
FRESNO, Calif. (KMJ/KFSN) — With active weather headed for Central California, local and state leaders are urging people to be prepared, especially for those living in the mountain burn scar areas.
The incoming rain is triggering flood watches in both Madera and Mariposa counties.
There are also flooding concerns for other parts of the Sierra Foothills that the National Weather Service is keeping a close watch on.
State leaders say, the vegetation in those areas has yet to grow back from previous wildfires and that could cause problems, especially during a heavy rain.
With more wet weather on the way, sand bag filling locations are open in both Madera and Mariposa counties.
State leaders also have resources set up around California.
The higher elevations are also expected to see snow dumped in the area.
The second snow survey measured at just 46 percent of the average at the Phillips station near Lake Tahoe.
If you are planning to head to those sandbag stations, you do need to bring your own shovel.
If your plans take you into the higher elevations, officials say it’s best to delay them.
Make sure you’re checking those road conditions and always carry tire chairs. They can be required for any car at any time.
Sandbag locations are ready for residents in both Madera and Mariposa counties.
In Mariposa County they can be found at the below locations:
- Mormon Bar Fire Station: 4621 Highway 49 South near fairgrounds
- Don Pedro (Station 24) 9729 Merced Falls Rd
- Coulterville (Station 26) 10293 Ferry Rd
- Catheys Valley (Station 23) 2820 Highway 140
Residents should know to bring their own shovel. Some bags may be pre-filled, but most are not and require you to fill them on your own.
People can also sign up for emergency alerts.
While county leaders brace for any issues, China Peak is welcoming the storm systems.
They’re expecting one to two to four feet by the end of the week.
Meaning fresh powder for skiers and snowboarders ready to hit the slopes.
“Not just in China Peak all over the State, you know. Almost all of us have been relying a lot of machine made snow, but it’s been absolutely fantastic,” China Peak general manager Tim Cohee said. “You would never even know the difference. But it’s the natural snow, and it’s seen the snow, and that people want not just in California, but everywhere. So it does, even though it may not be all that different people certainly want to see the natural snow.”
If you do plan on heading up to China Peak, Cohee says you can always check in on their site for up to date ski conditions.
Here’s the site for Madera County notifications.
Here’s the site for Mariposa County notifications.
Listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern.