Mono County Winter Storm

Just got back from a quick two day visit to the Eastern Sierra and have to say that the winter storm that hit the region was quite something. It started snowing lightly on Friday evening after sundown. However, I was in for a real surprise as I left Bishop this morning (Saturday) and headed north. The pictures below show the scene along Hwy 395. Most of the activity was in Mono County, although I found fresh snow on the ground all the way to South Lake Tahoe and even in Placerville. It was really cold too, with the temps around Mono Lake dipping down into the single digits.

A few miles north of Bishop when 395 first starts climbing.

Heavy snowfall along 395 near Conway Summit. This section of the highway was not cleared when I passed through and the visibility was near zero.

395 passing through Bridgeport.

395 near the 108 junction. Both Sonora Pass and Monitor Pass have been closed.

Thanks for the update on weather conditions, Anil.

yeah, that's what we need! Mammoth mtn got 12" as of yesterday morning measured at the main lodge. wish I was home to enjoy it! So was 120E closed? And did you get some images that you were after?

And, the flatlanders like me all go Brrrrrrrrrrrrr.....
Heck, I'd just settle for some rain down here. Obviously the main reason for the north and south water wars all the time.

Gives me the shivers! I probably would have hunkered down somewhere and waited until the weather improved because I really dislike driving in snow/ice.

I certainly agree we need snow--and lots of it!

Be safe out there, everyone,

-P

just an update from Bishop...it started snowing friday night but the light wasn't that good on Saturday to capture anything good. the storm never cleared. all gone by today and its flat now. i was driving 168W at noon and it was snowing heavily there. this is what it looked..

168W @ noon....thru moderator magic I've fixed your hyperlink, Debjit. ....Paul B.

(somehow the hyperlink isn't working for me)

Cory, 120E is closed long time back for the season. today morning the road sign says monitor and sonora is closed too. now i have to make a long drive to reach bay area

yes, we need more snow and we also need the passes to remain open

Debjit: Looks like you got to see some heavy snowfall too. I have always loved how things look when it snows, so for me the light was great. Have a safe trip back to the Bay Area.

Cory: 120 E was open and I was able to make some pictures for my project. On Saturday morning, there was a lot of snow on the road though (more than 12 inches in my estimation) and it was not being cleared. The only vehicle that I saw there in several hours was a CalTrans truck; the driver asked me to leave the area soon. I suppose they were planning to close that section.

We even got a couple inches down here in the So Cal mtns. I sure hope this is the beginning of El Nino. :)

Wow, Bishop and south didn't look nearly that snowy when I drove out Sat afternoon! The mountains did, but I'm glad I didn't have to plow through snow. Getting my car stuck in 2 feet of mud was enough adventure... yay AAA!

sounds like you were able to get what you were after just by the skin of your teeth. Looking forward to seeing what you came away with. Sounds like they were closing it up for the season. There are ways to get into that area via back roads, but at the very real risk of getting stuck during the winter. Best accessed by xc skiing, or snowmobiling.

@Debjet: the portion of 120 I was referring to was 120 east, portion near mono lake, to Benton.