High Wind — South End of the Upper Sierra, California

2025-01-07 · South End of the Upper Sierra, California

Event narrative

The Bear Peak RAWS measured a peak wind gust of 81 mph.

Wider weather episode

Interaction between a strong upper low pressure system dropping southward to the east of the Sierra Nevada and an offshore ridge produced a strong offshore gradient resulting in a period of strong wind gusts over the Sierra Nevada and the Kern County Deserts between the morning of January 7 and the morning of January 8. Several stations in these areas measured wind gusts above 50 mph during this time frame. The winds diminished by late morning on January 8 as the low dropped further southward into Mexico and gradients relaxed.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1222328. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.