Snow in the Bay Area

Mother Nature has performed a reboot here in California. After several years of dry winters causing severe drought conditions all over the state, we have seen relentless pummeling of rain and snow all season long. We have seen historic rainfall amounts not seen in ages, and snowfall in places where the snow rarely falls. In the peaks, snow stays put for days, not like in previous years when we get flurries they disappear in hours. Because of this, as of mid March, 64% of California (99% of the Bay Area) is cleared of any drought classification.

Residents naturally welcomed the rainfall. We all have seen way too many wildfires in the summer time due to arid conditions. Now, the snow is a treat for all of us, especially here in the Bay Area. We did not need to drive 3 hours to go to the mountain for a little snow day experience.

The closest peak to where I live in the Bay Area is Mount Diablo State Park. Mount Diablo rises 3,849 feet and received so much fuss from residents when when its peak got snow covering and the snow stayed for days. When the snow was falling, the roads were closed, not that we were keen on going up there right that minute. When our schedule finally allowed us to visit, it was days later - at least a week later. How surprised are we that there were still snow on the ground. On this day, we didn't get all the way to the top where the Visitor Center was because the road was closed.

Here are some photos I took of that day.

So surprised that there are still lingering reminders of the past snow fall.

As we ascent we got more excited.

The husband and I found this scene too funny and typical of Bay Area - how excited we are to see the presence of snow here. This is the end of the driving line for us, no going up any farther. So we started to explore on foot.

In my opinion, this is a lot of snow still hanging around days later.

A lot of cleaning up after all the storms are over.

We didn't climbed up to see what's up there anymore since it was getting late and a few minutes later, we were being ushered to drive down the mountain.

Note to self, revisit this majestic tree sometime this spring.

On the drive back, we caught the sunset.

A week earlier, we were driving to get some take out food when we spotted snow-covered peak from the freeway. Naturally we got interested and took the first exit and drove towards where we think we could get a better view of the scene. We guessed this was Mount St Helena in Napa. What was amusing was that there were two other cars like us who drove out here to take photos. However, they are more prepared than us because they were lugging real cameras with long lenses while we had to make do with our phone cameras.

Sometimes you get lucky and be there when the sun sets.

I have a few more Bay Area/California related posts waiting in the wings before I start a new series. I went on a trip in mid January and I cannot wait to share my experiences with you all.