Yosemite, CA — A prolonged winter storm could bring several feet of snow to the Sierra Nevada, prompting a Winter Storm Watch for high elevations in and around Yosemite National Park beginning this weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Hanford, the watch is in effect for areas above 9,000 feet, including Yosemite’s highest peaks and Tioga Pass, from Saturday afternoon through Friday afternoon, December 26.
Forecasters say there is a 50 to 60 percent chance of more than one foot of snow falling within a 24-hour period near Tioga Pass and the highest elevations from Saturday afternoon through Monday. Snowfall intensity is expected to increase again midweek.
Beginning Tuesday afternoon, the storm system is forecast to expand south, impacting the Sierra Nevada above 6,000 feet from Yosemite to the Lake Isabella area through Friday, December 26. During that time, the National Weather Service reports 24-hour snowfall totals of 12 inches per day are possible, with probabilities ranging from 60 to 70 percent.
By the end of next week, total snow accumulations could reach several feet above 7,000 feet, significantly impacting travel, backcountry access, and park operations. Snow levels are expected to lower to around 6,000 feet by Wednesday, expanding impacts to additional mountain communities and roadways.
Officials warn that heavy snow, gusty winds, and rapidly changing conditions could lead to dangerous travel, including potential closures of high-elevation routes such as Tioga Pass. Visitors and residents are urged to monitor forecasts closely and prepare for winter driving conditions.
Travelers should check road conditions before heading into the mountains and be prepared for chain requirements or closures. Updated forecasts and alerts are available at weather.gov/hanford.
