Winter Storm in California, January 12 to 13, 1997

An upper level trough, rotating around a strong upper low retrograding southwestward from Idaho into western Nevada, tapped considerable Pacific moisture and Arctic air, resulting in heavy precipitation, thunderstorms, and gusty winds across most of southern California. On the coasts, waves up to 10 feet pounded west facing beaches, along with 1 to 2 inch rains. Inland, 1 to 3 inches of rain contributed to a multitude of automobile accidents and local flooding of roadways. Lightning from thunderstorms, and falling tree branches, severed electricity to thousands. One storm, early on the thirteenth, left a 10 block area of Cypress and Buena Park, in Orange County, with dime size hail up to 1 foot deep. In the mountains, heavy snow, sleet, and wind combined to snap trees and power lines. Snowfall of 1.5 to 3 feet was common on elevations above 2500 feet with amounts increasing above 8000 feet. In the San Gorgonio Wilderness, blizzard conditions accompanied by single digit temperatures and 4 foot deep snow, stranded a family of hikers who were later rescued. In the Cuyamaca Mountains of San Diego County, a 9 year old boy suffered hypothermia while hiking with two other adults. It took up to a week to restore electric and phone service to some mountain communities. In the high deserts around the Yucca Valley, hundreds lost power and cable service, when a relay station was damaged by the wind.