SACRAMENTO, Calif. — An unexpected cold weather system from the Gulf of Alaska significantly disrupted summer conditions along the West Coast on Saturday, resulting in snowfall across mountain areas in California and the Pacific Northwest. This unusual weather pattern led to the temporary closure of a section of Highway 89 in Lassen Volcanic National Park due to approximately 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) of snow accumulation overnight, according to reports from the National Weather Service.
Photographs released by local authorities revealed a stunning layer of snow blanketing Mount Rainier in Washington, alongside light snow coverage at Minaret Vista, a scenic viewpoint southeast of Yosemite National Park in California’s Sierra Nevada.
Deputy Sheriff Larry Rich from Madera County remarked on the rarity of such summer snow at Minaret Vista, stating it was a memorable birthday experience surrounded by a winter landscape.
In northern Nevada, rainfall preceding the annual Burning Man festival caused event organizers to close the entrance gate for most of Saturday before reopening it later in the day. Last year, heavy rains transformed the festival into a muddy situation, and this year’s weather has spurred similar concerns.
Mammoth Mountain, a popular ski destination, also experienced snowfall overnight, with weather authorities advising hikers and campers to remain cautious of potentially slick roads. The National Weather Service indicated that rain showers south of Lake Oroville in Northern California would persist into the evening, with forecasts suggesting light snow could continue on the Sierra Nevada crest, particularly around Tioga Pass and higher elevations of Yosemite.
Remarkably, this marks the first August snowfall in these regions since 2003, as confirmed by weather forecasters. Tioga Pass, standing at over 9,900 feet (3,017 meters), typically faces closures during winter, taking weeks to clear from snow accumulation.
“Although this snow may not last long, conditions near Tioga Pass could be hazardous, and outdoor enthusiasts should prepare for winter-like environments,” warned the National Weather Service.
Though the official start of the ski season is several months away, this early hint of winter has been positively received by local resorts.
The National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center reported that these “anomalous cool conditions” are expected to extend across much of the western U.S. by Sunday morning. However, despite the anticipated precipitation, officials have also issued warnings regarding fire hazards due to the gusty winds associated with the cold front’s passage.
Additionally, a flash flood watch was implemented for areas affected by California’s largest wildfire of the year, currently observing a transition in conditions. The Park Fire has burned over 671 square miles (1,748 square kilometers) since igniting in late July near Chico, and while it has become California’s fourth-largest wildfire on record, significant containment efforts have led to the cancellation of evacuation orders.
The wildfire season began intensely in California due to extreme heat in July, with blazes fueled by dry vegetation that grew during previous wet years. However, fire activity has recently decreased, paving the way for forecasts that indicate a swift return of summer temperatures as the cold front dissipates.
