UPDATE—LEBEC, GORMAN, FRAZIER PARK, LAKE OF THE WOODS, LOCKWOOD VALLEY, CUDDY VALLEY, PINE MOUNTAIN CLUB and the Grapevine, CA (Saturday, Jan. 28 at 9:30 a.m.)—Mountain Community roads are open from Interstate 5 to the top of Mount Piños. There are chain control checkpoints in Lake of the Woods at Lockwood Valley Road and at the ‘Y’ as you enter Mt. Pinos Road. Residents can obtain tags for their vehicles at Ace Hardware—proof of residency required.

UPDATE—LEBEC, GORMAN, FRAZIER PARK, LAKE OF THE WOODS, LOCKWOOD VALLEY, CUDDY VALLEY, PINE MOUNTAIN CLUB and the Grapevine, CA (Friday, Jan. 27 at 7 a.m.)—Yes, it is cooold outside, but beautiful. And yes, the ice is still there, so please drive slowly, with caution. Good news: The road to Mount Piños is open again. Snow play on this lovely mountain is also open again.

Snow visitors: please carefully respect private property. Don’t trespass. Park safely, only in designated areas, to avoid blocking traffic. CHP will be watching! Take your litter home with you, or use one of the dumpsters provided. Please don’t make our local children have to go pick up your garbage after you. Leave the mountain as beautiful as you found it.

CHP chain checkpoints will ask all vehicles to be properly equipped. You may be turned away if your vehicle is unsafe, or if you do not have chains with you. If too many vehicles create hazardous roadways, the mountain may be temporarily closed to new visitors. So please carefully observe safety and “good visitor” guidelines.

The weekend is forecast to be sunny.

UPDATE—LEBEC, GORMAN, FRAZIER PARK, LAKE OF THE WOODS, LOCKWOOD VALLEY, CUDDY VALLEY, PINE MOUNTAIN CLUB and the Grapevine, CA (Wednesday, Jan. 25 at 8 a.m.)—Interstate 5 is open, but motorists should drive slowly and carefully. Temperatures are low. At the Mil Potrero Highway ‘Y’ from Pine Mountain Club the temperature is 17 degrees. Roads are “solid ice” a commuter reports, but are well-cindered. All-wheel and 4-wheel drive vehicles are recommended.

The road through Cuddy Valley is plowed and dry.

UPDATE—LEBEC, GORMAN, FRAZIER PARK, LAKE OF THE WOODS, LOCKWOOD VALLEY, CUDDY VALLEY, PINE MOUNTAIN CLUB and the Grapevine, CA (Tuesday, Jan. 24, at 6 p.m.)—Beware of ice! There is no new snow and it was sunny for a few hours, but that ice is still on the roads, with melt and refreezing able to cause hazards tonight and tomorrow morning (the low will get down to 26 degrees).  Drive very slowly and keep your eyes on the road. There were spin outs on the roads early this morning. If the roads are not plowed and sanded, consider the chains early in the morning. Keep the chains in the car or on your wheels for roads with grades and curves early tomorrow. Please be safe.

See below for the National Weather Service weather forecast for the next five days. Nighttime lows will be continuing to create ice from daytime snow melt flowing across the roads. Remember we have microclimate freezing in Lake of the Woods, near the Mil Potrero Y, crossing all the local bridges along Frazier Mountain Park Road, at the 4-way stop at Monterey Trail, on East End Drive and Park Drive in Frazier Park.

Nights will be warming up by Friday, NWS says (see below).

UPDATE—LEBEC, GORMAN, FRAZIER PARK, LAKE OF THE WOODS, LOCKWOOD VALLEY, CUDDY VALLEY, PINE MOUNTAIN CLUB and the Grapevine, CA (Tuesday, Jan. 24, at 9:05 a.m.)—The sun is bright and the skies are clear. Look for warming by midday and some melt-off of snow and ice. But. Be. Cautious. Roads are still icy and motorists need to use great caution. (Please read entry below).

UPDATE—LEBEC, GORMAN, FRAZIER PARK, LAKE OF THE WOODS, LOCKWOOD VALLEY, CUDDY VALLEY, PINE MOUNTAIN CLUB and the Grapevine, CA (Tuesday, Jan. 24, at 7:40 a.m.)—El Tejon Unified School District schools—Frazier Park Elementary, Frazier Mountain High School and El Tejon School— will be closed today due to icy conditions throughout the mountain.

Roads may be hazardous. Use chains. CHP incident report says a spin-out has occurred on Frazier Mountain Park Road near Monterey Trail’s 4-way stop, a place that ices up badly and is a hazard. Be very cautious crossing bridges, where ice causes skidding. Please drive slowly, use chains and be very vigilant. Thanks to Gabriole Zeviar Geese, Jill Neptune and Sabrina Rouser for alerts this morning.

National Weather Service forecast

UPDATE—LEBEC, GORMAN, FRAZIER PARK, LAKE OF THE WOODS, LOCKWOOD VALLEY, CUDDY VALLEY, PINE MOUNTAIN CLUB and the Grapevine, CA (Monday, Jan. 23, at 11:45 a.m.)—CHP reports that Interstate 5 over the Grapevine is open and because the main part of the storm may have passed, they may not need to close I-5 today. The interstate could be closed if weather conditions change.

UPDATE—LEBEC, GORMAN, FRAZIER PARK, LAKE OF THE WOODS, LOCKWOOD VALLEY, CUDDY VALLEY, PINE MOUNTAIN CLUB and the Grapevine, CA (Monday, Jan. 23, at 11:30 a.m.)—A big rig has jackknifed on Lockwood Valley Road about three miles west of Frazier Mountain Park Road, blocking both lanes. Traffic is unable to pass in either direction.

UPDATE—LEBEC, GORMAN, FRAZIER PARK, LAKE OF THE WOODS, LOCKWOOD VALLEY, CUDDY VALLEY, PINE MOUNTAIN CLUB and the Grapevine, CA (Monday, Jan. 23, at 11:20 a.m.)—Mountain roads are open from Interstate 5 to the Mil Potrero ‘Y.’ Mt. Pinos Road is closed at the ‘Y.’ Visitors are being allowed to drive mountain roads if they have chains on their tires or 4×4 or AWD with snow tires, according to CHP Officer Brian Moore this morning.

UPDATE—The Grapevine, Interstate 5 (Monday, Jan. 23, at 9:05 a.m.)—The Fort Tejon office of the California Highway Patrol said, “The snow is currently sticking to the roadway in Lebec. We are escorting traffic on I-5 from SR-138 to Fort Tejon Rd. Please slow down and give yourself some extra time.”

UPDATE—LEBEC, GORMAN, FRAZIER PARK, LAKE OF THE WOODS, LOCKWOOD VALLEY, CUDDY VALLEY, PINE MOUNTAIN CLUB and the Grapevine, CA (Monday, Jan. 23, at 8:45 a.m.)—Around two-four inches of snow is on the ground throughout Frazier Park and the snow is still falling. All Mountain Community schools have closed for the day.

The Grapevine, Interstate 5 (Monday, Jan.  23, 2017 at 5:11 a.m.)—Beware of Icy road conditions on the Grapevine this morning. Drive slowly and carefully. Traffic on Norhtbound and Southbound Interstate 5 has been slowed by a multi-car accident at about 4 a.m. One vehicle was engulfed in flames. Kern County Fire responded. CHP reports all occupants are out of their vehicles and tow trucks are responding. Extended injuries are expected. At least one lane in both directions has been cleared.

UPDATE—LEBEC, GORMAN, FRAZIER PARK, LAKE OF THE WOODS, LOCKWOOD VALLEY, CUDDY VALLEY, PINE MOUNTAIN CLUB and the Grapevine, CA (Sunday, Jan. 22, at 10 p.m.)—There will be a two-hour delay for El Tejon Unified School District schools Monday morning.

UPDATE—LEBEC, GORMAN, FRAZIER PARK, LAKE OF THE WOODS, LOCKWOOD VALLEY, CUDDY VALLEY, PINE MOUNTAIN CLUB and the Grapevine, CA (Sunday, Jan. 22, at 2 p.m.)The Grapevine is clear, as are roads from Lebec through Cuddy Valley, according to our reporter who drove from Lebec to the ‘Y.’

Mountain residents are being allowed to pass from the freeway onto Frazier Mountain Park Road. Nonresidents are being turned away in Lebec. It is icy only at the Y and down Mil Potrero Highway our reporter has confirmed.

The rain has washed away snow from Frazier Mountain Park in Frazier Park. There is only minimal snow accumulation throughout the region, one to three inches at 6,000 feet.

The snow gate to Mt. Piños remains closed.

UPDATE—LEBEC, GORMAN, FRAZIER PARK, LAKE OF THE WOODS, LOCKWOOD VALLEY, CUDDY VALLEY, PINE MOUNTAIN CLUB and the Grapevine, CA (Sunday, Jan. 22, at 1:32 p.m.)—There is a CHP check point at Lebec, a check point at  the west end of Mt. Pinos Way on Frazier Mountain Park Road and a check point at Mil Potrero Highway at the ‘Y.’

CHP Public Information Officer Brian Moore said his sergeant at the road block in Lebec reports they have been told there are cars spun out on Mil Potrero Highway, “so plows can’t get through.”

At 1:30 a reporter for The Mountain Enterprise completed checking the condition of Frazier Mountain Park Road through the area. We are encountering rain, not snow, and the roads so far are clear from Lebec through Lake of the Woods and  Cuddy Valley up to the ‘Y.’

There are a few families playing at the snow bunny hill area.

Moore said he was told the snow got heavy at the LOW chain stop so they moved it to Monterey Trail 4-way stop, and then to their location in Lebec, where the public is being turned away. He said, “They are talking on social media about cars spun out.”  At this hour we have confirmed icy conditions only west of the Y, all other main roads are clear.

We have not had a reporter up on the S curves on Mil Potrero Highway into Pine Mountain Club yet. Zermatt Road in Pine Mountain Club is now plowed.

As reported below, the USFS public information officer said their office is closed and the snow gate to Mount Piños is closed. There is less than two to three inches of snow accumulation in nonroad areas, as the intermittent rain is continuing to melt off the snow.

We will continue providing updates here.

UPDATE—LEBEC, GORMAN, FRAZIER PARK, LAKE OF THE WOODS, LOCKWOOD VALLEY, CUDDY VALLEY, PINE MOUNTAIN CLUB and the Grapevine, CA (Sunday, Jan. 22, at 12:32 p.m.)—Only residents are being allowed to pass through a CHP block at the west end of the Flying J on Frazier Mountain Park Road.

“They can’t get the plows through,” our reporter was told by a CHP officer in Lebec at the block. We are uncertain whether that is because the traffic is backed up on the freeway or if something else is occurring with Kern County Roads Department. We will continue providing updates here.

UPDATE—LEBEC, GORMAN, FRAZIER PARK, LAKE OF THE WOODS, LOCKWOOD VALLEY, CUDDY VALLEY, PINE MOUNTAIN CLUB and the Grapevine, CA (Sunday, Jan. 22, at 12:02 p.m.) Information Officer Andrew Madsen of the Los Padres National Forest said just now, “We have administratively closed the Mt. Pinos Ranger District due to heavy snowfall. It is likely the district office will remain closed through Monday, at which time we will reassess conditions and determine what future steps need to be taken. Snowplay areas are closed to the public until the storm has passed.”

In Pine Mountain Club it appears the road plowing effort may be falling behind.

UPDATE—LEBEC, GORMAN, FRAZIER PARK, LAKE OF THE WOODS, LOCKWOOD VALLEY, CUDDY VALLEY, PINE MOUNTAIN CLUB and the Grapevine, CA (Sunday, Jan. 22, at 11 a.m.) —Snow and wind continues. Roads are basically clear, but slippery, Drive slowly and carefully. There is no traffic accumulation either east of Monterey Trail or west of it the four-way stop.

UPDATE—LEBEC, GORMAN, FRAZIER PARK, LAKE OF THE WOODS, LOCKWOOD VALLEY, CUDDY VALLEY, PINE MOUNTAIN CLUB and the Grapevine, CA (Sunday, Jan. 22, at 8:40 a.m.) —There are high winds and it is snowing at this time. The roads need a new plowing near the Mil Potrero ‘Y’ it appears.

UPDATE—LEBEC, GORMAN, FRAZIER PARK, LAKE OF THE WOODS, LOCKWOOD VALLEY, CUDDY VALLEY, PINE MOUNTAIN CLUB and the Grapevine, CA (Sunday, Jan. 22, at 7:40 a.m.) —Alfonso Tapia who lives in Pine Mountain communty writes this morning: “I left the house 5:30 a.m. Wet snow. Raining on Mil Potrero. Wet heavy snow two miles before the Y until Frazier Park. Very slow.”  Please drive slowly and safely. At 5:30 a.m. we were alerted the Mt. Piños snow gate was closed. We will update when we learn the road to the mountain has been plowed.

Hear is a National Weather Service warning:

…WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM PST MONDAY…

* ACCUMULATIONS…SNOW ACCUMULATION OF 4 TO 8 INCHES. UP TO 2
INCHES POSSIBLE AT PASS LEVEL.

* TIMING…SNOW IS EXPECTED TO START LATE TONIGHT WITH THE
HEAVIEST SNOWFALL OCCURRING SUNDAY MORNING THROUGH SUNDAY
EVENING. SNOW LEVELS WILL START OUT NEAR 4000 FEET RISING
DURING THE DAY SUNDAY TO AROUND 7000 FEET. SNOW LEVEL LOWERING
AGAIN LATE SUNDAY NIGHT DOWN TO PASS LEVEL MONDAY MORNING.

* WINDS…SOUTHWEST 25 TO 35 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 70 MPH.

* LOCATIONS…THE GRAPEVINE AREA ALONG INTERSTATE 5…LEBEC
…FRAZIER PARK… CUDDY VALLEY… PINE MOUNTAIN CLUB…
ALTA SIERRA…TEHACHAPI AND WALKER PASS.

* HAZARD TYPES…WINTER DRIVING CONDITIONS. BLOWING SNOW AND
STRONG WINDS.

* IMPACTS…THE SNOWFALL WILL CREATE SLIPPERY AND SNOW COVERED
ROADWAYS. STRONG WINDS WILL LEAD TO BLOWING SNOW…REDUCED
VISIBILITY…AND SCATTERED POWER OUTAGES.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW MEANS SEVERE WINTER WEATHER
CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING.  SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF
SNOW ARE FORECAST THAT WILL MAKE TRAVEL DANGEROUS. ONLY TRAVEL IN
AN EMERGENCY. IF YOU MUST TRAVEL…KEEP AN EXTRA FLASHLIGHT…
FOOD…AND WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY.

UPDATE—LEBEC, GORMAN, FRAZIER PARK, LAKE OF THE WOODS, LOCKWOOD VALLEY, CUDDY VALLEY, PINE MOUNTAIN CLUB and the Grapevine, CA (Sunday, Jan. 22, at 5:30 a.m.)—Surface roads and the Grapevine have been well cared for, but the road to Mt. Piños has been closed at the lower snow gate (at the Mil Potrero ‘Y’) at 5:30 a.m. Sunday morning due to snow and ice.

SEE VIDEO OF WHAT OFFICIALS WANT TO AVOID

UPDATE—LEBEC, GORMAN, FRAZIER PARK, LAKE OF THE WOODS, LOCKWOOD VALLEY, CUDDY VALLEY, PINE MOUNTAIN CLUB and The Grapevine, CA (Friday Jan. 20, at 9:01 p.m.)—Jerry Ferris of Mountain Communities Weather has circulated the National Weather Service Winter Weather Advisory that remains in effect until 4 a.m. PST
Saturday above 5000 feet…
* Expect snow accumulations… 4 to 9 inches above 5000 feet. 1 to 3 inches
near 4000 fee in Frazier Park… Cuddy Valley…. Blowing snow may create winter driving hazards and slick roads with wind gusts up to 55 mph. Periods of snowwill cause traffic difficulties. Be prepared for snow covered roads and limited visibilities. Use caution while driving.

Visitors to the mountain should have chains in their car in case they are required by CHP. Drive slowly to be vigilant for icy conditions. Also be aware that warming rains may melt snow at lower altitudes by midday. Please do not leave trash on the hillsides or roadside. Trash receptacles and porta potties are provided for visitors. Enjoy your visit. Have a look at local stores, and please observe safe parking advisories. Park only in designated areas, well OFF the pavement. Enjoy your visit.

UPDATE—GORMAN, CA (Friday Jan. 20, at 12:01 p.m.)—A solo vehicle rollover has been reported on northbound Interstate 5 at the Lebec over cross.

UPDATE—GORMAN, CA (Friday Jan. 20, at 11:57 a.m.)—A multiple-car collision has been reported by CHP on the southbound Interstate 5 just south of Hwy. 138. Possibly 15 vehicles are involved. Unknown at this time if there any injuries. Vehicles have been moved to the center divider, according to CHP.

UPDATE—Lebec, Frazier Park, Lake of the Woods, Lockwood Valley, Cuddy Valley, Pine Mountain Club, CA and the Grapevine (Friday Jan. 20, at 11:30 a.m.)—About a half inch of snow has accumulated in Frazier Park and snow flakes continue to fall. School was canceled for students throughout the Mountain Communities early this morning. Please check here for updates.

UPDATE—Lebec, Frazier Park, Lake of the Woods, Lockwood Valley, Cuddy Valley, Pine Mountain Club, CA and the Grapevine (Thursday Jan. 19, at 4:16 p.m.)—Here is an updated forecast from the National Weather Service.

Tonight
Scattered snow showers before 8pm, then a chance of rain showers between 8pm and 11pm, then a chance of snow showers after 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 27. West wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Friday
Showers. High near 43. Windy, with a south wind 25 to 30 mph decreasing to 15 to 20 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
Friday Night
Rain showers before 11pm, then snow showers. Low around 25. Windy, with a west wind 15 to 20 mph increasing to 25 to 30 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Saturday
A 50 percent chance of snow showers, mainly before 5pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 41. Breezy, with a northwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Saturday Night
A slight chance of snow showers before 11pm, then a chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28. Breezy, with a northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south 15 to 25 mph in the evening. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Sunday
Showers. High near 44. Windy, with a south wind around 30 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
Sunday Night
Rain and snow showers. Low around 26. Breezy, with a west southwest wind 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Monday
Snow showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 39. Breezy, with a west northwest wind around 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Monday Night
A 50 percent chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25. Blustery, with a west northwest wind 20 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

UPDATE—Lebec, Frazier Park, Lake of the Woods, Lockwood Valley, Cuddy Valley, Pine Mountain Club, CA and the Grapevine (Saturday Jan. 14, at 10:45 a.m.)—Roads are open from Interstate 5 to the top of Mount Pinos. A checkpoint is operating in Lake of the Woods where motorists must have chains inside the vehicle to continue into Cuddy Valley and beyond. CHP will be monitoring the number of cars in the Mountain Communities and will, if necessary, close the mountain to further visitor traffic. If that happens, those with ID showing residency will be allowed through. Chains are available for sale at Ace Hardware in Frazier Park, Midway Market in Lake of the Woods, and at Napa Auto Parts in Lebec. It is currently 47 degrees in Frazier Park.

UPDATE•SEE VIDEO—Lebec, Frazier Park, Lake of the Woods, Lockwood Valley, Cuddy Valley, Pine Mountain Club, CA and the Grapevine (Friday Jan. 13, at 12:30 p.m.)—The temperature is dropping and the size of snowflakes is growing, as accumulation of snow also increases.

UPDATE•SEE VIDEO—Lebec, Frazier Park, Lake of the Woods, Lockwood Valley, Cuddy Valley, Pine Mountain Club, CA and the Grapevine (Friday Jan. 13, at 11:51p.m.)—Plowed roads are basically clear in the Mountain Communities. It is 32 degrees in Frazier Park, with a steady snow that appears to be melting on the plowed roadways at this hour. In the western side of the Mountain Communities, the temperature in Pine Mountain Club (35 degrees at this hour) is still turning the tiny kernal-like snow seeds into a wet slush. It now appears to be starting to accumulate in some areas.

Friday afternoon, January 13

UPDATE•SEE VIDEO •—Lebec, Frazier Park, Lake of the Woods, Lockwood Valley, Cuddy Valley, Pine Mountain Club, CA and the Grapevine (Thursday, Jan. 12, at 1:51p.m.)—Snow has started again in the western end of the Mountain Communities. It is wet snow, and temperatures are still well above freezing. Drive slowly and carefully. Plan ahead to leave earlier than usual so you can drive safely. All mountain vehicles should now be traveling with chains and traction devices available so motorists can “chain up” when the need arises.

UPDATE•SEE VIDEO •—Lebec, Frazier Park, Lake of the Woods, Lockwood Valley, Cuddy Valley, Pine Mountain Club, CA and the Grapevine (Thursday, Jan. 12, at 12:45 p.m.)—All roads are clear at this time. A healthy and wet snowfall began this morning, but rising temperatures turned it to rain and also washed away the two inches of snow that had already fallen at higher elevations of the Mountain Communities. There are still patches of snow on the mountainsides and above 7500 feet where temperatures are lower. Here’s the

UPDATE•SEE VIDEO •—Lebec, Frazier Park, Lake of the Woods, Lockwood Valley, Cuddy Valley, Pine Mountain Club, CA and the Grapevine (Tuesday, Jan. 10, at 6:30 a.m.)—Roads are clear. Less than an inch of rain fell on the mountain yesterday, with intermittent sunshine. There is still snow at the higher elevations. Temperatures are above freezing below 7,000 feet, except in some microclimate areas at night, but sudden wind gusts have been severe. More rain is expected tonight and later in the week, which may mean more snow on mountain tops.

Drive slowly and be vigilant. Unexpected ice is a hazard. Watch for sudden mud slides and falling rocks or trees. Snow play visitors are asked to observe safe parking rules to avoid blocking traffic.

Motorists are advised to carry chains or traction devices. Winter snow and mud tires are wise. Be sure your tires have good tread. CHP says it will be maintaining chain check for snow play visitors, and urge people to stay in designated snow play areas. “Pack it in, pack it out” is the mantra. Visitors are asked to take their trash home with them.

UPDATE— Lebec, Frazier Park, Lake of the Woods, Lockwood Valley, Cuddy Valley, Pine Mountain Club, CA and the Grapevine (Sunday, Jan. 8, 2017 at 6:30 a.m.)– All roads are clear, but still slippery with moisture. Be vigilant. The National Weather Service warns that saturated hillsides can cause sudden mud slides, long after rain has stopped falling. Falling trees, falling boulders and rocks washed into the roadway are also hazards. Please drive slowly and carefully. Gusty wind warnings are in effect until Sunday evening at 9 p.m. A flash flood warning is in effect throughout the region until Monday, Jan. 9 at 4 p.m.

The Mountain Enterprise measured a healthy 1.5 inch of rainfall in the Pine Mountain Club area on Saturday, Jan. 7 at 6,000 feet. Jerry Ferris of Mountain Communities Weather reports that 0.5 inch of rain fell Saturday in Frazier Park.

Snow is visible at the higher elevations of Mount Piños, but rain has washed snow from elevations of the Mountain Communities below 7,000 feet.

California Highway Patrol staged traffic stops Saturday, asking snow play visitors to come equipped with chains in their cars to proceed past Lake of the Woods. Although the chains did not have to be on the tires, all motorists should now be carrying traction devices for the winter season as a precaution. Check your tires to be sure the tread is still good. Bald tires are hazardous in wet conditions.
FRAZIER PARK, CA and the Grapevine (Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017 at 5:59 p.m.)– Kern County Fire Department issued this notice:
The Kern County Fire Department would like to advise the public that the recent flash flood warnings issued by the National Weather Service are based on radar information and not actual rain fall in the local community. Local weather conditions are rapidly changing. There is the possibility of more of these flash flood warnings being issued. We urge residents in the affected areas to avoid traveling if possible. If a significant weather event occurs we will use Ready Kern to notify residents in the areas of concern. We encourage residents across the county to be proactive and seek higher ground if they feel threatened. The Kern County Fire Department would like to remind citizens to not drive through standing or moving water.
It’s always best to “Turn Around And Not Drown.”

UPDATE— FRAZIER PARK, CA and the Grapevine (Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017 at 4:35 p.m.)– A FLASH FLOOD WARNING is in effect until 5:30 p.m. for the Mountain Communities. Please stay away from areas prone to flooding.

The National Weather Service in Hanford CA has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for…
South central Kern County in central California…

* Until 530 PM PST

* At 436 PM PST, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing
heavy rain across the warned area. Flash flooding is expected to
begin shortly.

* Some locations that will experience flooding include…
Mount Pinos, Frazier Park, Pine Mountain Club, Lebec, Grapevine,
Lake Of The Woods and Interstate 5 over the Grapevine.

Excessive rainfall over the warned area will cause mud slides near
steep terrain. The mud slide can consist of rock, mud, vegetation and
other loose materials.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Turn around, don`t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.

UPDATE— FRAZIER PARK, CA and the Grapevine (Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017 at 7:55 a.m.)– Mountain roads are open at this time. Interstate 5 over the Grapevine is open.

CHP is conducting chain control at two checkpoints today: 1) Cuddy Valley Road at Lockwood Valley Road (motorists not carrying chains will be diverted to Chuchupate snow play area; 2) Mt. Pinos Road at the “Y” (motorists will be required to install their chains ON the vehicle before proceeding up to Nordic Base). Please note that as of this morning there is no snow at Chuchupate snow play area.

Local residents who can show evidence of residence will be allowed to proceed to Pine Mountain Club, Cuddy Valley and other areas without chains unless road conditions become snowy or icy, according to CHP Officer Brian Moore.

Watch for high gusty winds and intermittent rainstorms today. Drive slowly to avoid hydroplaning. During this season, please travel with chains and traction devices in your car to be prepared.

Flash flood warnings have been issued for the Kern County mountains, effective through Monday morning, said Mountain Community Weather.  “An additional 1 to 4 inches of rainfall will be possible across the Kern County mountains,” the National Weather Service reports, adding that flash flooding is dangerous and it is important to monitor weather alerts this weekend. See the weather forecast below.

Detailed Forecast
Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017
Rain, mainly before 4 p.m. High near 51. Breezy, with a south southwest wind 20 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

UPDATE— FRAZIER PARK, CA and the Grapevine (Friday, Jan. 6, 2017 at 4:55 p.m.)– Mountain roads are open at this time. Interstate 5 over the Grapevine is open.

UPDATE— FRAZIER PARK, CA and the Grapevine (Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2017 at 3:55 p.m.)– Mountain roads are open at this time. Interstate 5 over the Grapevine is open.

UPDATE— FRAZIER PARK, CA and the Grapevine (Monday, Jan. 2, 2017 at 12:55 p.m.)– Interstate 5 over the Grapevine is open at this time. Mt. Pinos Road (leading to the top of the mountain) is open with chains required. Mil Potrero Highway is open (leading to Pine Mountain Club) with chains required. The roadway (Frazier Mountain Park Road and Cuddy Valley Road) are open from Interstate 5 through Cuddy Valley.

CHP is conducting chain control on Cuddy Valley Road at Lockwood Valley Road; and on Mt. Pinos Road at the “Y.” Chains will be required in your vehicle to proceed beyond Lockwood Valley Road. Chains installed ON the vehicle will be required to proceed up Mt. Pinos Road from the “Y.” Motorists not carrying chains will be diverted to Chuchupate snow play area at Lockwood Valley Road. Local residents can proceed through Cuddy Valley and to Pine Mountain Club with ID.

UPDATE— FRAZIER PARK, CA and the Grapevine (Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017 at 8:02 a.m.)– It was a rough night for commuters. Al Tapia of the Pine Mountain community reports he “counted 10 cars abandoned from Freeman to the top of the S-curves. Five on the s-curves. Two more from S-curves to the Mil Potrero ‘Y.'” Remember folks, if you get stuck it is likely everyone else will get stuck behind you. Motorists are advised to have their traction devices ready (chains, spikes and spiders are required in snow conditions). Drive slowly and watch the shady patches and bridges for black ice today.

UPDATE— FRAZIER PARK, CA and the Grapevine (Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017 at 5 :15 a.m.)– Happy New Year!  The majority of county-maintained mountain roads are back open, but chains are required. Be equipped, put on your traction devices and drive very slowly today. Mt. Pinos Way, Frazier Mountain Park Road, Cuddy Valley Road and Mil Potrero Highway require chains. No restrictions are reported at this time on the Grapevine. Six inches of snow are reported to have fallen in Pine Mountain Club.

FRAZIER PARK, CA (Saturday, Dec. 31 at 7:38 p.m.)—A vehicle is stuck (blocking the roadway) on Gorman Post Road south of Gorman School Road. A hit and run collision with no injuries has been reported on southbound I-5 at Frazier Mountain Park Road on-ramp.

FRAZIER PARK, CA (Saturday, Dec. 31 at 7:31 p.m.)—Interstate 5 over the Grapevine has been closed due to snow conditions, according to CHP Public Information Officer Brian Moore.

FRAZIER PARK, CA (Saturday, Dec. 31 at 7:25 p.m.)—There are multiple traffic collisions on Mil Potrero Highway in Pine Mountain Club, according to CHP. Vehicles are stuck in the snow and ice in other locations, including Hudson Ranch Road near Quatal Canyon west of Pine Mountain Club. Vehicles are stuck on Cuddy Valley Road east of Mil Potrero Highway. Chains are required to drive on mountain community roads this evening.

FRAZIER PARK, CA (Saturday, Dec. 31 at 11:30 a.m.)—A winter storm advisory has been issued by National Weather Service affecting the Mountain Communities. Up to 5 inches of snow are possible in the Pine Mountain Club area with an additional 3 inches possible this evening. See below…

Winter Weather Advisory

URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HANFORD CA
655 AM PST SAT DEC 31 2016

CAZ095-312300-
/O.CON.KHNX.WW.Y.0016.161231T1600Z-170101T0800Z/
KERN COUNTY MOUNTAINS-
INCLUDING THE CITY OF…TEHACHAPI
655 AM PST SAT DEC 31 2016

…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT PST
TONIGHT…

* LOCATIONS…ELEVATIONS ABOVE 3000 FEET INCLUDING INTERSTATE 5
OVER THE GRAPEVINE…HIGHWAY 58 OVER TEHACHAPI SUMMIT AND
HIGHWAY 178 OVER WALKER PASS.

* HAZARD TYPES…SNOW AND ICE CAUSING SLICK AND POTENTIALLY
CLOSED ROADS.

* ACCUMULATIONS…SNOW ACCUMULATION OF 1 TO 3 INCHES AT PASS
LEVELS AND 3 TO 6 INCHES ABOVE 5000 FEET.

* TIMING…SNOW DEVELOPING AROUND NOON WITH THE HEAVIEST SNOW
DURING THE EARLY EVENING HOURS.

* IMPACTS…THE HEAVY SNOW WILL MAKE MANY ROADS IMPASSABLE AND
MAY PRODUCE WIDESPREAD POWER OUTAGES DUE TO THE WEIGHT OF THE
SNOW ON TREE LIMBS AND POWER LINES.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW
WILL CAUSE PRIMARILY TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SNOW
COVERED ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES…AND USE CAUTION WHILE
DRIVING.

Cuddy Valley, Frazier Park, Lake of the Woods, CA {FRIDAY, DEC. 30, 2016 at 8 a.m.}—The gate at the base of Mt. Piños has been opened by Kern County Roads. Snow play visitors will be able to park along the road (well onto the shoulder, facing downhill) and at the Chula Vista parking lot at the top. Those areas will accommodate about 1,000 vehicles, said Nordic Base volunteer Steve Newman. Cuddy Valley neighbors and The Mountain Enterprise all made numerous calls this week to ask for the gate to be opened so snow play traffic would not be backed up into Mountain Community neighborhoods.

The Kern County Roads division of the General Services Department of Kern County is responsible for plowing Mt. Piños Road and for opening the gate, forest service Battalion Chief Shane Santos said. Nordic Patrol at the top assists with search and rescue operations on the mountain. California Highway Patrol and Kern County Sheriff’s deputies help patrol the areas to be sure visitors park safely in designated areas.

In addition, the Chuchupate snow play area in Lockwood Valley is open for snow play (down Lockwood Valley Road, left toward the ranger station, then drive beyond the ranger station to the large snow play area around the parking and restroom area).

Happy New Year! Have a fun and safe holiday weekend.—Patric Hedlund,TME

This is part of the February 10, 2017 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

Have an opinion on this matter? We'd like to hear from you.