Tioga Pass Prognosticator #17

The snow pack and the plowing is the real issue in my opinion George. Much of the rock and tree fall across the road is caused by avalanche and then buried under the snow which can then can damage machinery if they do not plow with caution. So rock fall and trees slow the plowing operation down, especially when hidden under snow, but otherwise wouldn't have a major impact on clearing the road as they are equipped to deal with it. I would think less snow would equal even less debris than normal as even wind damaged tree's would not necessarily be 'carried' to the road by the snow pack. Clearing the road of debris and repairing damage is the 'norm' but the snow depth is the major factor in how quick they can get it done.

Anyway it was a bit 'tongue in cheek' when I said it, as plowing is more than likely going to have to happen.

Dave.

It looks as though most of you think it is going to be an early opening, but we all know a late storm could make things look very different.

So here are a list of dates that have already been claimed this season so far, although ultimately it's your responsibility to check your predicted date hasn't already been taken. [My get outa jail card. lol ]

April. 4th - 27th - 30th. Taken.

May. 3rd - 5th - 10th - 12th - 14th. Taken.

My first prediction is gonna be April 30th @ Noon.

Dave.

Looks like some significant snow coming later this week!

I'll add April 26 - 11:00 AM - as my vote!

The snow has arrived as George mentioned and it's possible that we might see up to a couple of feet of new snow laid over the next few days. Keeps things interesting !

Dave.

Central Valley folks are relieved, though it is too late for some of the crops. Prices are starting to climb on some produce in this state because crops have already been lost to drought. Hopefully things will improve!

The southern portion of the state could get hit with some bad t-storms (unusual around here!) as well as TORNADOES (practically unheard of here). But we need the rain, too, so we're not doing too much whining.


Donna

The HUMP is Back!
http://www.roadtripamerica.com/blog/...l_03_02_14.jpg
Photo courtesy of the Yosemite Conservancy
(photo: March 2nd at 12:30 pm PST)

I'd like to see the hump at least 10x this size, but this is better than nothing. However, as a side bet, I think 90% of this snow will be melted by next Sunday...

Mark

I sure hope a LOT of snow falls in the next fortnight. Not just for the sake of the locals, but in a bit of a selfish way. I still recall the spectacular view of the snow covered Sierras as we approached LAX in 2012. Looks like this year the view will be without snow. :(

Lifey

I think you might get your snow topped Sierra view if you can convince the pilot to take the same route, even if it's a bit patchy. It looks as though there will be another 4 or 5 inches of new snow tonight through Thursday.

The late February storm helped to ease the drought conditions a little, but the Locals will still be looking for a lot of percipitation through March to help out the situation.

The latest report for Mono Lake.

Quote:

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The severe drought conditions that persisted through most of January eased a little more in February. At the end of January, Lee Vining precipitation for the water year was 37% of average. But February precipitation was 76% of average in Lee Vining (and 70% of average at Cain Ranch), which raised the water year total-to-date since October 1st to 47% of average.

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Dave.

I regret I won't be able to duplicate the same time photo capture as last year -- but even allowing for the different time of day -- these two photos show a dramatic difference in snow coverage for March 24th.

March 24th 2013:
http://www.roadtripamerica.com/blog/...l_03-24-13.jpg
Photo courtesy of the Yosemite Conservancy

March 24th 2014:
http://www.roadtripamerica.com/blog/...l-03-24-14.jpg
Photo courtesy of the Yosemite Conservancy