The Grapevine, Mount Pinos, Frazier Park and Pine Mountain Club, CA (Monday, Dec. 27, 2021 at 5:30 p.m.)—On the Grapevine (check news story on this site) there have been car crashes today that closed southbound lanes for almost an hour.  Caltrans reports traffic is flowing normally now, though drivers are advised to use good mountain driving sense, by slowing down and avoiding any distractions with both hands on the wheel and eyes alert to check for rocks and detritus on the road, plus patches of flooding that look innocent until they cause hydroplaning, which may cause sudden loss of control.

So far this afternoon, the National Weather Service (NWS) prediction has been accurate. That means under an inch of accumulated snow this afternoon, even at 6,000 feet in PMC. There have been wind gusts. Rain precipitation with intermittent snow flurries continue. The snow is very dry with limited water content. Scroll down to see full NWS forecast. Here is their note for just tonight and tomorrow day:
Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of snow, mainly before 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25. West northwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

The Grapevine, Mount Pinos, Frazier Park and Pine Mountain Club, CA (Monday, Dec. 27, 2021 at 12:01 p.m.)— The projection of 70% chance of rain and snow by 9 a.m. failed —but tiny, hail-like ice accompanied by precipitation began at noon this Monday. Pure snow is expected to begin by 2-3p.m. and continue into the night. BUT—earlier projections of a foot or more of snow accumulation have been revised by National Weather Service (Hanford) to 10% of that for the week—a few inches at most. It will be cold, and it will be icy, so extreme caution in driving is essential. But the hazards will primarily be icy road conditions and hydroplaning due to rain in the roadways.

On Sunday, Dec. 26, Some roads were closed due to ice and out-of-control cars on steep Pine Mountain Club roads. Icy conditions require slow speeds and careful attention to hazards such as rocks in the road. Put your phone away. Avoid distracted driving. Always have chains available in your car when driving in these mountains. Do not walk on the road if possible. An out-of-control car in a spinout or slide may not be able to stop or avoid accidental collision with other cars, pedestrians, trees, or telephone poles.

Scroll down to read the updated National Weather Service weekly forecast, then scroll below that for more detail about specific road conditions, specific road closures, driving hazards and safe driving tips.

The Grapevine, Mount Pinos, Frazier Park and Pine Mountain Club, CA (December 27, 2021 at 5:40 a.m.)—A 70% chance of rain and snow is expected by 9 a.m. this Monday morning, as a cold front pushes into the area. Watch for large rocks and boulders in the road, with 6″ to 12″ of snow forecast by National Weather Service on the Grapevine pass by this evening and double that possible tomorrow.  A high wind advisory has been issued between SR 138 to Fort Tejon on the Interstate 5 Grapevine,  through Highway 99. Campers and heavy loads are advised to find an alternate route.

Carry chains in your vehicle. Put them on as snow and ice arrive. DRIVE SLOWLY. In Pine Mountain Club yesterday spin outs and collisions were followed by road closures  due to icy roads, inadequate cindering in some areas and drivers inexperienced with snow and ice conditions. Drive as if black ice could be anywhere…because it can. Slow down on bridges and curves throughout the mountain region. Leave adequate distance between vehicles.

On the freeways and straightaways such as  in Cuddy Valley and Frazier Mountain Park Road between Lebec and Frazier Park, beware of hydroplaning in the rain. Keep both hands on the wheel and your attention focused firmly on driving conditions. It happens suddenly when you are driving too fast and hit a slightly flooded area that causes your tires to lose traction on the road, leading to loss of control. In such conditions, “too fast” can be 45 mph. Get the Winter Driving Tips pull out page in The Mountain Enterprise newspaper, on stands now.

The Grapevine, Mount Pinos and Frazier Park, CA (December 26, 2021 at 8:49 a.m.)—A high wind advisory across the Interstate 5 Grapevine pass from State Route 138 to Tejon Ranch area (Frazier Park / Lebec exits). It is not advised for high profile vehicles such as campers to use the Grapevine Pass according to the Caltrans Road Conditions Hotline [800.427.7623).

Hudson Ranch Road which was closed during snowfall for part of this month is now open again, according to Caltrans. Hudson Ranch Road connects to Highway 133 and 166 from Mil Potrero Highway west of Pine Mountain Club. Please read below for additional details about road conditions.

Mount Pinos, Frazier Park, CA (December 26, 2021 at 4 a.m.)—The road to Mount Pinos has been closed by Kern County Roads Department at the Mil Potrero ‘Y’ first snow gate, due to unsafe conditions caused by heavy snowfall. Temperatures this coming week are forecast to drop to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, with intermittent snow storms.

Try to stay off the roads if possible. All vehicles should be carrying chains. Try to maintain a full gas tank, and travel with water, food and blankets for warmth in case your vehicle gets stuck. Try to stay off the roads if possible.  Plan ahead so you can drive slowly, being alert for black ice conditions.

Find “Winter Driving Tips” pullout page in this week’s issue of The Mountain Enterprise, on news stands now.

This is part of the December 24, 2021 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

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