RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Seeking snow this holiday weekend in the Inland Empire? You’ll have to climb.
The storms that dropped rain across the region this week brought snow to local mountains, but the reaches are pretty high.
Snow levels were above 7,500 feet Friday afternoon, and were expected to briefly lower to about 6,500 feet by evening, according to the National Weather Service.
Find out what's happening in Banning-Beaumontwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
But the dusting is meager at those levels.
“A trace to an inch of accumulation is possible below 7,500 feet,” the agency reported, noting that the storms’ heavy-snow impact is above 8,000 feet.
Find out what's happening in Banning-Beaumontwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
If you have the proper gear and an equipped vehicle, the San Bernardino, San Gabriel and San Jacinto mountains all have peaks greater than 8,000 feet. However, all of these Inland Empire mountain communities are under an NWS Winter Weather Advisory through early Dec. 23, meaning conditions and travel on local highways can be treacherous.
“Conditions can change even as you drive on the same road,” the U.S. Forest Service warned.
The USFS urges travelers to check weather forecasts and road conditions before heading out. Stay updated on weather via the NWS and road conditions via Caltrans.
The agency also urges motorists to provide information about their travel plans to someone else, in case an emergency occurs.
Though sunny skies and warmer temperatures are expected to return to the region by Saturday, the powder could stick around through Christmas at the highest elevations. Daytime highs on San Jacinto Peak were forecast to reach 32 degrees on Christmas Eve and 33 Christmas Day, with similar conditions on San Gorgonio Mountain.
Stay safe!
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.