Unexpected August snow brings early winter vibes to the West Coast, surprising hikers and resorts in Yosemite and Washington State.
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An unexpected cold front from the Gulf of Alaska has shaken up the West Coast’s summer. The cold system swept down through the Pacific Northwest and into Northern California, bringing a rare taste of winter.
Snow Falls on Mount Rainier and Yosemite
On Saturday morning, snow dusted the peaks of Mount Rainier in Washington State. In California, light snow was expected on the Sierra Nevada, particularly around Tioga Pass and the higher areas of Yosemite National Park, according to the National Weather Service.
This August snow is a rare event. The last time it happened was in 2003. Tioga Pass, which stands over 9,900 feet high, is the eastern entrance to Yosemite. It’s usually closed for much of the year due to heavy snow, which can take months to clear.
Early Snow Excites Ski Resorts
Although this snow won’t stick around for long, it’s causing slick roads near Tioga Pass. Campers and hikers have been warned to prepare for winter conditions. The early snow has also excited ski resorts, even though ski season is still months away.
Palisades Tahoe Resort welcomed the early sign of winter. “It’s a cool and windy August day here at Palisades Tahoe. A storm that could bring our first snowfall of the season is moving in this afternoon!” the resort posted on social media Friday.
This sudden taste of winter on the West Coast shows how unpredictable the weather can be. Even in the middle of summer, nature has its surprises.
