NWS: Snow at elevation rarely seen in Southern California

A very cold upper low pressure system tracked across California on February 21, 2019, bringing scattered showers, with snow showers down to extremely low levels, and isolated thunderstorms with hail.

Snow showers were reported by spotters in Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Calabasas, Northridge, Pasadena, all at elevations between 210 and 305 m (700 and 1 000 feet) or so. Snow was also reported in portions of the Santa Clarita Valley, which is a bit higher in elevation, NWS reports.

Most amazingly, snow was even reported right at some beaches, including Malibu Pier and Leo Carrillo Beach, and near sea level at Fire Station 71 at Point Dume. In most areas, the snow melted as it hit the ground.

No snow was reported in Downtown Los Angeles. The last time that any snow was reported there was in 1962, when a trace of snow was reported on 2 consecutive days, January 21 and 22.

Measurable snow has fallen in Downtown Los Angeles just twice since records began 142 years ago in 1877. The heavier snowfall occurred on January 15, 1932, when 50.8 cm (2.0 inches) of snow was recorded. The other time measurable snow was reported, and the most recent, was on January 9, 1949, more than 70 years ago. On that day, 7.62 mm (0.3 inches) of snow was measured.

The last significant and widespread measurable snow to affect the Los Angeles and Ventura County valleys was on February 8, 1989, when up to 127 mm (5 inches) of snow fell in portions of the San Fernando Valley westward to Thousand Oaks and Simi Valley.

Read more: Rare snowfall in Los Angeles County, Las Vegas had 5^th February snow day, first since 1949 – February 22, 2019 (The Watchers)

Source: NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard Public Information Statement PNSLOX

Featured image: Snow at Santa Monica Mountains on February 21, 2019. Credit: Santa Monica Mountains