Big Snow Results in Continued Chain Requirements, Closure of Highway 18
February 17, 2009 by Catherine Sandstrom
Filed under Current News, Roads/Travel, Snow/Weather
Given the roughly 18 inches of snow we have received since yesterday, all roads to, from and within the Big Bear Valley remain under an R2 chain requirement, meaning that you must have chains on the drive wheels of your vehicle, unless in a four-wheel drive with snow tires on all four wheels and carrying chains. At this time, Highway 18, west of the Big Bear Dam to Snow Valley, remains closed due to avalanches yesterday. Once CalTrans crews have safely cleared the roadway of snow, it will be re-opened to motorists. In the meantime, Highway 18 to the desert communities and Highway 38 through Angelus Oaks remain open to those leaving or approaching the mountain. Snow conditions do remain in effect for the City of Big Bear Lake, so no parking on city streets today to allow for snow removal operations. Update on Highway 18: CalTrans is working on snow removal resulting from yesterday’s avalanches on the Arctic Circle portion of Highway 18. There are two snowplows clearing the roadway today, and plans to have three snowblowers continue the project tonight. Highway 18 will not be re-opened today, and CalTrans will reassess the road closure on Wednesday morning.
Additional Information on Big Bear Roads
Related posts:
- More Avalanches Prompt Closure of Highway 18′s Arctic Circle, West of Dam
- Up to a Foot of Snow Prompts Chain Requirements for All Mountain Roads, Snow Slide on Arctic Circle
- Despite ‘Round-the-Clock Snow Removal Efforts of CalTrans and Acosta Company, Arctic Circle Portion of Highway 18 Closed Until Friday Evening
- Ski Resorts Receive Up to a Foot of Snow Over Holiday Weekend; R2 Chain Requirements in Effect for All Mountain Roads
- Snow Removal Continues on Arctic Circle Today; Acosta Hopes to Have Highway 18 Cleared This Afternoon
After graduating from BBHS, Catherine moved to Los Angeles to attend Loyola Marymount University. In her 20 years off the mountain, most recently in Manhattan Beach, Catherine's career has included publishing, broadcasting, public relations and public education; she served as KBHR's News Director from April 2007 to July 2010.
