Sequoia National Park, California – Mountain roads above 6,000 feet are rapidly becoming snow-covered overnight, and travel into Sequoia and Kings Canyon could turn nearly impossible before sunrise Wednesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Hanford, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 4 p.m. Wednesday for the Grant Grove area, Kings Canyon National Park, Sequoia National Park and the south end of the Upper Sierra. Snow totals will range from 4 to 10 inches above 6,000 feet, with 12 to 18 inches expected above 7,000 feet. Wind gusts could reach 40 to 50 mph at the highest elevations.
The heaviest snowfall is expected through Wednesday morning, impacting roads near Lodgepole, Giant Forest, Cedar Grove and Hume Lake. Blowing snow may reduce visibility and create drifting on exposed stretches, especially along Generals Highway and mountain access routes.
Park officials and Caltrans crews will monitor conditions, but chain controls and temporary closures are possible if snowfall rates and wind intensify.
Travelers should delay non-essential trips, carry tire chains and check California road conditions by calling 511 before heading into the mountains. Snow tapers later Wednesday afternoon, though slick conditions may linger into the evening as temperatures remain below freezing. Additional advisories could follow if winds persist at higher elevations.
