A couple of mudslides have occurred along the eastern Sierra, with a big one Thursday that closed Highway 395 between Olancha and the Coso Rest Area. That slide washed a big rig off the highway. The CHP reopened the highway at 2 a.m. today, and is escorting motorists around the slide. There's also a rock slide reported this morning on Highway 120 at Ellory Lake, near the eastern entrance to Yosemite. The CHP hasn't updated the report, but under the circumstances it would be a good idea to check road conditions before taking a trip south on Highway 395.
The snow level is now down to 8,500 feet as a front coming down from the Gulf of Alaska will drop temperatures 25-30 degrees. Expect showers and a few thunderstorms on Saturday and Sunday. High temperatures in the Sierra valleys are expected to hit the low 60s by Sunday.
The red flag goes up at noon today as high winds and low humidity create critical fire weather. Expect winds 15-20 mph with gusts of 30 mph. The high is expected to hit 85 degrees today.
