In general, California is not known for its snow. Most people associate the state with sunny beaches, palm trees, and warm weather. However, California does have some areas where snow is common, particularly in the mountainous regions of the state.
The Sierra Nevada mountains, for example, are known for their heavy snowfall during the winter months. Ski resorts like Lake Tahoe and Mammoth Mountain are popular destinations for winter sports enthusiasts looking to hit the slopes.
But for most Californians, snow is a rarity. The coastal regions of the state rarely see snowfall, and even in the inland areas, snow is a relatively infrequent occurrence.
A week of heavy snowfall turned out to be disastruous
A week of heavy snowfall in Southern California has left residents and tourists stranded in the San Bernardino Mountains without adequate supplies, according to The New York Times. The snowstorm has buried parts of Southern California under as much as 10 feet of snow, with natural gas lines fractured and fire hydrants encased in ice.
Emergency workers and volunteers are scrambling to help scores of residents and tourists who are unaccustomed to the sheer amount of precipitation, leaving many people rationing food and pleading for help. Although the sun has been shining since the storm ended on Wednesday, imposing snow berms still trap people in cabins and cars in driveways, preventing them from leaving.
The state of California has declared a state of emergency in 13 counties affected by winter storms, including San Bernardino County, which has drawn greater attention because it is less accustomed to the volume of snow that has fallen there in recent days.
One amazing fact about heavy snowfall, in general, is that it can actually act as an insulator, trapping warmth from the ground and preventing it from escaping into the atmosphere. This is why animals like moose and wolves are able to survive in extremely cold climates – the snow creates a layer of warmth and protection around them. Additionally, snow has a high albedo, meaning it reflects sunlight back into space and helps to cool the planet.
