Big Bear Valley, CA — Big Bear has been blanketed with snow as we celebrate this Earth Day today, April 22. Snowfall totals vary, given the western storm system of the last day or so, though the resorts are reporting over a foot of new snow at Snow Summit (which remains open daily through April 25). Some West Valley neighborhoods received as much as eight to 10 inches of new snow this week, while these totals were less for those at the east end of Big Bear Valley. However you add it up, we have certainly doubled the average snow accumulation of 62 inches, given the roughly 127 inches of snow received from November 13 through April 22.
The fresh powder did result in chain requirements for our mountain roads which, as of the early morning hours, included an R2 chain requirement for all roads to, from and within the Big Bear Valley. (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.) It is likely that these chain controls will be lifted, given the current sunshine, so be sure to check the KBHR Big Bear Road Conditions page for updates—or stay tuned to 93.3 FM.
