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| ALL SIERRA WEATHER |
Northern Sierra Weather | Central Sierra Weather |
Southern Sierra Weather |
Sonora Pass Region Map |
Crest & West Flank Map |
North Yosemite Map |
trail guide index | maps index |
Central High Sierra Nevada Backpacker's Weather Information
| Central Sierra Weather Information | |
The Central Sierra Weather Page is under construction. The list at right is the basic outline of the route from Sonora Pass to Reds Meadow. I will link the weather stations near the trail locations on a nifty USGS map when I get the trail guide constructed down this far. Soon! The Central High Sierra Weather for Backpackers covers the Sierras between Sonora Pass and Reds Meadow. To your right find more specific local information about areas in the Northern Sierra Nevada. To your bottom right find broad weather information covering the North Sierra. |
High Emigrant and North Yosemite Backcountry Tuolumne Meadows to Vermilion Valley Resort |
General Information and Introduction
| Basic Facts | Basic High Sierra Weather Resources for the Backpacker |
The Sierra Crest is noted for having the capacity to produce four seasons of weather during a single Summer Day. Rain, snow, hail, fog, lightening, and a bit of sunshine can all happen in quick sequence. This is especially true in the Central Sierra, where the elevations increase from those of the Northern Sierra Nevada. The High Sierra is noted for rapid changes in weather and temperature, and the sudden appearance of harsh weather trends. You may experience anything from intense heat to bitterly cold Summer snow storms. Or you may not. In any case, weather must be considered and preparations made to deal with these weather facts BEFORE entering the High Sierras. Long Distance Backpackers who were on the High Sierra Crest in early August of 2009 experienced just such a series of Summer Snow Storms. Temperatures dropped to the high teens and low twenties, snow and hail fell which partially obscured the trails, and all of those who entertained the misconception that the Sierras only have fine weather during the Summertime were bitterly disappointed. Luckily for the many backcountry travelers who were not properly prepared, those storms blew apart, rather than consolidated and deepened.
Weather considerations should guide your gear selection. |
Weather Preparations for Backcountry TravelAll SeasonsThe Northern Sierra General Information
Satellites NWS Water Vapor Western US 28 KM
Radar The NWS Radar out of the San Joaquin Valley covers the Souther half of the Sierra. The NWS Radar out of Reno covers the Northern Sierra from Lake Tahoe down to Mammoth Lakes. The NWS Pacific Southwest Radar covers all California, and can be clicked for local detail.
Forecasts NWS Western Slope N Sierra to Yosemite
Real-Time Ground Reporting Stations Meso-West North California Map Meso-West South California Map For more detailed information see the area links above. |
Four-Season Resources
Additional Winter Information |
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REGIONAL SNOW ANALYSES NWS Winter Weather Forecasts National Snow and Ice Data Center Other North Sierra Reporting Stations Feds: Natural Resources and Conservation Service. All California Snotel Stations State: California Department of Water Resources. All Snotel Stations: CDWR Home Page, select “Stations” tab. |
Check out the
High Sierra Backpackers-All Backpackers Forum:
TahoetoWhitney.Org
Backpacker ForumsHave a great Sierra Nevada route or trip to relate?Post it onTahoetoWhitney.Org Experiences, comments, questions, pictures, or more resources about the weather? Post them up in the Weather Forum:Forum: Sierra Weather / Area: Central Sierra Weather |
Last page: Northern High Sierra Weather Next page: Southern High Sierra Weather
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Alex Wierbinski
Backpacking Lake Tahoe to Mount Whitney
Your guide to the High Sierra Crest, including the Tahoe to Yosemite, Pacific Crest, and John Muir Trails
