Hanford, CA – Heavy Sierra snow continues this weekend as a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect for high-elevation areas across Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia national parks. The storm is expected to bring up to a foot of snow above 7,000 feet, creating dangerous backcountry and mountain travel conditions through Sunday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Hanford, the Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 10 p.m. Sunday for a broad stretch of the southern and central Sierra Nevada. Affected locations include Shaver Lake, Huntington Lake, Kaiser to Rodgers Ridge, Wawona, Grant Grove, Giant Forest, Cedar Grove, Tuolumne Meadows, and surrounding wilderness areas.
Snowfall totals are expected to reach up to 12 inches above 7,000 feet, with locally higher amounts on exposed ridgelines and wind-favored slopes. Persistent snowfall will continue through Sunday evening as colder air remains lodged over the high country.
According to the NWS, travel could be very difficult to impossible, especially on mountain passes and unplowed routes. Backcountry visitors, hikers, hunters, and climbers should be prepared for rapidly deteriorating conditions, deep snow, and limited visibility.
High-elevation roads within the national parks may close without notice depending on conditions. Campers and travelers should check road and park alerts before heading out and consider delaying nonessential trips into the mountains until conditions improve.
