WEATHER: Tollhousians awoke to extremely overcast skies this morning that stayed with us the entire day. This had the effect of keeping the temperature on the low side during the day, as we never made it over 50 degrees. In fact, the temperature never varied over 10 degrees the entire day. As of this writing at midnight tonight, the temperature had earlier dropped to 39, then as the clouds thickened this evening, rose back up to 43 degrees. The forecast for tonight had originally called for a low of 33 degrees, but we never got below 38 this morning. If clearing doesn't occur tomorrow, it's very likely that tomorrow could be a repeat of today. Long term, the West Coast appears to be caught between weather systems, and it appears that it will remain like this for the next several days, and perhaps into the weekend. TRAFFIC: Chain restrictions were put into effect today on SR 168 this afternoon, because of high country fog and drizzle that has fallen on the roadway and frozen, making much of the upper streches of SR 168 an icy mess. A number of vehicles have been reported as having slid off the road, because of this, but no major incidents have been reported as of 8:00 pm this evening. TODAY IN HISTORY: January 31, 1921: Virginia Mae Gestrin arrived in Tollhouse today, daughter of George and Margaret (St. George) Gestrin. She is the great grand-daughter of Tollhouse founding resident C.A. Yancey and his wife Frances.
Yesterday's clouds formed a colorful contrast as seen from Prather yesterday afternoon.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Sunrise:
7:02 am - Sunset: 5:21 pm
Today:
High: 56/Mostly Cloudy
Chance of Rain: 20%
Tonight:
Low: 37/Partly Cloudy
Chance of Rain: 20%
WEATHER:Tollhousians awoke to another layer of frost on the ground this morning, so we guess the Weather Service forecast of 37 was a wee bit on the high side. (smile) Our thermometer, unofficial as it may be, registered a low of 30 overnight. A chance of precipitation remains in the forecast today, but this mornings conditions appear more favorable, only for it to be to the south and west of us. Fog formed overnight in the valley, but was mostly forced out by early morning by the cloudiness from the low off the Southern California coast. A slight chance of sprinkles remain with us through tomorrow, before a drying trend sets in, and a return to normal winter-like weather in the foothills and valley, which means fog for the Flatlanders and mostly clear skies and average daytime temperatures for us in the foothills, at least until the early weekend. TRAFFIC:The chain restrictions didn't last very long, and indeed, SR 168 remains clear of chain restrictions this morning. As of 9:00 am this morning, no traffic incidents have yet to be reported. TODAY IN HISTORY: January 30, 1868:The first recorded birth in Tollhouse took place today with the arrival of Alexander O. Yancey, born to proud parents, Abraham and Frances Yancey. There is no record of young Mr. Yancey's weight. OTHER NEWS AND TIDBITS:The weather, and the lack of rain continue to be a subject of discussion among foothill residents today. Most areas of the San Joaquin Valley and nearby foothills remain somewhere near 31 to 40 percent of normal as far as rainfall is concerned this season, which started on July 1. Thankfully, due to an overabundance of rain last year, local resevoirs remain at somewhat above normal levels for this time of year, so far. This lack of rainfall, however, if it continues could possibly not bode well for valley agricultural interests and local electric utilities later in the year. Preliminary snow surveys by Edison and PG&E show snow levels extremely below normal for this point in the season. The good news is that much time still remains for Mother Nature to turn on the taps and still get us back to something approaching normal before the end of the rainy season. It's happened before, and hopefully, it will happen again.
Yesterdays storm left low clouds over the ridge while the sun shining from the west gave us the contrast shown in this photo.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Sunrise:
7:03 am - Sunset: 5:20 pm
Today:
High: 57/Partly Cloudy
Chance of Rain: 20%
Tonight:
Low: 39/Partly Cloudy
Chance of Rain: 10%
WEATHER: We certainly got colder than the 43 forecast for last night and as of 9:30 pm this evening, we're already at the 39, they've forecasted for our overnight low. According to Angelo and the other media forecasters in Fresno, we may see some more rain tomorrow. Even though there was a chance of rain today, the foothills saw none of it, and any there was in the valley was far to the west. The rain will be somewhat more widespread tomorrow as the 'meandering low' that's been responsible for our rather unusual weather lately will move south and east, and finally start on a trek out of the state, after having hung around for the past week. The result of all this will be an end to possible precipitation after Wednesday, and a return to a more normal weather pattern for this time of year, which means pleasant temps in the foothills and valley fog. TRAFFIC: The chain restrictions were lifted on SR 168 at about 1:00 am this morning, and given the lack of rain today, have not been reinstated. No traffic incidents have come across our desk today, except a problem that was reported along SR 168 about 7:30 pm this evening. Apparently, a truck carrying hay bales, lost part of it's load and left bales of hay scattered along the roadway at a point near Oak View Road. Several people were reported to have stopped to help move the bales off the roadway in an effort to avoid a traffic hazard.
Wet streets in Tollhouse for the first time in a number of weeks.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Sunrise:
7:03 am - Sunset: 5:18 pm
Today:
High: 58/Likely Showers
Chance of Rain: 60%
Tonight:
Low: 43/Partly Cloudy
Chance of Rain: 20%
WEATHER:Tollhousians awoke this morning to a mix of wet roads, pleasant temperatures and depending on which direction you looked, either a heavy overcast of dark clouds over the ridge or blue skies and white fluffly clouds to the west. We definitely had rain on and off throughout the night, and the parched ground was more than ready for it. If the folks at the Weather Service have their ducks in a row this time, they are indicating that more periods of rain may be likely between now and Tuesday, and possibly into Wednesday. Day time temperatures will remain steady the next several days, while the overnight temperatures will cool over the next few nights. TRAFFIC:Chains are once again required on SR 168. Last night, chains were required about 4 miles above Pine Ridge. By this morning, chains were required at Pine Ridge itself, and remained at that level as of midnight tonight. Word has it, however that the restrictions may soon be lifted because of the lack of rain and upper elevation snow during this afternoon and evening.
A scene along SR 168 at the 5500 foot level taken on Wednesday shows why chains haven't been required recently.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Sunrise:
7:04 am - Sunset: 5:17 pm
Today:
High: 66/Partly Cloudy
Chance of Rain: 20%
Tonight:
Low: 44/Likely Showers
Chance of Rain: 60%
WEATHER: Yesterday, they said we might have a 10% chance of rain. As this is being written near midnight tonight, all we can say is that it's 10 percenting pretty darn good out there. The problem they've been having as we've mentioned is that when a low pressure system isn't connected to the jet stream in the upper atmosphere that flows from west to east, the computer models that are used to predict the weather have a very difficult time dealing with it. Such lows, called cutoff lows don't have anything to steer them, thus the problems with predicting where they'll go and what they'll do. This one, apparently, is poised to sit around just off the coast until Monday or Tuesday sending pulses of moisture our way. The models are still nearly useless at predicting when each pulse will arrive and how much moisture will be associated with it. Some models predict that a subtropical connection will be made and that substantial rain could fall on the area before Tuesday, while others predict little, if any, significant precipitation. TRAFFIC: For the first time in over 2 weeks, chain requirements are once more in effect on SR 168 this evening, with chains required about 4 miles above Pine Ridge. Though the rain falling in the area has made driving conditions difficult, no accidents have been reported on SR 168 above the snow line this evening, perhaps owing to the fact that the snow started falling so late in the evening that the skiers had gone home for the day.
Another January view of Shaver Lake, showing it's current lack of snow. This may change with the current weather forecast.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Sunrise:
7:05 am - Sunset: 5:16 pm
Today:
High: 66/Partly Cloudy
Tonight:
Low: 34/Partly Cloudy
WEATHER:There may be change in the air once more. After surviving the freeze, then having the weather turn to warm at a level way above normal, the forecast is now, for the first time in several weeks, using the word rain or showers in the forecast. A cut-off low, sitting off the coast for several days, now appears poised to possibly deliver a slight chance of light showers over the weekend. The forecasts indicate that the brunt of the showers if any will be to the west and south of us, but there's hope that the foothills could also receive some much needed moisture as well. Weather-wise, it's been quite a roller-coaster of a week. We made it to 71 today, not quite matching yesterdays high of 74. TRAFFIC: Traffic continues to flow smoothly on SR 168 with no chain restrictions in place. Caltrans, however, has taken advantage of the break in any significant rain or snow to do some road repair work on SR 168 just above Shaver. That work finished today. Otherwise, we've heard of no other major incidents in the area. OTHER NEWS AND TIDBITS:We were having a chat today with Chuck at the Tollhouse Market, and admiring his new Lotto machine. The Tollhouse Market, for the first time in a number of years, once again has the ability to sell Lotto tickets, so those of you that are into the Lotto have a place to get your Lotto fix without having to drive all the way over to Prather. Chuck also showed us his collection of various scratchers as well, promising that more would arrive soon.
The different layers of atmosphere are nicely laid out in this sunset photo taken yesterday from up on the ridge overlooking Tollhouse.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Sunrise:
7:05 am - Sunset: 5:15 pm
Today:
High: 70/Mostly Sunny
Tonight:
Low: 30/Partly Cloudy
WEATHER: It's hard to believe that only two nights ago, we were enduring 10 and 12 hours a night of freezing temperatures, especially after being out in short sleeves in the 74 degree weather that we had today. It was a strange feeling to be able to open the doors, and just let all that warm, fresh air flow in through the screens. What a difference a few days makes. Forecasters are still trying to figure out what the weather will look like for the weekend. The current weather pattern with high and low pressure systems, seemingly locked in place over the area, with no driving jetstream to move them could endure for a number of days or suddenly move out tomorrow. Depending on it's exit path, the result could be more dry, cold weather, or possibly bring tropical moisture into the area. Each computer model has their own opinon and none of them seem to agree with each other. WEATHER: An accident around dusk this evening near the intersection of Burrough Valley and Sycamore Road, led to an ambulance being called to the scene to respond to possible injuries. No other details are currently available about the accident. In the meantime, work continues on SR 168 above Shaver Lake as Caltrans takes advantage of the weather to make some roadway repairs. No chain restrictions are currently in effect.
The recent weather pattern has led to a heavy layer of 'gunk' in the lower atmosphere as this photo taken today near Peterson Mill Road shows.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Sunrise:
7:06 am - Sunset: 5:14 pm
Today:
High: 68/Mostly Sunny
Tonight:
Low: 28/Clear
WEATHER:Well, it was cold last night, but by the time the sun had risen above the ridge overlooking Tollhouse, most of the frost was already gone. After that, it started getting warmer, warmer, and still warmer. (smile) We made it past the 70 mark today here in Tollhouse, and went one more degree above that for good measure. Weren't we complaining about how cold and miserable it's been around here lately? It would appear that Mother Nature decided that we needed a break, and decided to give us one. We would like to take this time and thank her and any other responsible parties for the pleasant weather today, and only have one request, which is: "Keep it Coming!!!" (smile) The forecasters tell us that this pleasant weather will likely remain with us for at least the next few days, or at least they hope. Their computer models at the moment are having one heck of a time, trying to figure out the weather for the next 48 hours, much less the next 4 or 5 days. One computer model is even predicting rain by the weekend, but the forecasters are discounting it since it's what they call an outlier, a model that doesn't come close to agreeing with the others. TRAFFIC:Another day of sunshine, another day of no chain restrictions, and another relatively quiet traffic day. That about sums things up as far as traffic on local roadways today. We guess this is a good thing, but it sure makes it difficult finding anything interesting to put into a traffic report. (smile) OTHER NEWS AND TIDBITS: A number of us have had occassion to make our way to Shaver a couple of times this week, and without exception, we've been amazed by the lack of snow in Shaver Lake. This is usually the month when the snow plows are running almost continously trying to keep ahead of the snow that seems to just keep on coming, but not this year. The lake itself, normally bordered by snow in abundance by now, is mostly surrounded at the moment by dry ground, bereft of any but the slightest traces of snow in shaded areas. It sure doesn't look like the Shaver Lake that we're used to this time of year. On the other hand, a discussion this week with a Shaver resident, in which he remarked that he had barely had to use his gas-powered snow blower to clear his driveway this year so far wasn't bothered in the least by the lack of the dreaded white stuff.
There is some snow at Shaver, just not a lot and most of it is only a few inches deep in heavily shaded areas.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Sunrise:
7:07 am - Sunset: 5:13 pm
Today:
High: 60/Sunny
Tonight:
Low: 25/Mostly Clear
WEATHER: It's definitely starting to get a bit warmer around here, both during the day and during the night. While the night time temperatures have still been cold and the amount of time we've spent below freezing has definitely been significant each night. The forecasts are still hinting that warmer weather will soon be here, and we hope that they are right. Presaging this, we reached a high of 67 this afternoon, well above the predicted high of 60. After the big freeze, could a 70 degree reading be in our immediate future? A morning without ice and frost would also be nice. After all, if you're going to dream, why not go all the way. (smile) TRAFFIC: It seems strange to be writing about traffic and the weather in the middle of January, without the mention of traffic restrictions. Normally, the month of January as we've been doing this website since 2004 has been replete with mention of chain restrictions, and how many inches or feet of snow are at and above Shaver. This year, the only mention of chains that we've made for most of the month is the fact that they're not required, and indeed, this remains the case today, and it appears, will remain so for the foreseeable future.
Where's the snow? A photo of Trappers at the Point on Shaver Lake, bereft of any noticable snow.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Sunrise:
7:07 am - Sunset: 5:12 pm
Today:
High: 58/Sunny
Tonight:
Low: 24/Clear
WEATHER:Another cold night was endured by Tollhouse residents last night, and yet another cold one is expected tonight. The good news is that last night was warmer than the night before, and overnight temperatures tonight are expected to be a few degrees warmer. The daytime temperatures have also been warming significantly each day. The current weather forecasts indicate that this trend will continue, as we start to reach something more akin to normal temperatures for this time of the year in the area. This is indeed good news for local residents tired of very cold temperatures, freezing pipes and other woes of the past two weeks. We will all welcome some warmer weather, if it indeed arrives, as the Weather Service's track record of late has been less than admirable. TRAFFIC:Black Ice concerns still are vexing drivers at the upper elevations during the night and morning hours, but SR 168 still remains free of chain restrictions. Looking back over the past few years, we think the number of days that the highway has been free of chain restrictions must be close to some kind of record, an opinon shared by many of our neighbors that have lived in the area for a number of years.
Another view of an older form of transporation that came by for a visit yesterday, along with a passenger. The horses got apple bits from our webmaster, who was told that his habit of feeding the animals has been spoiling them.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Sunrise:
7:08 am - Sunset: 5:11 pm
Today:
High: 54/Sunny
Tonight:
Low: 22/Clear
WEATHER: Clear skies continued today at the higher elevations, but a sunset view of the valley from near Cressman's showed a valley full of dirty air and haze this evening, which should help moderate the overnight temperatures a bit, at least on the valley floor. Up here, however, the Weather forecast has once again done a 180 and significantly lowered the expected overnight temperature forecast for the 2000 foot elevation from 26 down to 22. So much for the warmer nights they have been promising, promising and promising. (sigh!) Tonights forecast now calls for a 24 for tomorrow night with a 25 for Tuesday night. The longer term forecast says that an influx of marine air later in the week will moderate temperatures a bit with the night time temperatures rising somewhat and the daytime temperatures cooling by an equal amount. Before that happens though, Tollhouse residents will have to keep another few nights close watch on their plumbing. TRAFFIC: Traffic was quiet today, at least until about 6:40 pm this evening, when a solo vehicle accident occurred on SR 168 about 1 mile above Cressmans. According to reports the vehicle lost control on a curve and ended up sailing through a fence alongside the roadway. There were no reports of injury, except, of course to the vehicle. Meanwhile, no chain restrictions exist along SR 168, and there are none for the foreseeable future. OTHER NEWS AND TIDBITS: On a trip to Shaver today, we happened to notice how quiet things were along 168. From what we've heard, things have been a bit quieter than usual this season so far, at Sierra Summit, owing to the lack of snowfall, and also due to the lack of new snow, leading to less than ideal skiing conditions. With measurable precipitation at only about 35% of normal, we suppose that this is not really surprising. For both valley agricultural interests, hydroelectric utilities and our foilage, we hope that this conditions improves soon.
The boys (Buddy and Russell) were back for a visit today, bringing with them Davon and Derek.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Sunrise:
7:08 am - Sunset: 5:10 pm
Today:
High: 52/Sunny
Tonight:
Low: 29/Clear
WEATHER:After telling us that things would be warmer by the weekend, the folks at the National Weather Service have backpedaled somewhat, yet again, with new forecasts that call for colder temperatures this evening and even colder ones for tomorrow night. Brrr!! is about all we can say to that. The forecasts still are calling for continued daytime warming, so that temperatures may once again reach highs in the low 60's by Wednesday. We very much hope that this will indeed be the case, as since we're Tollhousians and not Shaver Lakeians, we'd very much like to see some warmer daytime temps around here. TRAFFIC:After a relatively quiet week, traffic accident wise, a major accident occured this afternoon on Burrough Valley Road, just east of Tollhouse Road, when a vehicle and a motorcyle tried to occupy the same piece of roadway at the same time. The responding emergency vehicles to the accident were easily heard from the center of Tollhouse as they travelled to the scene. The accident occured at about 12:55 pm. The rider of the motorcycle was taken by Life Flight to University Medical Center, with what were described as major injures. Further details are not available at this time. No chain restrictions are currently in effect on SR 168, as the roadway is reported to be open and clear.
A quite lovely stance as one of our 4 footed visitors rests a hoof while the rider relaxes at our picnic table.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Sunrise:
7:09 am - Sunset: 5:09 pm
Today:
High: 54/Mostly Sunny
Tonight:
Low: 28/Mostly Clear
WEATHER: Clear skies, dry air, and cold nights continue to be the most common vernacular in the current weather forecasts. After another night of deep freeze, the weather service has said that things would be a bit better tonight, but as the evening arrived, the forecasts trended downward once again as the forecasters tell us that a pool of cold air trapped in the lower elevations would once again give us another cold night, but perhaps one a few degrees warmer than last night. We hope that they're right, this time!! Long term, they are telling us that perhaps we might see some daytime low 60's by mid-week, next week. In that, we hope they're correct as well. TRAFFIC: The traffic report is starting to sound like a broken record, No rain, no snow, therefore, no chain restrictions on SR 168, and with the continued cold, lots of black ice making driving hazardous in many locaitons, especially as you head up towards the higher elevations. Fender benders near Shaver and Sierra Summit also continue as well. OTHER NEWS AND TIDBITS: Anyone in the past week that's gone to touch a metal doorknob, shake hands with a friend or even hold a metal key in there hand as they try to open their car, can tell you just how dry the air is, as the static electricity in the air has led to a number of jolts to Tollhouse residents this week. There have even been a few reports of more than one amourous Tollhouse couple having to ground themselves before they could even give each other a smooch. (smile)
Some days, it's nearly impossible to find that 'just right' position in which to take a snooze.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Sunrise:
7:09 am - Sunset: 5:08 pm
Today:
High: 51/Mostly Sunny
Tonight:
Low: 26/Mostly Clear
WEATHER:After telling us all that the worst of the freeze would be over by tonight, alas, it was not so. For yet another night, valley citrus growers will be trying to save what is left of their crops. The cold has been so widespread and so lasting in it's duration during the overnight hours that even the trees themselves (if less than 5 years old) are in danger of being destroyed by the killing frost. The Weather Service continues to say that this will be the last night of the worst of the frost, but until 9:00 pm this evening they had been saying that about last night. The daytime temperatures have continued to climb, however, so there is hope that the worst is over. We shall see. TRAFFIC:The road to Sierra Summit (SR 168) continues to remain free of chain restrictions, but numerous reports tell us that black ice continues to be a problem at both lower and higher elevations throughout the area. Numerous fender benders continue to occur on nearly an hourly basis up and down the state highway as well as on the local roadways through the area. Any shadowed area even in the early morning hours is fair game for supporting the dangerous hazard. OTHER NEWS AND TIDBITS:The current freeze and just how cold it has been each morning continues to be the main topic of discussion around steaming cups of hot coffee or cocoa around Tollhouse proper today, and for that matter, most mornings lately. New stories of broken pipes and large patches of ice that have survived for more than a week, continue to be told with each passing day. While the folks up in Shaver are more used to this kind of weather, and therefore have their pipes and plumbing built for it, Tollhouse buildings aren't quite as prepared, and widespread, and sometimes not so minor damage has been reported as a result of the freeze.
The block we showed you yesterday, as seen from it's side shows just how thick that block of ice is.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Sunrise:
7:09 am - Sunset: 5:07 pm
Today:
High: 50/Partly Cloudy
Chance of Rain: 10%
Tonight:
Low: 23/Mostly Clear
WEATHER: Clear, cold skies have once again greeted Tollhouse residents this evening, and overnight weather forecast has made a drastic change as the previous prediction of an overnight low of 29 degrees for this evening was changed with the evening forecast to a low of 23 degrees, presaging another hard freeze for the area. The freezing point was reached at about 7:30 pm this evening and the temps are expected to remain below freezing until approximately 7:30 am tomorrow morning. Once again, the folks at the Weather Service are telling us that things will warm up tomorrow, but Tollhouse residents are beginning to ask the question, "When will tomorrow ever come?" (smile) TRAFFIC: Clear roads remain the norm for our area, but not so for local residents needing to make their way to the southern part of the state. The Grapevine (I-5) was closed early this morning by snow from the storm passing to our west dumping several inches of snow over the pass between here and Los Angeles, forcing the closure of the roadway. With the passage of the front this afternoon, the CHP attempted to reopen the roadway late this afternoon, but rapidly falling temperatures turned the roadway into an 'ice rink' as one witness to whom we spoke described it. The CHP had no choice but to rapidly close the roadway and it's expected to remain that way until approximately mid-day tomorrow. Motorists that absolutely had to make their way south were being urged to 'cautiously' take SR 58 to SR 14 to avoid the pass. Problems with ice on the roadway overnight however have also been reported on this roadway as well, leaving the rather long detour of taking SR 41 to the coast and working one's way to Los Angeles via US 101.
How Cold is it? This is a block of ice formed in the early stages of the freeze and has continued to grow each day with the continued freezing temperatures overnight.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Sunrise:
7:10 am - Sunset: 5:05 pm
Today:
High: 49/Mostly Sunny
Tonight:
Low: 23/Mostly Clear
Chance of Rain: 10%
WEATHER:The freeze continues here in Tollhouse, and elsewhere, it would appear. Widespread frost damage has been reported throughout the valley, with reports that as much as 80% of the local citrus crop has been destroyed. At the present time, it's expected that tonight will be the last night of hard freezes, but that is subject to change as it was already expected that tonight would see significant warming, but it hasn't happened. In addition, the late evening forecast now includes a 10% chance of precipitation for tonight and tomorrow morning, as a relative dry storm front passes through the state to our west. A dusting of snow was reported near I-5 near the Los Banos area. It's definitely very strange weather this year. TRAFFIC:The light dusting of the snow to the west apparently isn't making it's way towards us this evening, thus no chain restrictions are present on SR 168. If any precipitation should fall overnight, it will be in the form of snow above about 1000 feet, making driving in the area quite problematic for local residents. We haven't heard of any major traffic incident througout the day to cause any problems, but black ice in the overnight hours remains a problem.
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