Winter Weather Advisory to Impact Yosemite

The National Weather Service warns of snow accumulation starting October 21.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Forecasts

Heavy snow falls over a granite cliff and snow-covered evergreen branches in a cold, wintry forest landscape. — The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for Yosemite National Park, warning of significant snow and hazardous travel conditions. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory for Yosemite and surrounding areas, set to run from October 21, 2026, at 11 a.m. through October 22, 2026, at 11 a.m. This system threatens to deliver significant snowfall that will likely create hazardous conditions on regional highways.

Why it matters

The advisory highlights anticipated snowfall and slick road surfaces that pose significant risks to motorists in high-elevation areas. Falling ice and snow can also cause infrastructure hazards, including tree limbs and power lines snapping under the weight.

Meteorologists forecast an 80% probability of 4 inches or more of snow along Tioga Pass and Highway 120. Areas above 8,000 feet in Tulare, Madera, and Fresno counties face a 50 to 60% chance of meeting this same accumulation threshold.

The players

National Weather Service

This federal agency is responsible for providing weather forecasts, warnings of hazardous weather, and other weather-related products to organizations and the public.

Yosemite

Yosemite is a protected national park in the Sierra Nevada mountains known for its giant sequoias and dramatic waterfalls.

The details

Snowfall is expected to create dangerous driving conditions on roads, bridges, and overpasses throughout the region. Officials warn that heavy accumulation may cause ice to build up on power lines and tree branches, leading to potential falling hazards.

The National Weather Service issued the advisory on October 20, 2026.
The advisory period begins October 21, 2026, at 11 a.m.
The advisory period ends October 22, 2026, at 11 a.m.

Seasonal Patterns

The advisory follows the established criteria within the National Weather Service's winter weather advisory thresholds for high-elevation snowfall. This event follows a pattern set by standard meteorological protocols for winter storm warnings in the Sierra Nevada range.

Drivers should exercise extreme caution on Tioga Pass and Highway 120 as roads will likely become slick and hazardous during the advisory window. Residents in the affected counties should prepare for potential power outages caused by ice accumulation on lines.

The takeaway

Nationally, weather-related vehicle accidents result in over 6,000 fatalities and 480,000 injuries every year. Planning for winter driving conditions before departure is the most effective way to improve road safety during these high-risk intervals.