Storms do not disappoint: Claremont sees snow … twice!
by Mick Rhodes | editor@claremont-courier.com
Claremont was treated to two incredibly rare atmospheric events this past week, as a pair of snowstorms rolled through the region, bringing significant accumulation in the northern areas of the city for the first time since the 1970s, according to longtime residents.
The big storm came through Saturday, February 25, dumping more than eight feet of snow in the highest elevations of Mt. Baldy, and causing nearly everyone in the City of Trees to immediately go outside and document the rare event on social media. On Wednesday, snow flurries were reported as far south as El Roble Intermediate School on Mountain and Harrison avenues, but the event was over in under 20 minutes and melted just as fast.
Saturday’s storm resulted in the closure of Mt. Baldy Road to all but Baldy Village residents. The closure remained in effect as of Thursday but didn’t stop a daily deluge of tourists and locals from parking along Mt. Baldy Road and tromping out into the snow for some ice-cold fun.
The forecast does not call for any precipitation over the next week, but with nighttime lows remaining in the 30s, the now picturesque, snow-capped mountain vistas should stick around for the foreseeable future.
Saturday’s once-in-a generation storm made for a beautiful winter scene Sunday near Baldy Road, left, and Mt. Baldy, center. Access to Baldy Village and the ski lifts remained blocked Sunday morning, with vehicles being diverted at Shinn Road. Nevertheless, Baldy Road continued to fill up with people parking on the side of the road. Officials say snow seekers should wait until at least Monday to drive up, weather permitting. Courier photo/Peter Weinberger
Snow falls on Padua Avenue at about 11 a.m. Saturday, February 25. Courier photo/Peter Weinberger
Even the Courier offices at 114 Olive St. saw a light dusting of snow on Saturday, February 25. Courier photo/Andrew Alonzo
A family enjoys the falling snow at Padua Park at about 11:30 a.m. Saturday, January 25. Courier photo/Peter Weinberger
A spectacular shot taken Saturday, February 25 shows Mt. Baldy, upper right, and the Mt. Baldy Road tunnel, bottom left. The higher elevations of the local San Gabriel Mountain range received up to eight feet of snow during the powerful storm. Baldy Road, shown leading into the tunnel, was blocked south of Baldy Village, open to residents only. Courier photo/Peter Weinberger
With such a beautiful, snow-covered scene, photo-takers were a typical sight along Baldy Road on Wednesday, March 1. With parking at a premium, this photo was also taken from a moving car. Courier photo/Peter Weinberger
The snowstorm that swept through Claremont Saturday, February 25 brought a fairly large crowd to Palmer Canyon Road, where about an inch of the white stuff had accumulated by 11 a.m. Courier photo/Steven Felschundneff
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