Stormy weather ahead; passes close for season

Nearby mountain passes were closed for the season on Thursday as several waves of stormy weather head this way.

Caltrans officially closed Sonora Pass over Highway 108 and Ebbetts Pass over Highway 4 for the season.

Tioga Pass over Highway 120 and Glacier Point Road in Yosemite National Park were closed on Monday.

“We have a pretty cold, strong low pressure system digging down over the state,” said Angus Barkhuff, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, based in Sacramento, “but it’s uncertain right now how much precipitation we will get, how low the snow level will be, or how long it will last.”

Barkhuff said it looks like there will be stormy weather off and on at least through next week and maybe even longer, although the National Weather Service doesn’t forecast that far ahead.

"The best advice is to pay attention to the latest weather reports,” he said, “especially any statements and warnings issued by the National Weather Service.”

They are available on the agency’s Web site, www.wrh.noaa.gov/sto.

As of Friday, the forecast for the Tuolumne and Calaveras county foothills around Sonora and Angels Camp was for mostly dry skies through Saturday with increasing clouds.

Light rain is expected Sunday night and Monday. Snow levels could drop to 1,500 to 2,500 feet Monday with light accumulations. A warmer storm is expected Tuesday night, bringing rain in the foothills and snow in the high country at least through Wednesday.

For the latest road condition information, tune your radio to the Caltrans Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) or call the road condition hotline at 800-427-7623. Changeable message signs with flashing beacons at lower elevations warn drivers that roads are closed ahead.

Bob Boswell of Caltrans said drivers need to be prepared for the worst conditions now that wintry weather has arrived. That means packing blankets and chains in your car.

When highway signs indicate chains are required, drivers must stop and install them or risk being cited and fined, he said.