June comes with Snow

Well, I think I would be remiss in my duties if I didn't point out that heavy rain is falling here in the basin, and snow has fallen, is falling, and will fall all over the Sierra. We're into some very strange freaky June weather here...but maybe we stuck the skis in the closet a little too early. Looking ahead to the weekend, watch for unsettled weather to continue, with thunder and lightning potential wherever you go.

Hard to know what to say about avalanche hazard at this point in the season (ESAC is already closed), but in addition to the usual threats, do beware of that potent June sun poking out and burning brand-new snow. Things can go from sublime to scary glop in minutes. I'm still trying to shake off a nasty playground bug, so I may be forced to sit the weekend out. If you do get out there, have fun and be safe. It might just be fantastic.

— June 5, 2009

Andy Lewicky is the author and creator of SierraDescents

Dan Conger June 5, 2009 at 7:17 pm

Having grown up on the Eastern High Sierra in Bishop, I've seen snow up there every month of the year (got chased off of Mt. Tom when I was 15 due to a snow storm in July) ... but, yeah, it is weird to have a genuine winter storm hitting the mountains in June. CALTRANS is recommending drivers carry chains over Donner and Echo summits in the Tahoe area. Wow! My Mom just planted her garden a couple weeks ago and they live at 5,950 feet. Snow level there is supposed to be 5,000 feet, LOL. Mammoth is open for lift skiing until June 14th. Maybe a trip is in order.