Rare August Snow Expected in California’s Sierra Nevada Due to Early Cold Storm

Yosemite National Park in California experienced an unusual cold weather system from the Gulf of Alaska, disrupting the usual summer heat along the West Coast. The National Weather Service reported snow on Mount Rainier in Washington State and a possible dusting on the crest of the Sierra Nevada, particularly around Tioga Pass and elevated areas in Yosemite National Park. This occurrence of August snow in these locations had not been seen since 2003.

Tioga Pass, reaching over 9,900 feet, is the eastern gateway to Yosemite but is often closed due to heavy winter snow. Although the snowfall was not expected to last long, caution was advised for travelers as roads near Tioga Pass could become slick. Ski resorts, even though several months away from the ski season, welcomed the early hint of winter.

The cold front was predicted to cover the western U.S. by Sunday, with the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center in Maryland noting the unusual cool conditions. Despite the precipitation, there were concerns about fire danger due to gusty winds linked to the cold front’s passage. A flash flood watch was also in place for the burn scar of California’s largest wildfire of the year, the Park Fire, which had spread across more than 671 square miles after starting near Chico in July.

California’s wildfire season kicked off with intense heat in July, exacerbated by dried-out vegetation from previous wet years. Recent fire activity subsided, and though some vegetation within the Park Fire’s perimeter continued to burn, evacuation orders were lifted. As the cold front moves out, forecasts indicate a swift return to summer heat in the region.