A new winter storm will cause highway closures this week
Sequoia National Park – February 21, 2023 – The Generals Highway is open to the Giant Forest and to Wuksachi Lodge. However, A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for the Sierra Nevada and adjacent foothills from 4 PM PST Tuesday afternoon until 4 AM PST early Saturday morning. A Winter Storm Warning means there is potential for significant snow accumulations that may impact travel. The majority of this snow will fall Wednesday afternoon through Thursday night. Winds may gust as high as 70 mph on exposed ridgetops and near the crest. Travel could be extremely difficult or impossible. If you plan to travel, consider alternate strategies. If you must travel, remember to carry tire chains, plenty of food, a good deal of water, warm clothing, and a flashlight in your vehicle.
Highway closures are expected in the parks. Through the course of the storm, snow is likely in the foothills and neighboring communities outside park entrances. If you plan to visit between Wednesday and Saturday, consider postponing your visit until conditions improve.
When Highways Reopen
On portions of the Generals Highway between Hospital Rock and the Giant Forest, one lane access has been established while the road is being monitored. While driving, please use extreme caution as new road signs, barriers, and traffic lights have been installed. At the traffic light, delays of at least five to ten minutes should be expected. Delays could increase depending on visitation levels. Two-lane traffic in this area is not expected prior to May 2023.
This reopening will provide access to the Giant Forest Museum, the General Sherman Tree, and Wolverton Snowplay Area. All vehicles must carry tire chains or cables. Expect roads to be in R1 or R2 tire chain restrictions. The speed limit in chain control areas is always 25 mph. Be prepared for icy and slick wintry roads. For current road conditions, call (559) 565-3341 (press 1,1).
Grant Grove is Open
Highway 180 in Grant Grove is open and clear. Tire chains may be required to reach the General Grant Tree. Light snow is in the forecast and conditions can change at any time.
Winter Safety
If you decide to visit the sequoias this winter, be prepared with traction devices for your shoes, layered clothing, and extra food and water for emergencies and keep an eye on weather forecasts.
National Weather Service Alert on travel in Mariposa County –
Mariposa-Madera Lower Sierra-Fresno-Tulare Lower Sierra- South End of the Lower Sierra-Yosemite NP outside of the valley- Yosemite Valley-San Joaquin River Canyon-Upper San Joaquin River- Kaiser to Rodgers Ridge-Kings Canyon NP-Grant Grove Area- Sequoia NP-South End of the Upper Sierra- Including the cities of Bass Lake, Coarsegold, Fish Camp, Oakhurst, North Fork, Auberry, Camp Nelson, Tuolumne Meadows, Wawona, Yosemite Valley, Devils Postpile, Florence Lake, Lake Thomas Edison, Lake Wishon, Huntington Lake, Shaver Lake, Cedar Grove, Grant Grove, Hume Lake, Giant Forest, Lodgepole, and Johnsondale 954 AM PST Tue Feb 21 2023 ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 4 AM PST SATURDAY... * WHAT...Heavy snow possible. 1 to 2 feet of snow accumulation from 1,000 to 3,000 feet, 2 to 3 feet of snow accumulation from 3,000 to 5,000 feet, and 3 to 4 feet of snow accumulation above 5,000 feet. Winds could gust as high as 70 mph. * WHERE...The Sierra Nevada and Foothills. * WHEN...From 4 PM this afternoon to 4 AM PST Saturday. Snowfall will occur with two main systems. There may be brief breaks between systems. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. Very strong winds could cause extensive tree damage. The cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.
