“Nature chose for a tool, not the earthquake or lightning to rend and split asunder,  not the stormy torrent or eroding rain, but the tender snow-flowers noiselessly falling through unnumbered centuries.”
–John Muir

“Happy New Year!” What a way to spend New Year’s Eve. We were heading back home after a post-Christmas get away. Our destination had been the snowy and frozen world of Yosemite Valley and the Gold Rush boomtowns along Highway 49. There was no doubt as to the season; under mostly clear skies, the temperatures were cold. We came prepared. But in spite of the down-filled, fur-lined, fleece insulated and multi-layered apparel, warmth eluded me. Abby, the 80-pound, golden furred body heater tried her best. Now irony set in.

Not a single snowflake fell until we were almost home – about an hour from La Crescenta! We had been closely monitoring the National Weather Service (NWS) weather conditions and watching storm activity in Southern California. Our main concern was the Grapevine section on Interstate 5. Because of its elevation the area is notorious for dangerous driving conditions due to snow and ice. With careful planning in the case of inclement weather, an alternate route can be taken. With a husband who works in the public safety field our vehicles carry supplies – enough to outfit a small general store. Water, food (for dogs also), blankets, flashlights, first aid box, tire chains (we have a 4WD) and a full tank of gas. According to the NWS the Grapevine was open, with no weather advisories except for a slight possibility of very light snow at the summit. Onward and forward…

A mile up the grade, snowflakes began to lightly fall. Beautiful and exciting! Another mile, the snowfall was heavier and was quickly accumulating on the roadway and surrounding landscape. Fun! The traffic began to slow as the snow became more blizzard-like and the temperatures dropped to exactly 32 degrees. Trucks were now losing traction and cars were skidding. Concern set in. Snowplows had positioned themselves, ready to take action. As we reached the summit, heavy snowfall made visibility difficult. The highway had accumulated several inches of snow and was becoming icy. The northbound lanes were completely deserted and only a few cars remained behind us. The Grapevine had been officially closed in both directions. We made it just in time! Descending the grade, fewer snowflakes were coming down. The skies began clearing and stars were visible in the southern skies.

Watching the news in the past and seeing all those stranded motorists on the Grapevine, I have perhaps judged them unfairly (some of them anyway.)

“They should have known better. Didn’t they check road conditions first?”

Well, in spite of careful planning, we were within a few cars of becoming one of “those stranded motorists!” Needless to say, we were happy to be home.

What a way to spend New Year’s Eve. No champagne was needed for celebration.

While we were away, by the look of things, it rained. Our seasonal rain total now stands at approximately 7.50 inches. Unfortunately, my two high tech rain gauges are in disagreement. A third one, the good old-fashioned plastic variety, will soon to be included in future readings.

Meteorologists are in a bit of a conundrum over the upcoming storms although most agree the heaviest rain will fall to the north of us on the central coast.  About .50 of an inch is predicted for today, Thursday, followed by a day or two of cold clear weather. Late Sunday and into Monday a cold front moves in bringing “around an inch (of rain) maybe a little more, maybe a little less,” according to the NWS Oxnard. I love their often very humble and scientific weather predictions!

Now I’m off to get an under $10 plastic rain gauge!

Sue Kilpatrick is a
Crescenta Valley resident and
Official Skywarn Spotter for the
National Weather Service. Reach her at  suelkilpatrick@gmail.com.

  Sue Kilpatrick