Big Bear Valley, CA — Our third storm of the week is officially here, accounting for more than a foot of new snow since yesterday, and bringing our seasonal snow levels to 44 inches and counting [as of 8am January 21]. Today’s storm comes with a Winter Storm Warning from the National Weather Service, accounting for heavy snow continuing into Friday. Yesterday evening’s snow was so intense that CalTrans had called for an R3 chain requirement for all vehicles (including four-wheel drives with snow tires) and the closure of Highway 330, though chain requirements are now at an R2 for all roads to, from and within the Big Bear Valley, including Highway 330, which has been re-opened. R2 requirements mean 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. Also, as of last night, large trucks and buses are restricted from using highways in the San Bernardino mountains until further notice. Snow conditions are in effect, so no parking on city streets. or risk having your vehicle ticketed and towed; if you need to put chains on your vehicle, be sure you are safely out of the roadway before doing so. Also, drivers are advised to use headlights and please proceed with courtesy and caution.
Update: Today’s snow totals are, as of 3pm, up to two feet, making for a seasonal total of 62 inches!
Given the storm, we do have some closures for today:
There is no school for Bear Valley Unified School District on January 21, and the school district offices are also closed.
San Bernardino Valley College classes at Big Bear High School are canceled.
Also closed today are the offices of the Big Bear City Community Services District and the business offices of the Big Bear City Fire Department; also, trash pickup services for CSD customers have been suspended for today, and will resume when travel is safe for trucks.
The Big Bear Library is also closed today.
The Bear Valley Community Healthcare District canceled their finance meeting this morning, and per the Municipal Water District’s General Manager Scott Heule, a determination will be made later this morning, whether or not the MWD Board will hold their regular 1pm meeting this afternoon. Update: MWD will instead hold their meeting at 1pm on Monday, January 25.
The Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District’s Rainbow Kids Clubs are also closed for today. Rec and Park has also canceled all programs for this weekend, including youth and adult basketball, art, karate, gymnastics, dance and the Youth Center.
As of 9am, all local post offices remain open, though there will be no mail delivery, given the large truck restriction on mountain roads.
As of the 11am hour, MARTA transportation services are done for the day, and this includes both local bus routes and off-the-mountain service. MARTA customers who had scheduled Dial-a-Ride services for this afternoon will be contacted by MARTA. As of 5:30am tomorrow, patrons can call MARTA at 878-5200 for information on Friday bus service.
Other closures this week were noticed in stories posted on January 20 and January 19.
