A major winter storm is set to bring heavy snowfall and strong winds to California’s Eastern Sierra region over the next several days. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Warning that will remain in effect from Monday night through Wednesday morning, with dangerous conditions expected to persist into the weekend.
How Much Snow Can You Expect?
Residents in higher elevations, particularly areas above 8,000 feet, could see up to 3 feet of snow by Wednesday. Popular mountain towns, including Mammoth Lakes, are bracing for accumulations between 8 and 12 inches.
But the storm won’t end there. Another powerful system is expected to hit the region Thursday through Friday, dumping an additional 2 to 6 inches of snow in lower elevations and 1 to 2 feet at higher altitudes.
Winds Could Make Matters Worse
As if the snow wasn’t enough, wind gusts of up to 85 mph along the highest peaks and 50 mph along Highway 395 could create whiteout conditions, making travel extremely dangerous. During the second storm later this week, gusts could hit 90 mph along the Sierra crest and 65 mph in wind-prone areas like the White Mountains.
Travel Warnings and Road Closures
Authorities are warning residents to avoid non-essential travel. The Mammoth Lakes Police Department has already announced several road closures, including:
- Scenic Loop and Sherwin Trailhead Gate: Closing by 10 AM Monday
- Davison Road: Expected to remain closed all week
Roads will be icy and visibility poor, especially during peak commute times on Tuesday morning and evening. If you must travel, officials urge you to bring an emergency kit, including warm clothing, food, and a flashlight.
Power Outages and Avalanche Risks
With strong winds and heavy snow expected, downed power lines and outages are a real threat. Make sure to charge your devices and have backup power if possible. Additionally, significant snowfall raises the risk of avalanches in mountain areas, so avoid venturing into avalanche-prone zones.
How to Stay Safe and Informed
- Stay Updated: Monitor forecasts from the National Weather Service and local authorities.
- Limit Travel: If you can, avoid travelling until conditions improve.
- Prepare for Power Outages: Stock up on supplies, keep batteries charged and have a backup power source ready.
- Check Road Conditions: Use Caltrans QuickMap or call 511 for real-time updates.
The storm’s impact could be severe, so officials urge everyone in the area to take the warnings seriously. Follow updates from the Town of Mammoth Lakes and Ready Mono to stay safe.
