In January, the weather along the John Muir Trail varies significantly. Days fluctuate between sunny and cloudy periods, with frequent occurrences of moderate to heavy snow showers. Temperatures range widely, with daytime highs occasionally reaching up to 13°C while nights can plummet to freezing lows of -20°C. Notably, certain days experience significant precipitation, with some locations recording over 100mm of snowfall on particularly severe days. These weather patterns highlight the dynamic and sometimes harsh winter conditions in the Sierra Nevada region.
The Sierra Nevada experiences diverse weather conditions throughout January. Early in the month, there's a mix of sunshine and patchy moderate snow, bringing temperatures that range from highs of 9°C to lows as cold as -14°C. As the days progress, moderate or heavy snow showers become more frequent, particularly affecting areas like Donahue Pass and Garnet Lake. These snowy spells contribute to notable precipitation levels, with some days accumulating over 50mm of snow. Sun breaks occasionally intervene, offering brief reprieves with clearer skies.
Continuing through January, the middle of the month brings a series of colder temperatures with increased snowfall activity. Locations such as Lake Virginia and Red’s Meadow endure heavy snow showers, driving temperatures further down, with overnight lows nearing -20°C. Despite this harsh winter weather, sunny days sporadically reappear, especially in elevations like McClure Meadow, providing short pauses in the otherwise relentless snowy conditions.
Towards the month’s end, heavy snow and high-altitude cold persist, with Whitney Zone and Whitney Portal experiencing sustained heavy snow showers and freezing rain. Daytime highs remain frigid, often below freezing, as nighttime temperatures dive to extremes of -15°C. The overall January weather unfolds as a testament to the challenging winter atmosphere across the Sierra Nevada, characterized by substantial snowfalls and fluctuating temperatures.
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