Sierra mountains are encased in snow, transforming many of us into inconsiderate jerks | Opinion
By and large, Central Californians are good, considerate people. Twenty-five years of living here have led me to form that opinion.
But what is it about record-setting snowfall that transforms so many of us into impatient, inconsiderate jerks?
In case anyone reading this lives in a cocoon, the southern Sierra is encased in snow. Enough to close highways leading to the mountains from the San Joaquin Valley for more than a week, cutting off access to destinations like Shaver Lake, Huntington Lake and even Yosemite National Park.
Snowpack in the southern Sierra currently measures 209% of its April 1 average, according to the California Department of Water Resources. And guess what? There’s more white stuff on the way this weekend.
Yosemite Valley receives an annual average of 30 inches of snow, and there are years when it barely gets dusted. Right now, though, there’s 4 to 5 feet in some spots. It’s a staggering sight.
Shaver Lake, which gets about 7½ inches of snow in an average year, has about 6 feet — after the light, fluffy stuff settled. Village businesses are just starting to dig out and reopen for locals.
At Huntington Lake, the totals are even more staggering: 10 to 12 feet of new snow, on top of what was already there. China Peak Mountain Resort posted photos on social media showing buildings buried to the rooftops.
Despite all that, there are people replying to China Peak’s posts expressing their irritation that the resort isn’t open and questioning why staff aren’t doing more to clear the roads. Just so they can drive up and schuss through fresh powder.
Umm, maybe because Highway 168 remains closed indefinitely outside Auberry at the Lodge Road intersection?
As of Friday afternoon, only one lane of highway had been plowed to Shaver Lake and beyond. It was open only to public agencies and full-time mountain residents. Not even cabin owners who live elsewhere are permitted.
In some neighborhoods, local roads have been cleared. But residents can’t even exit their driveways without hours upon hours of shoveling.
“Nobody has the tools required to plow so much snow because it fell all at once,” Shaver Lake resident Lisa Coffman said. “Right now there’s no place to put it all. The berms on the side of the road are so high up I can’t even reach the top, at least 8 feet.”
Yes, it’s fair to ask Caltrans why the state agency only had one operable snow blower — and a two-person crew — assigned to Highway 168 until a second machine apparently made its way up the mountain Friday.
Just don’t expect a rapid reply. I’m still waiting for responses to several questions submitted six weeks ago to a Caltrans geologist concerning mud and rock slides that closed the “Four Lanes.”
But trust me, no one is purposefully plotting to prevent people from enjoying the winter wonderland. They’re simply overwhelmed.
Badger Pass at Yosemite is a money loser for the park concessionaire. Has been for a long while. With that bottom line in mind, I wouldn’t be surprised if California’s oldest ski resort doesn’t reopen until next winter. No matter how fantastic the conditions might be at present.
China Peak, on the other hand, has every incentive to dig out, get the lifts running and welcome back loyal customers. Perhaps extend the season into May, provided there’s a demand.
Of course, many Valley residents just want to go sledding or build a snowman. But when “flatlanders” have the audacity to inquire about road conditions on one of the Facebook groups devoted to Shaver and Huntington lakes, there’s a decent chance the responses will be mean-spirited or slathered in sarcasm. (I should point out not all the responses are like this, nor even a majority. But enough to notice.)
Is that really necessary? Must I remind Sierra mountain folk that without Fresno and Clovis customers, just about every business in Shaver and Huntington lakes would wither in a matter of months?
Social media doesn’t give anyone a license to be obnoxious. Take it easy on the ill-informed and somewhat clueless. And to impatient “flatlanders” a little too eager to make their way up the mountain, let me assure them there will still be plenty of snow next weekend — and likely well into summer.
This story was originally published March 4, 2023 at 5:30 AM.
