San Bernardino County is bracing for a powerful winter storm that forecasters say will bring feet of high-elevation snow, dangerous winds and treacherous mountain travel conditions through much of the week. The National Weather Service has issued an urgent warning for the San Bernardino County Mountains, cautioning that travel could become very difficult or even impossible at times as multiple waves of heavy snow and intense gusts sweep across Southern California’s highest passes.
Multiple Rounds of Heavy Snow Target San Bernardino Mountains
According to National Weather Service guidance, the storm affecting San Bernardino County will arrive in distinct rounds, with the first wave of significant snowfall moving in on Monday, February 16, and a second, colder system following late Tuesday into Wednesday. Forecasters expect the heaviest accumulations along the spine of the San Bernardino Mountains, including popular resort and residential communities above 6,000 feet.
Early projections call for 4 to 9 inches of snow between 6,000 and 7,000 feet during the first phase of the storm, with 9 to 14 inches from 7,000 to 8,000 feet and higher totals on the tallest peaks. As the second system arrives, additional moderate to heavy snow is expected to push totals far higher, especially along wind-exposed ridges and passes. Snow levels are forecast to start between roughly 6,800 and 7,500 feet before dropping steadily, reaching around 5,000 feet by early Tuesday and near 4,000 feet on Wednesday morning.
The lowering snow levels significantly expand the number of mountain roadways at risk for chain controls, closures and whiteout conditions. Forecasters warn that impacts may extend beyond the traditional high-country ski areas and into more heavily traveled corridors where commuters, delivery vehicles and visitors are less accustomed to driving in snow. That includes the Cajon Pass area along Interstate 15, where even a modest accumulation of wet snow and slush can cause rapid deterioration in driving conditions.
Winds Up to 70 Miles Per Hour Raise Risk of Whiteouts and Damage
In addition to the heavy snow, the storm system is expected to generate fierce winds across mountain ridges and desert-facing slopes. National Weather Service outlooks highlight the possibility of gusts exceeding 70 miles per hour along the desert slopes of the San Bernardino County Mountains, especially late Tuesday into Wednesday as the second surge of moisture and colder air arrives.
Earlier alerts for the region already flagged high wind potential, with southwest winds of 25 to 40 miles per hour and frequent gusts of 55 to 70 miles per hour possible in the higher terrain. Lower-elevation communities in the Apple and Lucerne Valleys, as well as foothill neighborhoods at the base of the mountains, are also under wind advisories with gusts commonly reaching 45 to 55 miles per hour. These conditions could down tree limbs, topple shallow-rooted trees, and lead to localized power outages at the same time snow and rain are intensifying.
Officials warn that the combination of blowing snow and strong wind will lead to near-zero visibility at times, especially on open stretches of mountain highway, in canyon passes and along high ridgelines. Even experienced drivers equipped with chains may find themselves unable to safely navigate when winds whip freshly fallen snow across the roadway. Travelers are urged to consider postponing any non-essential trips into the mountains during the most intense periods of the storm.
Travelers Urged to Rethink Mountain Plans as Presidents Day System Arrives
The winter storm is arriving during the Presidents Day holiday period, traditionally a busy time for recreation in the San Bernardino Mountains. Ski areas, snow-play destinations and rental cabins typically see a surge in visitors seeking fresh powder and alpine scenery. This year, however, officials are emphasizing safety over recreation, warning that conditions may deteriorate faster than many travelers expect.
With snow levels expected to fall and winds set to strengthen as the week begins, the National Weather Service and local agencies are advising drivers to avoid mountain travel if possible from Monday through at least Wednesday. Those who must travel for work or essential reasons are being told to prepare for long delays, possible detours and sudden closures as snowplows and emergency crews respond to rapidly changing conditions. Vehicles without proper winter equipment, including chains or snow-rated tires, are at high risk of becoming stranded.
Even before the heaviest snow arrives in the mountains, a strong cold front associated with the system is forecast to sweep across inland valleys and coastal areas on Monday, bringing periods of heavy rain, gusty winds and isolated thunderstorms. This will complicate departure and return trips for those heading toward the high country, as lowland freeways may see ponding water, reduced visibility and strong crosswinds at the same time that mountain roads are becoming snow covered.
San Bernardino County Mobilizes Crews and Public Safety Resources
County agencies are moving quickly to prepare for the storm, drawing on lessons from previous severe winter events that have isolated communities and overwhelmed infrastructure. Public works departments are staging snowplows, graders and de-icing equipment near key corridors and residential areas, with crews expected to work extended shifts once snowfall begins to accumulate. Flood-control teams are also on alert, monitoring drainage channels below burn scars and steep slopes where heavy rain on snow or frozen ground can trigger sudden runoff.
County fire and sheriff’s officials are coordinating with state and federal partners to position rescue resources in strategic locations ahead of the worst weather. That includes specialized units trained in mountain rescue, swift-water response and high-angle operations. In past storms, rescuers have been called out to assist stranded motorists, backcountry hikers and residents who become cut off by deep snow or fallen trees. Authorities hope that strong, early messaging will reduce the number of avoidable emergencies by convincing people to delay leisure trips into the mountains until the storm passes.
Emergency managers are encouraging residents to make use of county readiness tools, such as opt-in text and phone alerts, and to check local broadcast and official social media channels for evolving information on road conditions, shelter availability and potential evacuation advisories. In the most vulnerable communities, outreach teams are working with people who lack permanent housing to offer transportation and temporary shelter away from areas most likely to see flooding, debris flows or extreme wind impacts.
Regional Context: California Mountains Brace for a Broader Winter Onslaught
The San Bernardino County warning comes as California faces a broader pattern of powerful winter storms sweeping in from the Pacific. Meteorologists at the national and regional level have noted that a series of cold, moisture-laden systems is set to impact the state over several days, with some higher Sierra Nevada locations bracing for multiple feet of snow through midweek and beyond. Forecasts discussed in recent days have raised the possibility of up to 8 feet of snow in portions of the Sierra as back-to-back systems roll through.
While the San Bernardino Mountains sit well south of the Sierra Nevada, they are still poised to experience significant impacts from the same storm track. The state’s southern ranges, including the San Bernardino and San Gabriel Mountains, are expected to receive lower overall totals than the highest Sierra passes but still face a potent mix of heavy snow and punishing winds. That combination, rather than sheer snow depth alone, often has the biggest impact on travelers and local infrastructure, particularly at mountain passes that handle large volumes of commercial and commuter traffic.
Elsewhere in California, forecasters are highlighting flood risks from heavy rain in coastal and valley locations and the potential for low-elevation snow in certain interior regions as colder air digs south and east. The interconnected nature of the storm systems means that disruptions in one part of the state, such as a major freeway closure over a pass, can ripple outward to affect supply chains, tourism and daily life far from the initial impact zone.
Mount Baldy Closure Highlights Ongoing Safety Concerns in Winter Conditions
Even as San Bernardino County prepares for fresh snowfall, federal officials have already taken significant steps to protect the public from the hazards of winter mountain travel. Within the Angeles National Forest, not far to the west, Mount Baldy and surrounding high-elevation trails have been closed to the public until at least February 23 in anticipation of dangerous weather. The decision follows a troubling history of accidents and rescues on the steep, frequently icy peak, especially during and after storms.
Records from recent years show dozens of rescues and multiple fatalities on Mount Baldy alone, many involving hikers who underestimated the risks of snow, ice and rapidly changing conditions. Local law enforcement agencies have pressed for more proactive measures, citing the strain that repeated search and rescue missions place on budgets and personnel. The current closure covers popular routes such as Devil’s Backbone and Icehouse Canyon, which can become especially treacherous when fresh snow hides older, compacted ice beneath.
While the closure is technically outside San Bernardino County’s direct jurisdiction, it underscores a broader message being emphasized across Southern California as the latest storm approaches. Authorities are urging would-be hikers, climbers and backcountry skiers to reconsider plans that involve steep terrain or remote trailheads during the storm period. They note that even well-equipped visitors may encounter conditions that exceed their training, and that rescue crews may be delayed or unable to reach certain sites safely when winds and snowfall peak.
Local Communities Prepare for Power Outages and Extended Disruptions
Communities scattered across the San Bernardino Mountains, from resort towns to year-round residential enclaves, are taking the forecast seriously after recent winters that have delivered long-lasting power outages and supply chain interruptions. Residents are stocking up on food, fuel and medical necessities, checking generators and reviewing plans for heating if electric service is lost. For some, the memories of previous storms that left neighborhoods snowed in for days serve as a powerful incentive to prepare early.
Utility crews are inspecting lines and vegetation in high-risk corridors, aiming to reduce the chance that falling branches will knock out power during the height of the storm. However, energy providers are cautioning that sustained wind gusts above 50 miles per hour and heavy, wet snow coating tree limbs may still lead to scattered or widespread outages. Restoration efforts could take longer than usual if hazardous conditions prevent crews from reaching problem areas promptly.
Local businesses that depend on tourism, including lodging, restaurants and outdoor recreation operators, are weighing complex decisions. While fresh snow can boost demand later in the season, the immediate impact of closed roads and travel advisories often means cancellations and lost income. Some operators are adapting by focusing on guests already in the area and emphasizing flexible booking policies that allow visitors to postpone trips without penalty when major weather systems are bearing down on the region.
Officials Emphasize Preparedness and Patience as Storm Unfolds
As the first wave of the storm arrives, public officials at the county and municipal levels are emphasizing a simple but urgent message: be prepared, stay informed and exercise patience. They stress that plow operators, law enforcement officers, firefighters and medics will be working around the clock under challenging conditions, and that road closures or delays in service are often necessary to protect both the public and frontline workers.
Residents and visitors are being asked to monitor official forecasts and alerts rather than relying on informal reports or social media posts that may be outdated or inaccurate. The National Weather Service will continue to refine snowfall and wind projections as the storm evolves, updating watches and warnings to reflect the most current data. Travelers are encouraged to check conditions before setting out, carry emergency supplies and be prepared to turn around if authorities advise against proceeding.
With several days of winter weather ahead and the potential for additional storms on the horizon, San Bernardino County finds itself at the center of a broader seasonal shift across California. How well the region weathers this powerful system will depend not only on the strength of the storm itself but also on how seriously communities, visitors and decision makers heed the warnings now being issued for the mountains and the roads that lead to them.