How often does that happen? How much snow did they get?
JZ, I'm guessing that this closure came in advance of a much hyped storm. The forecast from 2 days ago is for snow above 4,500' in SoCal and northern
BC.
There are winter storms with snow every year at SPM in the higher elevations on the plateau. A few inches to 1' is typical, though I've seen snow to
3', with great backcountry skiing. The rare colder storms can bring the snow level down, almost to the valley below (east of Meling Ranch).
Another conjecture on my part: The park officials and rescue teams do not want a bunch of unprepared tourists getting stranded, hypothermic, or dying
on their watch. Better to close the park to tourists, in advance of a winter storm.
[Edited on 12-29-2021 by Maderita]Maderita - 12-29-2021 at 02:47 PM
