline: 10–12 inches, with drifting resulting from excessive winds.
- Sequoia & Kings Canyon Excessive Elevation Zones: 12–18 inches.
This elevation vary consists of most of the area’s main roads, like Freeway 120 (Tioga Cross) and Freeway 168, each of that are inclined to closures throughout heavy snow.
Impacts on Mid-Elevation Zones (6000–7000 Ft)
For these dwelling or touring within the 6000–7000 ft vary, together with areas like Grant Grove, Shaver Lake, and Blue Canyon, snow totals between 4 to 10 inches are anticipated.
These areas are notably tough: sufficient snow to trigger journey hazards, however just below the restrict for plows to prioritize shortly. Add in near-freezing rain, and it might turn into a slippery mess.
Decrease Elevation Accumulations and Ice Danger
Whereas snow totals are much less important below 5500 ft, icy circumstances are doubtless, particularly throughout in a single day hours. Chilly air trapped in valleys will trigger freezing drizzle and black ice, which might result in sudden spinouts on highways and floor roads.
Journey Impacts and Commuter Dangers
With the snow arriving simply forward of Tuesday morning’s commute, Caltrans and NWS warn that journey might turn into unimaginable in some areas.
Morning and Night Commute Disruptions
- Tuesday Morning (6–10 AM): Count on speedy snow accumulation and delays.
- Tuesday Night (4–8 PM): Peak snowfall interval in most counties.
- Wednesday Morning (6–9 AM): Lingering snow, black ice, and visibility considerations.
Street Closures and Chain Controls
Anticipated street restrictions:
- Freeway 395 close to Mammoth Lakes: Chain necessities doubtless.
- Tioga Cross, Generals Freeway, and Kings Canyon Roads: Potential closures.
- Interstate 80 and Freeway 50: Might even see chain controls or delays for freight haulers.
