Winter Storm — Apple and Yucca Valleys, California

2006-03-10 to 2006-03-11 · Apple and Yucca Valleys, California

Wider weather episode

A very large, cold low pressure system and associated 160 kt jet brought strong wind and heavy low-elevation snow to the mountains of Southern California. Communities in the San Diego mountains were particularly hard hit by the near record snowfall. Roof damage was reported in Guatay and power outages were widespread. One person died and 7 others were injured after their party became lost near Pine Valley during the storm. Numerous traffic accidents forced the closure of most major mountain roads, including I-8, hwy 18, hwy 38, and hwy 243. Snowfall totals ranged from around 1 to 3 feet, including 12" at Pine Valley, 13" at Warner Springs, 25" at Cuyamaca, 27" at Pine Cove and Idyllwild, and 36" at Lake Arrowhead, Big Bear, and the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Light snow was also reported in Hemet, Temecula, Devore, Sage, Yucaipa, and Alpine. Post storm visible satellite imagery showed heavy snowfall accumulations as far as 200 miles south of the international border into Baja Mexico.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5493227. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.