Happy Monday: Snow, High Winds, and Chain Requirements for Motorists

Big Bear Valley, CA — The snow has been coming down since about the 5am hour this morning, prompting chain controls on some roads here in the Big Bear Valley. At present [at 8am April 5], R2 chain requirements are in place for the front grade of Highway 18, from Pine Knot Avenue in the Village west to the Arrowhead area; chains are also required on two-wheel drive vehicles along the North Shore, from Mt. Doble west to the Big Bear dam.  R2 means 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. Chain controls have not been implemented on Highway 18 the back way to Lucerne Valley, or on Highway 38, per the latest from CalTrans. Also, a reminder to travelers, that Highway 330 does remain closed. For updated road conditions, visit the KBHR Big Bear Road Conditions page.
This morning’s dusting of snow, coupled with a couple inches received last week, brings this season’s snow totals to about 116 inches here in the Big Bear Valley. Today’s weather brings with it a High Wind Warning from the National Weather Service, which remains in effect until 10pm tonight. We can expect west winds of 20 to 40 miles per hour, with peak gusts in excess of 60 miles per hour also possible. These high winds may make driving difficult, so motorists, especially those in high-profile vehicles, are reminded to proceed with caution and watch for downed power lines and tree limbs.