Sierra Weather

“Is there any correlation at all between the weather in, say, Lone Pine, and the weather in the mountains?

Obviously it will be cooler at the higher altitudes and the typical high-altitude storms and all, but....if it is going to be dry all week in Lone Pine, would that at least indicate that it won't rain all week in the mountains? Or is there really no correlation at all?”

“No.

The weather can and often (usually?) is totally different in the mountains and in any of the towns in the flats to the east. In my observations, the clouds and associated rain/snow/hail will just hang on top of the mountains instead of moving across to the desert. However, if the weather is good up on top, I would guess it would also be good down below.”

“I'd say there is no correlation.
You have to expect rain at anytime in the Sierra. Maybe it'll rain only for 20 minutes, but you've got to be prepared.
Whereas if it rains over Lone Pine it will evaporate before it hits the ground. Thus no rain in the forecast.”

“try this site:

http://newweb.wrh.noaa.gov/total_forecast/index.php?wfo=vef&zone=caz026&fire=caz226&county=cac027&dgtl=1&lat=36.549583333333&lon=-118.26125

you can click on the map and the weather forecast will change”

“These previous posters were no help at all, and, on behalf of ALL west coasters, I apologize for them.

So here's the real scoop:

It doesn't matter what the weather is in the valley, you're in the mountains!

It doesn't matter wat the weather is at 1:00 PM, it's now 6:00 PM... what do you expect, you dumbass, consistency??? This is the SIERRA for God's sake!

So I know you're a nice guy Fritz & don't want to be an a$$hole to you, here are my recommendations:

1. Count on anything happening, at anytime.
2. It can be nice in the A.M. and hail on your butt in the afternoon. That's the Sierra, just plan on it!
3. Don't ever be complacent. That's how people die here.
4. Don't ever think you "know it all", Mother Nature will teach you quickly that you don't know Jack Schitt. For more info on Jack Schitt, go here: http://www.barry.fireflyinternet.co.uk/jackschitt/jack_schit.htm

5. This ws all meant in humor, please enjoy in that context.”

“Northern Sierras are hot. It's been in the 80's all week and supposed to be all weekend too.”

“You're HOT too, BaaaaBy! 8^D”

“I'm headed to Desolation Wilderness this weekend... do you have any local weather info that we don't have down here... please share Hikerchic!”

“Fritz, I realize you're coming out for the High Sierra trip & not a California native, you asked a serious question & I hope I didn't come across like too much a jerk! I'm a big believer in the old Scout Motto "Be Prepared"... in the Sierra this time of year there's no such thing as an accurate weather 4cast!

Hope you have a great trip!”

“Hey Fritz!

Last year I went out West to the Winds and no 'local' bothered to tell me about the mosquitos. garfum was nice enough to give me his headnet as he was leaving the second day. It was a lifesaver.

Ask PLENTY of STUPID questions!!!!!!!
...and you Westerners PLEASE answer them! ;-)”

“You simply have to be prepared for anything in the Sierras.

August, 1999 in Humphrey's Basin:


We got caught in quite a hailstorm about 2 miles from camp...thank God for my GPS and compass.”

“wanderer, I think desolation wilderness should be pretty warm. temps are supposed to be in the 80's.

yep Phil....I've heard of it snowing anywhere anytime in the sierras! Great shot of the snow falling.”