Unusual August Snowfall Hits Yosemite And Mammoth Mountain

Pedestrians walk in the rain Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024, in Tahoe City, Calif. (AP Photo/Brooke Hess-Homeier)

An unusual cold weather system from the Gulf of Alaska brought unexpected snowfall to various locations along the West Coast on Saturday. Washington state's Mount Rainier and a lookout point in California's Sierra Nevada were both blanketed in white, surprising residents and visitors alike.

Photos shared by the National Weather Service and local authorities captured the rare sight of snow-covered peaks at Mount Rainier and Minaret Vista, southeast of Yosemite National Park. Madera County Deputy Sheriff expressed his surprise at the snowfall, noting that it was a unique and memorable experience to witness a winter wonderland in the middle of summer.

Additional snowfall was reported at Mammoth Mountain, a popular ski destination in California, prompting warnings from the National Weather Service about slick roads in the area. Forecasters also predicted the possibility of more light snow along the crest of the Sierra Nevada, particularly around Tioga Pass and higher elevations of Yosemite National Park.

Mount Rainier and Sierra Nevada covered in rare August snow.

Unusual cold weather system from Gulf of Alaska brings snow to West Coast.

Mammoth Mountain reports additional snowfall, slick roads warned.

First snow event in these locations since 2003, Tioga Pass closed.

This August snow event marks the first occurrence in these locations since 2003, with Tioga Pass typically closed for months due to heavy winter snowfall. While the snow is not expected to last long, travelers are advised to prepare for winter conditions and exercise caution on the roads.

Despite the early snowfall, ski resorts welcomed the hint of winter, with Palisades Tahoe expressing excitement about the approaching storm that could bring the first snowfall of the season. The National Weather Service warned of fire danger due to gusty winds accompanying the cold front, issuing a flash flood watch for the burn scar of California's largest wildfire this year.

The Park Fire, which burned over 671 square miles, has been largely contained, but isolated vegetation continues to smolder within its perimeter. California's wildfire season began intensely amid extreme July heat, fueled by dry vegetation from previous wet years. While fire activity has decreased recently, forecasts indicate a return to summer heat as the cold front moves out.