A wintry weather system brought low-elevation snow, hail, rain, and unusually cold temperatures to California, as spring took a back seat. A late-season low-pressure system brought unseasonable conditions to the state, disrupting spring break plans and outdoor festivals. Snow fell as low as 1,500 feet in parts of Northern California, with southern mountain ranges receiving fresh coatings down to 3,000 feet. Tire chains were required on major Sierra Nevada highways and mountain routes in other counties. The cold blast came after a slow start to winter in California, which was followed by significant storms in February and March, resulting in an above-average Sierra snowpack.
Despite the late-season storm bringing lower-than-normal temperatures, the Sierra snowpack rebounded to above-average levels. Water content in the snowpack, which supplies about 30% of the water that California uses, remains measured at above-average levels. Some parts of the state were at risk of experiencing frosts and freezes, with possible record low temperatures forecasted for Friday night into Saturday morning. The weather was expected to dry out over the weekend, with temperatures remaining below normal before rising above normal during the week.
Businesses in mountain towns like Running Springs closed due to the snow, with social media posts announcing snow days. Major Sierra Nevada highways like Interstates 80 and 50, as well as U.S. 395, required tire chains for safe travel. Chains were also necessary on mountain routes in counties like Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside. Despite the inconvenience caused by the cold snap, the snowfall was beneficial for replenishing the water supply in California and ensuring a healthy snowpack for the coming months.
As the weather cleared over the weekend, California was expected to experience a gradual warm-up, with temperatures rising above normal during the week. The cold blast three weeks into spring highlighted the unpredictability of weather patterns in the state, where sudden shifts from warm to cold conditions are not uncommon. However, the rebounding snowpack and above-average water content were positive signs for California’s water supply and agricultural industries, which rely heavily on snowmelt for irrigation.
Overall, the wintry weather system brought by the late-season low-pressure system disrupted outdoor activities and travel in California, causing businesses to close and travelers to use tire chains for safe travel. However, the snowfall was beneficial for replenishing the Sierra snowpack and ensuring a healthy water supply for the state. While the cold temperatures were unexpected for this time of year, the weather was expected to gradually warm up over the coming week, returning California to more typical spring conditions. The unpredictability of weather in the state serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and adaptation to changing conditions.
