Heavy Snow — Joshua Tree National Park, California

2012-02-15 to 2012-02-16 · Joshua Tree National Park, California

Event narrative

A powerful, cold and wet Pacific low pressure system moved into southeast California during the afternoon hours on February 15th, bringing widespread rain showers to Joshua Tree National Park. The rain turned to snow by late evening, and locally heavy snow was observed across the park into the morning hours on February 16th. According to the Joshua Tree NP park ranger, 8 to 10 inches of wet snow fell overnight above 4000 feet. Snow covered many of the park roads and fell all the way to the Lost Horse valley floor. By 6 am Thursday, 8 inches of new snow was estimated 9 miles east-northeast of Lost Horse at Keys View.

Wider weather episode

A powerful, cold and wet Pacific low pressure system moved into southeast California on the 15th. During the evening hours, rain showers transitioned to snow showers, and locally heavy snow fell into the morning hours on February 16th. The snow level fell to near 3000 feet and heavy snow affected much of Joshua Tree National Park. Low visibilities in blowing snow also occurred in portions of the park.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 359675. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.