Southern High Sierra
Backpacking Weather Information

Southern Sierra Weather Information

Purple Lake

Silver Divide

Bear Creek

Selden Pass

Evolution Meadow

Evolution Basin

Muir Pass

Piute Pass

Bishop Pass

Pallaside Lakes

Mather Pass

Pinchot Pass

Woods Crossing

Rae Lakes

Bubs Creek

Forester Pass

Spiller Creek

Wallace Creek

Crabtree Meadow

Trail Crest

Whitney Peak

Whitney Portal

The Sierra Crest is noted for having the capacity to produce four seasons of weather during a single Summer Day. Rain, snow, hail, fog, lightening, and a bit of sunshine can all happen in quick sequence.

This is especially true in the Southern Sierra, which has the highest average trail elevations in the Sierra Nevada.

The Southern Sierra Crest is generally more isolated, being quite a ways from trailheads for long lengths of the crestline.

Making the Southern Sierra even more isolated is the fact that many of the trailheads in the Southern Sierra are a long ways from main roads.

The High Sierra is noted for rapid changes in weather and temperature, and the sudden appearance of harsh weather trends. You may experience anything from intense heat to bitterly cold Summer snow storms. Or you may not. In any case, weather must be considered and preparations made to deal with these weather facts BEFORE entering the High Sierras.

Long Distance Backpackers who were on the High Sierra Crest in early August of 2009 experienced just such a series of Summer Snow Storms.

Temperatures dropped to the high teens and low twenties, snow and hail fell which partially obscured the trails, and all of those who entertained the misconception that the Sierras only have fine weather during the Summertime were bitterly disappointed. Luckily for the many backcountry travelers who were not properly prepared, those storms blew apart, rather than consolidated and deepened.

Weather considerations should guide your gear selection.

Weather Preparations for Backcountry Travel

All Seasons

The Northern Sierra General Information

Satellite

NWS Western US

NWS Water Vapor Western US 28 KM

GOES Pacific

GOES NE Pacific Watar Vapor

Radar

The NWS Radar out of the San Joaquin Valley covers the Souther half of the Sierra.

The NWS Pacific Southwest Radar covers all California, and can be clicked for local detail.

Forecasts

NWS Yosemite to Kings Canyon

Real-Time Ground Reporting Stations

Meso-West South California Map

For more detailed information see the area links above.

REGIONAL SNOW ANALYSES: Western Coastal.

NWS Winter Weather Forecasts

National Snow and Ice Data Center

Other North Sierra Reporting Stations

Feds: Natural Resources and Conservation Service. All California Snotel Stations

State: California Department of Water Resources. All Snotel Stations: CDWR Home Page, select “Stations” tab.

Backpacker Forums

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Forum: Sierra Weather / Area: Southern Sierra Weather