The National Weather Service issued a Winter Weather Advisory effective from 10 AM Mon, 02/27 to 4 PM Tues, 02/28 for the Santa Lucia and San Benito County Mtns and Los Padres National Forest, and Interior Monterey County. WHAT: Chance for snow showers expected early Mon. morning with steadier snowfall Mon. afternoon and evening. Snow accumulations 5-10 inches for elevations above 3000 ft, over 1 ft above 4000 ft through Tues. A wintry mix down to 2500 ft possible with a coating to 3 in of snow. Wind gusts 40 to 50 mph Mon. afternoon will lead to blowing snow and reduced visibility. WHERE: Above 3000 ft in the Eastern Santa Clara Hills, Santa Lucia and San Benito County Mountains, Los Padres National Forest & Interior Monterey County. WHEN: 10 PM, 02/26 to 4 PM PST Tuesday, 02/28 IMPACTS: Slick, snow-covered roads and trails. Hikers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts may encounter dangerous winter-like conditions. Heavier snow showers could produce limited visibility. Downed trees and power outages possible. NWS: inws.ncep.noaa.gov/a/a.php?i=80216564 More Info: bit.ly/3lV9OPzThe National Weather Service issued a Winter Weather Advisory effective from 10 AM Mon, 02/27 to 4 PM Tues, 02/28 for the Santa Lucia and San Benito County Mtns and Los Padres National Forest, and Interior Monterey County. WHAT: Chance for snow showers expected early Mon. morning with steadier snowfall Mon. afternoon and evening. Snow accumulations 5-10 inches for elevations above 3000 ft, over 1 ft above 4000 ft through Tues. A wintry mix down to 2500 ft possible with a coating to 3 in of snow. Wind gusts 40 to 50 mph Mon. afternoon will lead to blowing snow and reduced visibility. WHERE: Above 3000 ft in the Eastern Santa Clara Hills, Santa Lucia and San Benito County Mountains, Los Padres National Forest & Interior Monterey County. WHEN: 10 PM, 02/26 to 4 PM PST Tuesday, 02/28 IMPACTS: Slick, snow-covered roads and trails. Hikers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts may encounter dangerous winter-like conditions. Heavier snow showers could produce limited visibility. Downed trees and power outages possible. NWS: inws.ncep.noaa.gov/a/a.php?i=80216564 More Info: bit.ly/3lV9OPz
And by the way, just a reminder to all of outdoor enthusiasts, Los Padres Forest is CLOSED at this time thru March 14, 2023, possibly longer due to very wet winter conditions …
Forest Closure Order 05-07-00-23-02 – Public Safety
Date(s): Feb 20, 2023
A 60-day closure order for four ranger districts (Monterey, Santa Lucia, Santa Barbara and Ojai) has been issued in response to the extreme winter storm that delivered heavy rain and wind across the Forest last week. This Order is effective January 13, 2023 through March 14, 2023 at 12:00 pm.
The closure order will be superseded or terminated when conditions and recreational access improves. Forest employees will be assessing the extent of the damage over the coming weeks and months and will scale back the closure based on improving conditions.
Over the last month, Los Padres received more than 100 percent of its annual rainfall along with extremely damaging wind events. Weather events have caused flooding, debris flows, slope failures, bridge, road and trail failures, and serious impacts to administrative and recreation facilities.
Forest Order 05-07-00-23-02