Big Bear Valley, CA — We have now had five months of winter here in the Big Bear Valley, as our first snowfall arrived on Friday, the 13th of November. With another three inches of snow since the early morning hours today, April 12, snow totals for the 2009/2010 season are now at 119 inches [as of 8am]—or just one inch shy of 10 feet of snow! We may hit that mark today, however, as the National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the San Bernardino mountains, which remains in effect until 6pm for mountain areas above the 6000’ elevation line. In addition to the possibility of more snow accumulation, we can also expect southwest winds of 20 to 35 miles per hour, with gusts up to 50 miles per hour also possible. This potential for snowing and blowing could make driving difficult, and there is the likelihood of reduced visibility, particularly for those traveling on Highway 18 beyond the Big Bear dam west toward the Lake Arrowhead area. As for our roads, chain restrictions have just been lifted [as of 8:30am] on Highway 18 the back way toward the desert communities, though R2 chain controls do remain in place for all other mountain roads, including Highway 18 the front way, Highway 38, and roads within the Big Bear Valley, while Highway 330 remains closed. R2 chain restrictions 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. For updated road information, visit the KBHR Big Bear Road Conditions page, which is updated as soon as we bring you the latest on the air at 93.3 FM.
