Update: Spring Snowstorm Blankets Mother Lode

Photo by Tracey Petersen

Update at 11:35 am: The Calaveras Public Works Department reports that Six Mile Road is completely back open in Murphys after being closed for a couple of hours because of downed trees and power lines.

Update at 10:20 am: A majority of the downed trees that have been impacting traffic on major thoroughways in the Mother Lode are now removed following the storm system, but there are still some trouble areas.

In Tuolumne County, the CHP reports as of 10:20 am that there is a tree blocking Bay Meadows Drive near Racetrack Road.

A large tree is also blocking Campo Seco Road near Lime Kiln Road.

In Calaveras County, 6 Mile Road in Murphys remains closed from Ironstone Vineyards to Highway 4. Also in Murphys, there are power lines down on Sheep Ranch Road near Church Street.

Regarding snow removal, the Calaveras Public Works Department reports, “We are working diligently with our available resources to address as many needs throughout the County as possible. With the volume of downed trees and powerlines, our staffing resources are spread thinner than usual which may cause delays in snow removal activities. Our goal is to provide the best possible service with the resources available.”

Tuolumne County Transit is starting route 1 at 10:30 and route 2 will start at 12:30 pm. There will be reduced services for dial a ride.

A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect for the region until 11 pm.

Update at 8:52 am: Calaveras Public Works has closed Six Mile Road in Murphys from Ironstone Vineyards to Highway 4 due to multiple downed trees and power lines. It is unclear how long the stretch will be closed, but Public Works says it will be reopened “as soon as possible.”

Update at 8:37 am: Interfaith Social Services is closed today along with the legal services it offers.

Update at 8 am: Due to the hazardous road conditions from the snowstorm, the ATCAA Food Bank will be closed today, April 5. It means they will not be distributing food at the Food Club Van Apartment pop-ups today. Regular service will resume on Monday, April 8.

Update at 7:21 am: In response to the weather, Tuolumne County Administrator Tracie Riggs reports, “In an abundance of caution for the safety of our employees, the Board of Supervisors and I have decided to call a snow day for Friday, April 5. All County buildings will be closed, except public safety and road crews. We encourage employees and the community to limit travel which will reduce the impacts on our road crews trying to plow roads and law enforcement, fire personnel and EMS for safety-related issues.”

Update at 7:12 am: Sonora City Hall is closed today due to the weather conditions.

Update at 7 am: The snow is also impacting Waste Management services in Tuolumne County. The company reports, “Due to inclement weather, WM’s buyback and earth resources services will remain closed today. The hazardous conditions will impact curbside collection. Customers will receive a notification outlining the recovery plan. Make sure your notification preferences are up to date by visiting wm.com/login.”

Original story posted at 6:18 am: Sonora, CA — The calendar may say spring, but the conditions are winterlike in the Mother Lode today.

Several inches of low-elevation snow is leaving behind several traffic hazards this morning. The Sonora PD reports that there are trees down or other types of hazards in areas like Snell and Bonanza, North Shepherd, and multiple trees on Mono Way near Greenley Road. The CHP adds that are also trees down on Campo Seco Road, Lyons Bald Mountain Road, Highway 49 near Rawhide Road, Highway 4 near Utica Powerhouse Road, and Parrotts Ferry Road. Others are sure to be located as the morning goes on.

Snowplows are out, but some have been facing challenges due to the snow.

Passenger vehicles are also getting stuck in some parts of the area.

There are numerous power outages. Some of the hardest hit areas are Columbia, Angels Camp, Murphys and Arnold. PG&E does not have an estimated restoration time because they are so widespread.

Tuolumne County Transit reports that there are no Groveland buses running today, Route 1 will start at 7:51 am at the Sonora Post office, Route Two will start at 8:30 am at the main transit center, and dial a ride is on a two-hour delay.

Most schools are canceled today, click here to find the latest list. Tuolumne County government offices will open at 11 am. Tuolumne County Superior Court will open at 10 am.

To read the latest from the National Weather Service, click here. 

To view the latest chain requirement information on local highways, click here.