High Wind — Mono, California

2025-02-13 · Mono, California

Event narrative

Mesonet station (MTH03) located 1.7 mi SE of Mammoth Mountain Ski Summit, and mesonet station (XMLC1 Mill Canyon) located 4.0 mi SSW of Walker, CA, reported peak wind gusts of 100 mph, and 73 mph respectively.

Wider weather episode

Another significant winter storm brought periods of heavy Sierra snow accumulations, rain and light snow to valley areas, and gusty winds overnight on the 13th through the 14th. There was the potential for greater snowfall on Sierra Front valley floors on the 13th with higher snow impacts. Snow showers began to increase in coverage and intensity across the Sierra during the evening of 12th with peak snowfall rates of 2-3/hour forecast for the mid-morning to early afternoon hours on the 13th ahead of an advancing cold front. A few flashes of lightning were also projected on the 13th with best chances (10-15%) in the afternoon and evening. Snow showers lingered through much of the 14th before projected to taper off into the morning of the 15th. Forecast storm total snowfall amounts called for multiple feet along the Sierra crest, around a foot of snow for Tahoe Basin communities (e.g., Truckee, South Lake Tahoe) with up to 2 feet along western Tahoe shores, and 6-12 for foothill areas to include Virginia City by the morning of the 15th. A boom/bust potential increased for valley floors from mid-morning onward on the 13th. The most current hi-res guidance sided with the bust scenario with light snowfall the morning of the 13th with rain by the afternoon.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1239055. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.