Weather closes Mountain High resort in SoCal as snow keeps coming in the Sierra

A powerful snowstorm is pounding Sierra resorts, and Southern California mountains are coping with rain and wind, on a second day of wild weather up and down the state.

At Mammoth Mountain resort, almost 3 feet of snow was reported, and the ski/board resort website was reporting wind, lightning and thunder and noting that lift operation could be affected.

The National Weather Service issued an avalanche warning for the Sierra’s eastern peaks “between Virginia Lakes on the north to Bishop Creek on the south.� It said the avalanche danger was high.

National parks are feeling winter’s wrath too. The weather service issued a blizzard warning for areas above 6,500 feet at Lassen and a winter storm warning for areas above 7,000 feet in Yosemite and Kings Canyon national parks.

Mountain High resort in the San Gabriel Mountains closed Thursday because of wind and what it called “inclement weather.� The forecast called for rain at the Wrightwood resort.

Big Bear and Snow Summit were open Thursday, although rain was in the forecast with highs in the 40s. For the Martin Luther King long weekend, the resorts were predicting highs in the 50s Saturday and Sunday and in the 40s on Monday.

Road conditions may change quickly, and travelers are urged to check for road closures and snowplowed areas on the CalTrans’ QuickMap. Travelers also can call for road conditions at (800) 427-7623.

If you are heading north on or through the western or eastern Sierra, Caltrans offers these tips to consider before you hit the road.

â–º Make sure you have chains of the proper size and know how to put them on your tires.

â–ºBe prepared for winter driving conditions. Bridges and ramps may be more slippery than the road.

â–ºKeep your gas tank as full as possible.

â–ºCarry blankets, water, food, a shovel, gloves, a flashlight, and sand or kitty litter for traction in case your vehicle gets stuck.

â–ºSlow down in snowy conditions, particularly in areas where chains are required.

►Don’t pass snow-removal equipment on the right-hand side.

►Remove excess snow and ice from your vehicle’s roof before driving.

â–ºBe mindful of stopped drivers adding or removing chains on the side of the road.

You can find more Winter Driving Tips on Caltrans’ website.

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