Winter Storm Warning Issued for Yosemite National Park and Upper San Joaquin River Through Wednesday Afternoon

Weather Alerts high NOAA · · Sierra Nevada Mountains, California

A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for high-elevation areas of the Sierra Nevada, with up to 24 inches of snow and 50 mph wind gusts expected through 4 PM PST Wednesday.

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Hanford, CA has issued a Winter Storm Warning for high-elevation regions. The alert is currently in effect and is scheduled to remain active until 4:00 PM PST this afternoon, February 11, 2026.

Affected Areas

The warning impacts the following geographic regions in California:

  • Yosemite National Park: Areas outside of the valley floor.
  • Upper San Joaquin River
  • Kaiser to Rodgers Ridge

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the affected zones should take immediate precautions:

  • Travel Safety: If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Travel could be very difficult.
  • Road Conditions: Obtain the latest road conditions for the state you are calling from by dialing 5-1-1.
  • Commute Planning: Be aware that hazardous conditions could impact the Wednesday morning commute.

Expected Conditions

  • Snow Accumulation: Heavy snow is expected. Total accumulations of 12 to 18 inches are forecast for areas above 7000 feet, with up to 24 inches possible at the highest elevations.
  • Wind Speeds: Winds are expected to gust as high as 40 to 50 mph.
  • Hazardous Impacts: The combination of heavy snow and high winds will create very difficult travel conditions.

Timeline

  • Effective: Immediately as of 12:53 PM PST, Wednesday, February 11.
  • Expiration: The warning is set to expire at 4:00 PM PST this afternoon, February 11, 2026.