Winter Storm in W Inyo, California

Heavy snow fell in the Sierras and the Owens Valley. Aspendell (at 8500') received 56 inches, and Bishop (at 4000') received 18 inches. At the peak of the storm, snow was falling at a rate of 4 inches per hour. Snow turned to rain in the Olancha and Independence areas, producing minor flooding of roads. One person died of hypothermia and exposure on January 3rd, after hiking away from her car (which had become stranded on the 1st) to look for help.