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Tree, Poison Flat, Carson Iceberg Lake Tahoe to Mount Whitney: Your Backpacking Guide to the High Sierras Yellow Flower
Leavit Peak in December with Snow Plume

 

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Central High Sierra
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ALL
SIERRA WEATHER
Northern Sierra Weather Central
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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.

Sonora Pass Area

 

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 Travel

All Seasons

The Northern Sierra General Information

 

Satellites

NWS Western US

NWS Water Vapor Western US 28 KM

GOES Pacific

GOES NE Pacific Watar Vapor

 

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

NWS Yosemite to Kings Canyon

 

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

 

REGIONAL SNOW ANALYSES
Western Coastal

 

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 Forums

Have a great Sierra Nevada route or trip to relate?
Post it on
TahoetoWhitney.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

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Frosted Backpack

Backpacking Lake Tahoe to Mount Whitney

Your guide to the High Sierra Crest, including the Tahoe to Yosemite, Pacific Crest, and John Muir Trails

Bear at Silver King Creek, Carson-Iceberg Wilderness
© Lake Tahoe to Mount Whitney: Crown Jewel of the Pacific Crest Trail