Hanford, CA – A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect for the higher elevations of the central Sierra Nevada from 4 p.m. Saturday through 10 p.m. Sunday, with the National Weather Service (NWS) warning that significant snowfall will create hazardous travel across mountain routes in and around Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks.
According to NWS Hanford, snowfall totals of up to 11 inches are expected above 7,000 feet, with locally higher amounts possible in the highest terrain. The advisory covers a broad stretch of the Sierra, including areas near Shaver Lake, Huntington Lake, Cedar Grove, Grant Grove, Giant Forest, Johnsondale, Wawona, Tuolumne Meadows, and several lake and ridge communities.
Snow will develop late Saturday afternoon and continue into Sunday evening as a cold, moist system moves across the region. The heaviest snow is expected overnight and early Sunday, when temperatures dip and moisture deepens, allowing snow to accumulate quickly on road surfaces.
Travel across high-elevation roads may become very difficult to impossible, especially during periods of heavier snowfall. Park roads, mountain passes, and unplowed side routes may experience rapid accumulation, reduced visibility, and icy conditions.
NWS urges travelers to use extreme caution, allow extra time, and check 511 for real-time state road conditions before heading into the mountains. Chains may be required at times on Sierra routes.
The system will gradually taper late Sunday evening, though lingering slick spots may remain into early Monday.
