In a delightful twist of “summer” weather — the Sierra Nevada Mountains near Mammoth in California have experienced a rare case of snowfall! This unusual weather event took place overnight, surprising both locals and visitors alike.
On Saturday, August 24, 2024, a deputy from Eastern Madera County captured and shared a video of this fleeting snowfall at Minaret Vista, which was quickly posted on their Facebook page. As you could imagine, the sight of even the lightest of snow during the summer caused quite spectacle online.
If you’re curious as to why this happened, it’s actually part of a broader weather pattern that has affected the West Coast. According to ABC 10, an unusually cold system originating from the Gulf of Alaska has disrupted the typical summer weather — bringing snow not only to California’s Sierra Nevada but also to Washington state’s Mount Rainier. This system made its way down through the Pacific Northwest and Northern California, delivering this rare summer snow.
In a friendly reminder from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office, they noted, “While it’s rare to see snow this time of year, it’s a reminder of the unpredictable nature of our beautiful Sierra Nevada. If you’re planning to visit, please drive carefully and be prepared for the chilly weather.”
For those eager to catch a glimpse of the current weather conditions in real time, Mammoth Mountain’s live webcam provides a live view of their landscape. Even though we Californians still have a month left of summer, it seems Mother Nature has decided to mix things up!