Weather
California Weather Alert: Heavy Snow Threatens Yosemite, Sequoia
Fresno, CA – A developing winter storm could dump up to a foot of snow across California's central and southern Sierra Nevada this weekend, potentially making travel extremely difficult or impossible
By Avery Collins · 2026-11-10T21:13:04.946Z
Fresno, CA – A developing winter storm could dump up to a foot of snow across California's central and southern Sierra Nevada this weekend, potentially making travel extremely difficult or impossible in higher elevations near Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks.
According to the National Weather Service in Hanford, a Winter Storm Watch has been issued from Friday afternoon, November 13, through late Monday night, November 16, for mountain areas above 6,000 feet.
Forecasters warn that snowfall totals could reach 6 to 12 inches, accompanied by wind gusts as high as 50 mph.
Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon Under Winter Storm Watch The watch covers several popular mountain destinations, including Yosemite National Park outside Yosemite Valley, Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon National Park and the Grant Grove area.
Other locations potentially affected include Shaver Lake, Huntington Lake, Hume Lake, Lodgepole, Giant Forest, Wawona, Tuolumne Meadows and Devils Postpile.
Higher elevation areas near Florence Lake, Lake Wishon, Lake Thomas Edison and Cedar Grove are also included.
Travel could become very difficult to impossible, particularly along mountain roads where accumulating snow and strong winds may create hazardous conditions.
Weekend Travelers Urged to Prepare The timing could affect visitors planning Friday departures, weekend camping trips or travel through the Sierra Nevada before Monday night.
Wind gusts approaching 50 mph could also bring down tree branches, creating additional hazards along mountain roads and forested routes.
Travelers should monitor forecasts, check road conditions through Caltrans QuickMap and prepare for possible chain requirements or travel restrictions.
The National Weather Service emphasizes that a Winter Storm Watch indicates significant winter weather is possible, but exact snowfall amounts and impacts remain uncertain.
Residents and visitors can follow updates through the National Weather Service Hanford as the storm approaches.