Fresno, California – Travel through the central Sierra Nevada is expected to become extremely difficult starting late Monday night as a prolonged winter storm brings heavy snow and strong winds to high elevations, threatening to shut down mountain routes through midweek.
According to the National Weather Service in Hanford, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 10 p.m. Monday through 4 p.m. Wednesday for elevations above 6,000 feet across Yosemite National Park outside of the valley, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, the Upper San Joaquin River region, and the southern end of the Upper Sierra. Snow totals of 12 to 18 inches are expected above 7,000 feet, with 4 to 10 inches possible between 6,000 and 7,000 feet. Wind gusts at the highest elevations could reach 40 to 50 mph, producing blowing snow and sharply reduced visibility.
The heaviest snowfall is expected Tuesday into Tuesday evening, impacting travel near Tioga Pass, Grant Grove, Giant Forest, Shaver Lake, Huntington Lake, and Cedar Grove. Conditions may become close to impossible at times, especially during the Tuesday morning and evening travel windows.
Caltrans crews are expected to implement chain controls and possible road closures as conditions worsen. Drivers are urged to avoid non-essential mountain travel, carry emergency supplies, and check road conditions through 5-1-1 before departing.
Snow gradually tapers Wednesday afternoon, but additional advisories remain possible if snowfall rates or wind impacts increase.
