High Wind — South End of the Upper Sierra, California

2024-11-18 · South End of the Upper Sierra, California

Event narrative

The Bird Springs Pass RAWS measured a peak wind gust of 74 mph.

Wider weather episode

A moisture deficient trough moved through central California on November 18. This system did not have much precipitation with it as some stations from Fresno County northward picked up a tenth of an inch or less of liquid precipitation. However, the system did produce a period of increased winds as a result of a strong pressure gradient during the afternoon and evening of November 18 over mountains and deserts of Kern County. Several stations measured gusts exceeding 45 mph and a few low impact stations had gusts in excess of 60 mph.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1217349. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.