A winter storm warning covers the higher reaches of Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks through 4 a.m. Pacific on Tuesday, Nov. 17. The National Weather Service expects up to 20 inches of snow above 6,000 feet in the central Sierra Nevada, with gusts up to 50 mph. Forecasters advise postponing travel in the warning area and say roads could become very difficult or impossible to drive, including on Monday morning.
The warning covers Yosemite outside the valley, as well as high terrain in and around Sequoia and Kings Canyon, including the Grant Grove area. It started Friday morning and lasts longer than the separate Tahoe and northern Sierra warnings. The warning for Inyo County’s eastern slopes runs through 4 p.m. Saturday and applies above 7,000 feet.
Check the road into the park
Yosemite’s park conditions page lists temporary snow closures for Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road. The notice gives no reopening time. Tioga Road is the stretch of Highway 120 that crosses the park. For current conditions inside Yosemite, call 209-372-0200 and select 1, then 1.
The Sequoia and Kings Canyon road report lists conditions by segment on Generals Highway and Highway 180, including access toward Giant Forest and Grant Grove. The Park Service says tire chains can be required at any time and recommends carrying the right size for your vehicle. Check Caltrans QuickMap for chain controls and closures on state highways before setting out.
