Winter Storm Hits California’s Sierra Nevada and Snowstorm Warning Issued for Yosemite, Mono, and Lassen Counties: What New Updates You Need to Know

A large winter storm is on its way to California’s Sierra Nevada region, which is affecting multiple counties with winter storm warnings. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued weather advisories alongside winter storm warnings for four counties, meaning severe snowfall, strong winds, and difficult travel conditions. Snow is expected to accumulate up to 24 inches, and winds will reach up to 50 miles per hour. The warning will be in effect from Monday night to Wednesday afternoon.

This storm is especially worrying for those in the higher elevations as the conditions will be deadly to all travelers. Many popular tourist sites will be affected by this storm, including Yosemite National Park, Mono County, Kings Canyon, Sequoia National Park, and Lassen Park.

Heavy Snow Anticipated in Sierra Nevada

Weather predictions show that the Sierra Nevada mountains will be hit with heavy snowfall, especially at elevations above 7,000 feet. Total snowfall will be anywhere from 12-24 inches. Travel will be hazardous on all mountain passes and rural roads as they are typically not attended to and cleared during heavy storms.

Areas outside of the valley of Yosemite, like Tuolumne Meadows, Wawona, and Devils Postpile, are expected to get more than 18 inches of snow. In addition to heavy snow, these areas are expected to get strong winds, which will create whiteout blizzard-like conditions.

DANGEROUS CONDITIONS IN FOUR COUNTIES

Travel warnings have been issued for Mono County, Kings Canyon, Sequoia, and Lassen National Parks. These areas are winter recreation hotspots and get heavy visitation every winter. Travel across the mountain passes will be extremely challenging.

Snowfall and the resulting whiteout and ground blizzard will create insurmountable barriers, rendering travel in these conditions life-threatening. These storm conditions will create a whiteout that will significantly drop visibility. Emergency crews will respond to vehicle entrapments and any other storm-related issues, and travel in these conditions creates the likelihood of a storm-related entrapment. Officials have asked for no unnecessary trips and especially to avoid storm-related entrapments in areas requiring backcountry rescue operations.

Access to the backcountry of Yosemite National Park will likely be significantly impacted by the impending storm. Although the valley is outside the warning area, elevations over 7,000 feet will be seeing snow and strong winds. This will likely impact access to popular destinations in the park. The National Park Service (NPS) is advising visitors to check for closure and condition updates on the park’s official website.

Traveler and Resident Safety Recommendations

Severe weather conditions are expected, so visitors and residents are encouraged to prepare for service disruptions, damage to trees, and power outages. It is important to assemble an emergency kit containing blankets, food, and water. Make sure to equip your vehicle with chains, extra fuel, and a winter emergency kit.

Travelers are advised to check Caltrans for mountain road conditions and to check the weather and local updates regularly. Road closures, weather advisories, and updates will be provided in real time by the NWS and Caltrans. It is important to check weather updates and Caltrans for real-time updates on road conditions and weather.

Conditions Expected to Get Worse Quickly

The Sierra Nevada will have rapidly worsening conditions as the storm progresses. We expect snow to begin late Monday evening and carry through Tuesday. The chances of having a storm with extremely dangerous blizzard-type conditions are high due to strong winds that are predicted to gust to 50 mph. Also, due to wind chill, exposure of the skin can cause frostbite in a short period of time.

People within the Winter Storm Warning areas will experience conditions described above, and without the proper protective outer garments and featured accessories (such as gloves, hats, and scarves), they may experience frostbite and/or hypothermia. In areas that are at high altitudes, the probability of causing avalanches can become a greater risk.

Details Regarding Winter Storm Advisories for Yosemite, Mono County, Kings Canyon, Sequoia, and Lassen Parks

The Winter Storm Warning will include the famous Yosemite National Park, as well as the surrounding areas of Mono County, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia and Lassen National Parks. The National Weather Service has issued a warning for extreme weather at all elevations. Park visitors should get ready for the reality of road closures and loss of access to the park. The NPS encourages visitors to take extra measures to stay safe. Visitors should also take extra measures as the weather can become dangerously severe in a winter storm warning, and all visitors should have protective outer garments.

Mono County, along with Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park, predicts snow accumulation of about 12-24 inches of snow. Similarly, in some parts of Lassen Park, snow totals are expected to be about 2 feet. Emergency crews and snowplow crews will be working to keep some of the main roads open; however, with the severity of the storm, they are unlikely to stay clear for long.

Travelers can expect delays in travel and chain controls, especially in the Upper San Joaquin River region, where the highest snow accumulations are expected. Delays and road closures are anticipated for patrons of Sequoia National Park.

As the storm continues to break down across the Sierra Nevada region, travel and road conditions will decline.

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