1949 Snow In Los Angeles

Above, ladies with a snowman in North Hollywood in 1949. 

It is funny that Southern California is bracing for blizzard conditions, according to news reports. Snow in the mountains above Los Angeles and along the Grapevine on Interstate 5 is not unusual.

Back in 1988, we had a clampout at Crystal Lake in the snow with Platrix Chapter No. 2. I had a tent trailer at the time and we were comfortable inside with the propane heater I had. Snow was on the ground when we arrived and it snowed off and on during the clampout. Some guys couldn't handle it and left. We stayed and got a special commemorative patch for our efforts.

As far as snow in the L.A. basin and the San Fernando Valley is concerned, it happened in 1949. This was a little before my time, mind you.

From the Los Angeles Times archives:

On Jan. 10, 1949, in the middle of the worst housing shortage in Los Angeles history, more than half an inch of snow covered the Civic Center. The San Fernando Valley was pelted with the unfamiliar white stuff for three days, accumulating almost a foot. The Rose Bowl was transformed into “a dishpan full of milk,” by one account. An Alhambra hardware store put up a sign that said, “Snow Plows for Rent — Hurry!” A snowman appeared in Eagle Rock, wearing a sombrero, and the city of Reno, Nev., sent L.A. a snow shovel.

We had some snow mixed with hail in the South Bay around 1978. And, in 1988, we had some snow in Warner Center in the San Fernando Valley. I remember being in both.

Snow is extremely rare in L.A., so when it does happen, the locals go crazy in trying to deal with it.

To see some photos of the L.A. snow, go here.

Possible More Snow Today

Above, eight miles away. McKinley County Office of Emergency Management.

The blizzard of yesterday was something else. On top of the snowfall, we also had high winds exceeding 50 mph at times. At times, I couldn't see the front or back yards. 

It is hard to tell just how much snow we received. The winds blew much of it here and there, so gauging the amount is not something that I have any expertise with.

Still, we had plenty, enough to keep me indoors for another day. At least I accomplished something: I found the missing 1892 Barber quarter. It was in a bag of Cuban money left over from the 2010 cruise to Havana.

According to the Weather Channel app on my phone, we have a 50% chance for more snow today. The National Weather Service pegs it as 40%,

Here's what the weekend ahead looks like:

Overnight

A 40 percent chance of snow showers. Cloudy, with a low around 18. Southwest wind around 15 mph. Total nighttime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Thursday

A 40 percent chance of snow showers, mainly between 11am and 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 35. Breezy, with a southwest wind 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 19. South wind 15 to 20 mph.

Friday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 44. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph.

Friday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 27. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday

Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 54.

Saturday Night

A 20 percent chance of snow showers after 11pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 31.

Sunday

Snow showers likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 40. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

The Great Blizzard of 2023

A few minutes ago, I took a look outside of the front door.

This is what I saw. The kitties will have soggy food when it thaws out.

It's about 2-3" now. More snow is on the way!

Snow: Not Much Here But Albuquerque Has A Blizzard Warning

Above, the front yard this morning. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last night's snowfall wasn't as much as many of us expected, given the weather reports.

It appears to be about a quarter inch to a half inch of it fell since it started last evening. The walkways are barren of it, so I won't have to do any shoveling this morning.

However, more is expected later this morning and later today. At least, that's according to the National Weather Service.

It is interesting to note that there's a blizzard warning for Albuquerque now until 11:00 this morning.

The forecast:

Today

Snow before 11am, then snow showers likely, mainly between 11am and 5pm. High near 30. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Tonight

A 20 percent chance of snow showers before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 13. South wind around 5 mph becoming west after midnight.

Returning Home In A Blizzard

Above, the car before bringing it into the garage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Heading down to Denny's at the Flying J was no problem. The snow showers stopped and the pavement was just wet.

Coming back home was a bit of a different story.

Leaving the Flying J wasn't too difficult. Some snow showers were coming down, but it wasn't too much to be concened about. But as I was going further up the hill on Whispering Cedars Road, the snowflakes were more numerous and bigger.

I go to the house okay and I got into the garage to open the garage door. But after I opened it and started walking back to the car to drive it in, I slipped and fell on my butt. Thankfully, there was a good layer of soft snow to land on. So I just laughed.

I got the car into the garage and headed inside the house. It looks like I'll be spending the rest of the day indoors.

The Blizzard Has Started

The blizzard from the Round 3 storm has started.

It wasn't expected (at least according to The Weather Channel) for about another hour, but about ten minutes ago, the rain showers turned into a snow blizzard. It is coming down pretty hard and is already accumulating on the ground.

Since I am basically a "shut-in" today, for something to do, I started to do some laundry.

This has to be the hardest snowfall since last winter. I might as well get used to it.

Above and below, the views from my bedroom window. Photos by Armand Vaquer.

Snow: Round One Has Arrived

Above, the view from the back door. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Round One of three storms expected to hit Jamestown this week arrived last night.

Just before 10:00 last night, I heard noise of something hitting the windows. Sure enough, we had a snowstorm. It looked like a blizzard.

Above, the yard behind the garage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This morning, from what I was able to see since it is still dark out, it looks like about two inches of snow fell during the night.

Above, the snow shovel ready for use. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Earlier in the day yesterday, after I put the Jeep into the garage, I grabbed the snow shovel and brought it into the house. It appears to be a good thing that I did.

Visit Cortez, Colorado

Above, one of several Anasazi cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Cortez, Colorado is the gateway town to Mesa Verde National Park. It is a handy place to get provisions before heading the the park if one is lucky enough to get a campsite there. But there are RV parks and campgrounds in Cortez.

The last time I was in Cortez was three years ago. It was an early November morning and I was driving into town from Durango when it a little blizzard started. As I had to refuel in town anyway, I got off the highway and hung out at a gas station/travel center (with plenty of hot coffee) until the blizzard pretty much ended.

Above, at a Cortez travel center. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Do It Yourself RV has an article on five reasons why people need to visit Cortez.

They begin with:

Recently, my family accidentally stumbled across the adorable town of Cortez, Colorado. We had planned on taking another route entirely and changed our plans at the last minute. Boy, are we glad we did. We fell in love with this spot and plan to return sometime in the near future. 

Wondering what on earth could be so great about a spot that so few people know about? Below are the top 5 reasons we adored this hidden gem and why we hope you will go check it out for yourselves.

To read more, go here. 

Snow Shoveling and Heart Attacks

Above, the new snow shovel. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Ever since my "little" heart episode last summer, I have been careful in watching my diet, taking my meds and getting some exercise.

After the New Year's blizzard hit New Mexico, I went and bought a snow shovel. Last winter, the snow wasn't enough of a hindrance to warrant getting a shovel. But the New Year's blizzard dumped 14" of snow in the area. There's still plenty of it left on the ground, even though almost two weeks have passed.

Above, the mesas following the New Year's blizzard. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Shoveling snow has led to heart attacks, some of which had hit otherwise healthy people.

According to AccuWeather:

As winter kicks off and snowstorms strike across the country, an unsuspected risk arises when performing outside activities like shoveling. 

“It has been shown by many, many studies that there are more heart attacks in the December-January timeframe,” Doctor Samin Sharma, director of Clinical and Interventional Cardiology at The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, said. 

While intense cardio exercise certainly puts a strain on the heart, cold weather is an exacerbating factor which leads to an increase in heart-related failures and fatalities over the winter season. 

These factors can even put an otherwise healthy person at risk. 

Cold weather causes the arteries to constrict, which then raises blood pressure and pulse rate. These increases put additional strain on the heart.

That's why I do snow shoveling a little at a time.

To read more, go here. 

New Year's Deep Snow

Above, the big pine in front. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A little while ago, I took a walk outside to take pictures of the snow. It was not as easy a thing to do than I thought. I went out to feed the stray cat, PK, and went on with my camera.

The snow was deep enough to offer resistance as I took steps. It came up to the tops of my boots. Although I didn't walk too far (just to the front of the Barking Spider Acre on the street), it was still some good exercise.

It was still cold and some snowflakes were falling while I was out. The cold kind of fogged my camera lens.

Here's more photos:

Above, PK having breakfast. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, The Beast. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the front yard. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, The Beast and the front of the house and garage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the mesas and a train going through the snowy valley. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the GOCO Beast Barn and Barking Spider Road. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the front of the house. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

New Year's Day Snow

Above, the patio table looks like it has 6 to 8" of new snow. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that the sun has risen, I was able to see how much snow we got overnight.

It looks like we received a substantial amount on top of what was dumped last weekend. The storm isn't finished. We're expecting more during the day. This is the deepest snow I've seen since I moved here.

Of course, I took out the camera and took some photos:

Above, the bottom of the gate is completely covered. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, it doesn't look I'll be going anywhere today. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the barbecue is completely covered. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, one of the deck lights. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, it doesn't look like I'll be cooking outdoors for a while. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

New Year's Eve Show Has Started

Above, snow has already started falling. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Well, the National Weather Service said it is going to start snowing today. Sure enough, it is! It will be a show of snow!

It already started here in Jamestown. It is coming down pretty hard right now. The usual breakfast group are supposed to meet up this morning at Denny's at the Flying J. Maybe plans will be changed?

New Year's Weather Forecast

Above, the GOCO Beast Barn and Barking Spider Road. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The lull before the upcoming storm is ending tomorrow morning.

For now, we have clear skies but frigid temperatures. The snow from last Friday is still on the ground, but the roads are almost clear. We still have icy roads in our community. But the upcoming snows will replenish all that in short order.

According to the National Weather Service:

Tonight

Increasing clouds, with a low around 9. Wind chill values as low as -2. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Monday

Snow likely, mainly after 11am. Cloudy, with a high near 24. Wind chill values as low as -1. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Monday Night

Snow. Low around 12. South wind 5 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.

New Year's Day

Snow. High near 21. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming east in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Tuesday Night

A 30 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around -3. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest after midnight.

Wednesday

A 20 percent chance of snow before 11am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 25.

50th RV Park Review Posted

Above, The Beast at the Sky City RV Park. A blizzard was in progress. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last night, I posted my 50th RV park review at (where else?) RV Park Reviews.

It was on the Sky City RV Park in Acoma, New Mexico.

In a nutshell:

During a blizzard that hit New Mexico, I decided to pull into the Sky City RV Park to spend the night. It was 11:00. The office was dark and closed. There was no directions on where to register. I figured I'd pull into a site and pay the next morning. The next morning, I left the RV park and went to their travel center and bought gasoline. It was still blizzard conditions out. The gasoline was only $1.99/gallon. I asked an attendant on where to pay for the RV park site. They told me the front desk at the hotel across the street. I went there and the front desk clerk said she closed out yesterday's registrations and couldn't add my stay. I suggested that she log me in as an after midnight arrival so she could put it down as a next day's registration so I could pay. For some reason she couldn't do that. She said that she won't charge me for the stay. The park itself, from what I could see of it, as it was dark and covered in snow, was nice and organized with relatively spacious sites. We camped at Sky City RV Park in a Motorhome.

It is hard to believe after nearly four years since I bought The Beast that I have been to 50 RV parks. It shows that I am getting a lot of use out of The Beast.

To read more, go here. 

Glad I'm Not There Now!

Above, The Beast at the Limon KOA in November 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in November 2016, I was heading back west into Colorado from Kansas along Interstate 70 

after visiting the Dwight D. Eisenhower Library in Abilene, Kansas.

The weather was cool, but manageable.

However, parts of that stretch of I-70 into Limon, Colorado were closed due to blizzard conditions.

KOAA News reported:

A powerful spring snow storm has caused multiple road closures on Colorado's eastern plains. 

High wind warnings and blizzard warnings have been issued across eastern Colorado and western Kansas. Blizzard conditions are expected to last through Saturday morning. 

CDOT said that I-70 has been closed from Limon to the Kansas border with no estimated time of reopening. The closure is extending to Airpark Road as of 3:50 p.m.

News such as this certainly does bring back travel memories. I stayed at the Limon, Colorado KOA. I remember it mostly for all the bunnies running around.

To read more, go here. 

Spring Has Sprung (Or Has It?)

Above, the aftermath of a blizzard two days ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

According to the calendar, today is the first day of spring. With that, we should be seeing more moderate weather (warmer and less snow).

So far, it is just a balmy 15° outside. Shirtsleeve weather, eh?

I will be glad to see the temperatures warm up so I can start working in the garage to clear out the used boxes from my move. Some, that are in reasonably good shape, will be kept.

Then, when the weather is warmer, I will get estimates on having the deck painted. It is best to paint decks during the late spring. Once the deck is painted, I will concentrate on getting some of the rooms patched and painted.

Snowmelt

Above, the walkway is almost clear. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Evidence that we had a little blizzard here is rapidly disappearing.

A few minutes ago, I went outside and found that the snow is melting away and the walkway is almost completely clear.

Above, just a little snow is left on The Beast's hood. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The snow on the Mustang is disappearing as is the snow on The Beast.

Above, this little bit of snow on the Mustang will be gone shortly. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Right now, we have blue skies with some clouds, but there's winds up to 29 mph. That is probably hastening the snowmelt.

Blizzard Aftermath

Above, down the hill, a line of vehicles on eastbound I-40 can be seen. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The blizzard stopped (at least for now) and I stepped outside to sweep the porch and the walkway.

While outside, I noticed a long line of vehicles (trucks, cars, RVs) slowly moving eastward on Interstate 40 (it is about a half mile away). Either there was an accident up ahead or they were slowly moving to get off the highway at the Exit 39 off-ramp and go to the Flying J. I tend to think it's the latter.

Above, the Mustang covered with snow. Photo by Armand Vaquer

The blizzard left about an inch of snow on everything. There may be more coming.

In the meantime, here's some more photos:

Above, the side and back yards. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, looking eastward. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, vehicles still moving slowly on eastbound I-40. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

UPDATE: 

I just returned from the Flying J and a clerk I know told me there was a pile up of vehicles due to whiteout conditions caused by the storm this morning. The pile up involved cars and semi trucks. Traffic was backed up for three hours, she said.

Blizzard!

The most intense snowstorm since I moved to Jamestown, New Mexico is going on right now. At least, this is the most intense I've seen (who knows how hard the snow feel while I slept).

All this accumulated during the past 35 minutes.

I stepped out to the front porch and snapped a few pictures:

And this one from a dining room window of The Beast and the Mustang:

The Great Chiba Blizzard of 2014

Above, yours truly waiting for the train to depart for Tokyo from Chiba Prefecture. No, this was not a selfie.

Traveling to another country is an adventure itself, but unexpected things that can and do occasionally happen make the adventure even more memorable.

That happened to me upon arrival in Japan. As we were landing, snow covered the ground at Narita International Airport in Chiba Prefecture. I didn't think too much of it at the time as it looked like a light dusting.

Things got even more interesting. After going through Immigration, baggage pick-up, Customs and currency exchange, I went downstairs to the Keisei Line ticket counter to get my ticket on the Skyliner to head into Tokyo. After that was accomplished, I headed over to the train gate to wait for my train, which was scheduled to depart at 1658 (4:58 PM).

Above, a train passenger standing out in the snow. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There was an earlier train still at the gate. We kept waiting for it to depart and it was still there during the time my train was supposed to depart. First, we heard there was an accident of some sort. Then we heard it was delayed due to snow. Then, the train sitting there had its departure cancelled and all other upcoming Skyliner departures were cancelled. We then had to go to the ticket counter again for a refund as the regular Keisei Line's fare was different.

Above, some of my fellow passengers. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

At the counter, I turned in my ticket and got my refund with no problem. I asked what do they recommend? They said the Keisei Line was also cancelled and to go to the limousine bus counter. So I did.

At the limousine bus counter, I was told that there were no limousine buses going out. They said to go to the Keisei Line counter. So I did.

At the Keisei Line counter, I told them that I was told that there were no trains going out. They checked and said that they were still going out. So I got my ticket and beelined it to the gate.

The train arrived in a few minutes and I boarded it. We then departed for Tokyo. So far, so good.

Above and below, the train stuck at Yachiyodai Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Then, a few stops after departure, we noticed snow coming down. Not hard, but it was still falling. Then, at another station stop, we just sat there for about fifteen minutes. The conductor said that the delay was due to snow. As this was a limited express train, there was supposed to be fewer station stops, but due to the snow, they would stop at all of them. We then departed. A few stops later, the train sat at a station again (Yachiyodai Station) and the conductor announced that we can't go due to snow.  After an hour or two, we were told that it would take three hours for the train to be ready to depart, which would make the departure at about midnight. We were stuck in Chiba Prefecture. The snow was falling hard now.

Midnight came and went. We then were told that we won't be able to leave until it was safe. I said out loud, "Welcome to Tokyo." Quite a number of my fellow passengers, including Japanese, laughed over that. A lot of them understood English, it appears.

Above, just before dawn, passengers in my train car sleeping. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In the meantime, it became blizzard conditions. The snow got to about six inches deep at the station (who knows how deep it was further on). Some of us, including me, didn't have a seat on the train and stood for over five hours. Then, at 1:00 in the morning, some got word that buses were available to take passengers to a school evacuation center. About half of the train's passengers went for the bus. I remained on the train. Thankfully, it was heated and by then I had a seat. So I took some nap breaks.

Above, my train (left) was joined by two more trains at Yachiyodai Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

At dawn, we were still sitting at the Yachiyodai Station with no word on when the train would depart for Tokyo. Some of us wandered around the station, getting food and using the restroom.  Some people were told that buses would come to take them into Tokyo. They left for the bus waiting areas. Good thing I didn't go as they stood out in the cold for over three hours. I went back to the train, at least it was toasty warm inside.

Above, workers shoveling snow from the tracks. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While we were waiting in the train car, we saw workers begin shoveling snow off the tracks. This seemed to be a good sign. Yet, we kept waiting. Eventually, a pilot train arrived to test the condition of the tracks heading to Narita International Airport to make certain that the tracks were safe to use.

Above, the night's blizzard turned the village near the station into a winter wonderland. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We then were told that we needed go to another train to head in the direction of Narita to go to the second station down to catch a train to Tokyo (two steps back for one step forward).  This we did and we eventually got a train heading in the direction of Tokyo. Finally! And it was around 10:00 in the morning! We sat waiting for 16 hours.

Above, the Ueno section of Tokyo. The top of the Skytree is in the background. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I eventually got to my hotel on Sunday (22 hours after landing) at 2:00 PM. There was snow on the ground in Tokyo as well.

I guess this adventure could be called, "The Great Chiba Blizzard of 2014."

Obviously, that was an experience I would not want to repeat again!