Bear Valley, CA…Hey Good People! We are choosing to close today based on increasing avalanche hazards and fluctuations in PGE power. 1″ of heavy wet snow has fallen overnight as the warm front dominates the forecast area today. Rain is in the mix for this morning up to 9am or so then a mix of rain/snow is expected. This will play out based on the arrival of a cooler air-mass showing face mid-morning before the next wave of warm air passes through later today. Tonight the temp looks to rise up to around 38F so, if snow fall occurs it will be wet and heavy. At this timeline we expect only 1-2″ of snow inside the next 24hrs with the greater percentage of that timeline being rain/mixed precipitation.

Winds will increase this morning also as the gradient tightens up bringing wind values up into the 30mph range. Tonight winds will increase further so check CalTrans as well as our forecast so as to plan your day(s) accordingly through the weekend.

Unsettled snowy weather is expected over the next week so stay tuned for more info on that as we move through the weekend.

These systems have complex elements to them as the shift between warm to cold to warm makes for some interesting albeit highly concerning avalanche mitigation strategies for all avalanche workers in the Sierra. Don’t forget to shout out good vibes for the Ski Patrol as well as all other outside operations during these next few storms as it will certainly give us a run for our money and keep everyone on their toes.

Peace Out,
Mattly

Friday
Rain before 9am, then rain and snow. The rain could be heavy at times. Temperature falling to around 31 by 10am. Breezy, with a south wind 16 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Friday Night
Rain before 4am, then rain and snow. The rain could be heavy at times. Some thunder is also possible. Steady temperature around 38. Breezy, with a south southwest wind 24 to 26 mph, with gusts as high as 41 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

December 30th 2022 26F @ 5am S winds 3-8mph Wind max(24hrs) – 11mph
Base – 75″ Overnight – 1″ 24hr total – 4″ Current Storm total -4″ 22/23′ Season Total – 162”