WEATHER: Valentines Day dawned cool and cloudy in Tollhouse and remained so for most of the day. The storm of the past two days that failed to dump much in the way of rainfall on our area, managed to go south and turned into quite the gully-washer for Southern California, dumping copious amounts of rain on the Grapevine and the Tehachipi mountains, as well as flooding a few roadways further south. As for us, the weather forecast says that we'll continue to see dry weather for the rest of the work week, and possibly see some warming and nicer weather by Friday and Saturday in advance of another possible storm on Sunday. The folks at the Weather Service are having a hard time with the Sunday storm as the models are in complete disagreement as to the evolution of this coming weather system. Some say it could be a really good one, giving us some much needed moisture, while the rest say it will only strike us a passing blow, hardly anything to make a fuss about. The only thing they can agree on is the warming trend preceeding it. TRAFFIC: The chain restrictions on SR 168 were finally lifted today and skiers making their way to Sierra Summit can once again make their way unimpeded to their favorite destination. Otherwise, the area has remained relatively free of traffic incidents. OTHER NEWS AND TIDBITS: We would like to take the opportunity today to wish everyone a Happy Valentines Day and hope that none of our friends or neighbors have forgotten to thank their significant others for their kindness and caring. We would also like to take this time to thank all of our friends and neighbors to their kindness and caring to us.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Sunrise:
6:49 am - Sunset: 5:35 pm
Today:
High: 58/Partly Cloudy
Chance of Rain: 30%
Tonight:
Low: 32/Mostly Cloudy
Chance of Rain: 20%
WEATHER: As low clouds continued to hang over the nearby ridges of Tollhouse, we saw another mostly dry day in spite of what the weather forecast had to say about the subject. Tollhouse residents saw a relatively cool day with little variation as the continued low cloudiness kept very little difference between the day time and overnight temperatures. The current forecast calls for the rest of the week to be dry, but some of the models hint of another possible storm arriving late in the weekend, but there's not enough info at present to give a probability to this possibility. In the meantime, the dry weather continues this winter. TRAFFIC: Chain restrictions remained in effect today on SR 168 as a bit of sleet and snow flurries fell in the Shaver Lake and high Sierras yesterday and overnight which kept the roadways a bit slick. Other than that, we've heard of no other triaffic incidents in the area.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Sunrise:
6:50 am - Sunset: 5:34 pm
Today:
High: 61/Partly Cloudy
Chance of Rain: 10%
Tonight:
Low: 33/Partly Cloudy
Chance of Rain: 30%
WEATHER: What a difference a day makes. Today saw low clouds hanging over the Tollhouse skyline for most of the day. None of the predicted rain came to pass, at least none that we saw. The forecast still calls for a chance of showers tomorrow, but we're not holding our breath that it's going to happen. In the longer term, the forecast is calling for a dry rest of the week after tomorrow. So, it would appear that the drier than usual winter is continuing unabated for residents of the central Sierra. TRAFFIC: A three car pileup this afternoon occured near Tamarack Pass shortly after 1:00 pm. The crash left one car upside down in the middle of SR 168 with a number of passengers trapped inside, while CDF brought equipment to the scene to extract the trapped passengers. The road was also closed for nearly an hour in both directions as the rescue work took place. Chains are still required on SR 168 about 8 miles above Shaver Lake today, though it would appear that the restricitons are likely to be lifted by tomorrow.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Sunrise:
6:51 am - Sunset: 5:33 pm
Today:
High: 61/Mostly Cloudy
Chance of Rain: 30%
Tonight:
Low: 37/Partly Cloudy
Chance of Rain: 10%
WEATHER: As low clouds hang over the nearby ridges this morning, it would appear that the majority of the rain has passed for now. The winter storm warning that had been in effect was dropped at 5:00 am this morning, and it appears that the foothills will see a period of drying out starting this afternoon, leading the way for fog to form in the valley overnight tonight. Another storm system will pass through the area on Monday and Tuesday, but at the present time, this system doesn't seem to have a lot of moisture and is more likely from its present appearance to be poised to give us nothing more than a very slight chance of light showers and some cloudy skies. By Wednesday, forecasters are calling for a return to a drier period for the long term, and a return to periods of night and morning fog for the Flatlanders. TRAFFIC:Chains are required on SR 168 about 4 miles east of Shaver Lake this morning, meaning that the folks trying to make their way to Sierra Summit to take advantage of new snow will have a slightly longer trip to get there, while they have to stop and mount their chains. Last night, we mentioned that there were reports of debris and mud on Tollhouse Road near Lodge Road about midnight. About 3:30 this morning, came reports that a silver 4 door Mitsubishi had run off the road at that point and ended up in Big Dry Creek about 50 feet below the roadway. Another call went out this morning at about 7:20 am, also apparently about the same vehicle. Though injuries were not reported in the reports, radio traffic from the scene indicated that there was blood found in the vehicle, indicating that some injuries may have taken place. The extent of the injuries, however, are not known at this time.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Sunrise:
6:52 am - Sunset: 5:32 pm
Today:
High: 57/Likely Rain
Chance of Rain: 60%
Tonight:
Low: 52/Rain
Chance of Rain: 100%
WEATHER: From all accounts, it's not a pleasant evening to be out and about in the foothills. As this is being written at midnight tonight, we've seen some of the wettest weather this year today. Some reports indicate as much as 3/10ths of an inch of rain in an hours time just shortly before 1:00 pm today. Heavy brief rain was also being reported in the last 2 hours at various locations in the area. All in all, we've received several reports of about 1.2 inches today having fallen in Tollhouse. The current storm is expected to play out overnight and we'll have a brief respite, before what is expected to be a weaker storm making it's way into the area tomorrow night and into Monday. After that, the storm track is expected to make it's way a bit further north and east of us with a possible period of drying out, even though some chance of rain remains with us in the forecast for the next 5 days. TRAFFIC: The chain restrictions on SR 168 still remain in place this evening about 4 miles above Shaver Lake telling us that the snow level is still remaining at about the 6000 foot elevation. With over 1 inch of rain, and rain from the earlier storms, the ground is apparently saturated. Reports came in about midnight as this was being written of mud and debris on the Tollhouse Road near its intersection with Lodge Road near Sierra Elementary. County road crews were being dispatched to the scene to help clear the roadway. This morning reports came in of back to back accidents on SR 168 near the Balasam Sno Park blocking the roadway for a time. Later this evening at about 11:00 pm, came reports of an accident near the intersection of Pitman Hill Road and Tollhouse Road, near Humphrey Station. The caller to 911 also reported that drivers were waving down traffic to keep them from running into the scene of the accident. However, a deputy sheriff dispatched to the scene was unable to locate any accident upon his arrival.
Friday, February 9, 2007
Sunrise:
6:53 am - Sunset: 5:31 pm
Today:
High: 59/Likely Rain
Chance of Rain: 60%
Tonight:
Low: 48/Likely Rain
Chance of Rain: 60%
WEATHER:Tollhousians a wetter day today, than yesterday, but so far, rain totals have not been as impressive as some residents may have hoped for. The folks at the Weather Service tell us that more is to come, but it's unknown at present just how much more rain we'll be seeing or if these storms have the capability of providing us with some gulley washers. The weather has definitely trended cooler, than our little spring interlude of last weekend, but the snow levels remain high, somewhere in the neighborhood of about 6500-7000 feet, which is just low enough to produce some snow at Sierra Summit. Tomorrow morning and early afternoon appears to be on tap to give us the best chance of the wet stuff, so we'll be keeping our eyes out for what Mother Nature may have in store for us. TRAFFIC:The chain restrictions have been lowered to about 4 miles above Shaver Lake this evening, which shows that the snow level has dropped slightly, but still remains slightly above 6000 feet. We're sure this is a big disappointment to Shaver Lake residents who are normally used to dealing with, and having to shovel copious amounts of snow in a more normal year.
Thursday, February 8, 2007
Sunrise:
6:54 am - Sunset: 5:30 pm
Today:
High: 58/Mostly Cloudy
Chance of Rain: 20%
Tonight:
Low: 48/Chance Rain
Chance of Rain: 50%
WEATHER: The weather wasn't as bad today as most first thought it would be, but it's apparently going to be a lull before the main events that are supposed to start our way by late tonight or early tomorrow morning. Beaucoup rain is expected between now and next Monday as a series of storms appear to be lined up out over the Pacific, just waiting for a chance to drop by and say hello to Tollhousians, as well as the rest of Central California. Given how dry it's been, we're likely to be real neighborly and put out the welcome mat for each and every one of them. The snow levels with these storms is likely to remain high enough that it's doubtful if Shaver Lake will get a whole lot of the white stuff from the storms. TRAFFIC: Chains are required on SR 168 above Shaver Lake this evening, and will likely lower somewhat tomorrow with the advent of more rain and snow. Currently, chains are required about 8 miles or so above the community of Shaver Lake.
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
Sunrise:
6:55 am - Sunset: 5:29 pm
Today:
High: 60/Chance Rain
Chance of Rain: 50%
Tonight:
Low: 46/Chance Rain
Chance of Rain: 50%
WEATHER:Tollhousians saw the weather change today as some light showers reached the area this afternoon and evening, and the forecasts for the upcoming week continue to trend more and more to the wetter side of things. Forecasts all the way through next Wednesday contain some threat of precipitation each and every day. The showers today but presage a round of storms that are expected to bring ever increasing amounts of rain to the area, starting out first with a rather warm storm, with each one becoming slightly cooler than the last. The snow level is expected to start out about 8000 before working it's way to the 5500 foot level by the weekend. A wet and possibly wild 7 days appears to be in our short term futures. TRAFFIC:As expected, chain restrictions went into effect on SR 168 this afternoon about 8 miles above Shaver Lake. Also, as can be expected, several accidents occurred on rain slickened local roadways. At about 4:25 pm this afternoon, it was reported that a tractor trailer collided with a Nissan on SR 168 just north of Sample Road. The resulting collision blocked a portion of the roadway, and a number of motorists stopped to help direct traffic, thereby avoiding other possible collisions until authorities could arrive on the scene. Remarkably, at least according to reports that we've read, no injuries were sustained as a result of this accident. A fact that we find truly amazing. Thank goodness for airbags. OTHER NEWS AND TIDBITS:As can be seen from today's weather forecast and traffic reports, Tollhousians and the rest of the foothill communities are preparing for a week of wet weather, something that we've been spared from so far this winter season. So, for all of you out there reading our little website, be sure to batten down the hatches, make sure that everything is covered up well, and prepare for some wet weather. (smile)
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Sunrise:
6:56 am - Sunset: 5:28 pm
Today:
High: 73/Partly Cloudy
Tonight:
Low: 47/Partly Cloudy
WEATHER: The Weather Service continues its trend toward a wetter and wetter scenario in the upcoming days with its continued upward revisions in the likelihood of possible precipitation. Today's forecast has further bumped up the chance of rain for tomorrow to 50%, decreasing to 40% on Thursday, before increasing to 60% by Friday evening. Today saw the clouds move into the area from the upcoming storms and the first rains are expected by tomorrow afternoon. Rainfall from the first in this series of storms is expected to remain rather light as the high pressure responsible for our recent pleasant temperature will be slow to give up its grip on the area. However, by Friday and the weekend, a continued series of cooler and wetter storms are expected to continue to pass through the area, with ample moisture provided by a 'conveyor belt' of moisture stretched out across the Pacific. Current 7 day forecasts, indicate continued wet weather through next Tuesday, which will be welcome relief from the parched winter we've had to date. TRAFFIC: Chain restrictions remain absent from local roadways, but that's expected to change by tomorrow afternoon. There has been continuing work on Pittman Hill Road the past week that's expected to continue as paving and stripping is being performed on the roadway by Fresno County contracted crews between Humphrey Station and Sample Road. Otherwise, traffic remains light in the area with few incidents reported.
Monday, February 5, 2007
Sunrise:
6:57 am - Sunset: 5:27 pm
Today:
High: 75/Mostly Sunny
Tonight:
Low: 39/Mostly Clear
WEATHER:Tollhousians continued to experience spring time like weather today as the temperature here soared above the 70 degree mark for a second day in a row. The Weather Service forecast has continued to raise the probability of precipitation past Wednesday to about 40% and the amount and duration of any expected rain has also been raised accordingly, as a strong series of storms continue to develop over the Pacific Ocean. We're sure that this can only be looked upon with great relief by agricultural and other hydro concerns across the entire San Joaquin Valley. In the short term, one more day of spring like weather is expected tomorrow, before the clouds and possible rain move into the area on Wednesday. TRAFFIC:No chain restrictions are currently in effect on SR 168 and none are expected tomorrow, but most likely they will be put into effect on Wednesday as the storms start to arrive. However, that being said, the snow level with these storms, having a more springlike tropical nature will be high at first with the snow level at about 6500 feet, meaning the early chain restrictions are likely to be in place above Shaver Lake.
Sunday, February 4, 2007
Sunrise:
6:58 am - Sunset: 5:26 pm
Today:
High: 71/Mostly Sunny
Tonight:
Low: 38/Clear
WEATHER: As predicted, today was indeed warmer than yesterday as our thermometer here in the middle of Tollhouse managed to reach the predicted high of 71 degrees this afternoon, not too long after the 41st Super Bowl got underway. Another warm day is forecast for tomorrow, perhaps even warmer than today. However, the long term models are now coming into better agreement that a wet weather pattern will be establishing itself into the area by mid-week and perhaps lasting into next weekend. As we've been noting, the area could certainly use the rain, so we're hoping that this time around, the folks at the Weather Service have gotten it right. In the meantime, they're predicting a high of 75 tomorrow, almost unheard here in Tollhouse during the month of February. TRAFFIC: Another quiet traffic today was reported by our spotters and and our perusal of CHP traffic reports. In fact, many residents of Shaver told us it was one of the quietest Sundays they've seen so far this year. Given that probably half the country was watching the Super Bowl this afternoon, that's not surprising. OTHER NEWS AND TIDBITS: Well, after trailing for all but a minute or two of the first half, the Indianapolis Colts took the lead just before half-time and kept it throughout the second half of the game, ending up with their first Super Bowl win since Super Bowl 5, 36 years ago. In spite of a great start when the Bears returned the kickoff for a touchdown, the Colts came back and slowly caught up, before taking the lead about 5 and half minutes before half time. After that, they never looked back, and ended up winning the game, played almost entirely in a driving rain, by a score of 29-17.
Saturday, February 3, 2007
Sunrise:
6:59 am - Sunset: 5:25 pm
Today:
High: 66/Mostly Sunny
Tonight:
Low: 37/Clear
WEATHER:Tollhousians experienced a very pleasant afternoon today as the temperature reached, then exceeded today's forecast high of 66 degrees. The final high temperature reading in Tollhouse today made it to 68. The next two days are likewise supposed to be warm, perhaps warmer than today. However, some of the longer term computer models are now hinting at a possible change in the weather pattern in the upcoming week. The change, if it comes about, according to predictions will have much more potential for much needed rain in the area. TRAFFIC:Traffic has been relatively light today, with very little in the way of any traffic incidents. We haven't come across any reports of anything major. SR 168 remains open and free of chain restrictions as well. TODAY IN HISTORY: February 3, 1888:The post office at the community of Sentinel (near current day Nicholas Road and SR 168) was reopened today after having been closed on July 31, 1883. (Editors Note: The post office would again close about 2 years later, this time for good and the post office and the community would eventually cease to exist, and be mostly forgotten by the time 1900 rolled around.) OTHER NEWS AND TIDBITS:For the football fans among you, today is your honey-do day this weekend, as more than 100 million people around the country are expected to be glued to their TV sets tomorrow watching this years Super Bowl, between the Indianpolis Colts and the Chicago Bears. The weather is perfect to get those projects done as well, so get with it, fellas. (smile)
Friday, February 2, 2007
Ground Hog Day
Sunrise:
6:59 am - Sunset: 5:24 pm
Today:
High: 52/Mostly Sunny
Tonight:
Low: 34/Mostly Clear
WEATHER: The residents of Tollhouse saw a bit more of the sky today, as the low overcast clouds that had been with us on Wednesday and Thursday finally started to dissapate today. Accordingly, we also saw a much greater variation in temperature, as several residents reported highs in the mid to upper 50's, slightly above those forecast for the foothills. Also, with clearing skies this evening, the temperature had reached the freezing mark by about 11:00 pm. For the weekend, it appears that the current forecasts will be revised soon, as a high pressure area will center itself over the central part of the state, at least through Monday. This dominant high pressure ridge will most likely shoot the weekend temps well above normal for early February. TRAFFIC: Traffic has been relatively light in the foothills today, and the only activity that we've come across on the scanners and CHP reports was of an accident this afternoon on SR 168 just west of Shaver Lake at about 3:50 pm. It was reported that a Blue 4 door Pontiac, as the result of an accident was left blocking both lanes of the roadway at that location. A responding Sheriff's unit was able to move the vehicle partially to the side, but this still left one lane of the highway blocked until a tow truck could arrive at the scene. No injuries were reported as a result of the accident. TODAY IN HISTORY: February 2, 1885: The Tollhouse Post Office, which was closed on November 13, 1884 was reopened today. According to postal officials, demand for mail services, which had not been sufficient to justify keeping open the post office, has now increased enough to justify reopening the post office here in Tollhosue (Editors Note: The post office has remained continously in service to this present day) OTHER NEWS AND TIDBITS: For the first time since 1999, venerable Pauxsataney Phil did not see his shadow this morning, which as legend dictates means that we will be due for an early Spring. We inquired of our prognosticating Tollhouse Fat Cat Minou as to whether she agreed with this assessment. Her only reply was to snuggle up on the floor a bit closer to the heater and go back to sleep. (smile)
Thursday, February 1, 2007
Sunrise:
7:00 am - Sunset: 5:23 pm
Today:
High: 57/Mostly Cloudy
Tonight:
Low: 35/Partly Cloudy
WEATHER:Tollhousians endured a second day today that was lacking in sunshine, as low, overcast clouds continued to hang above the area. The temperatures varied only slightly today, with a low of 39 overnight and a high of 47 this afternoon. Unless the clouds clear overnight tonight, it's very unlikely that the low of 35 predicted for overnight will actually happen. In the long run, there's still no rain in the forecast, though some computer models are suggesting a surge of moist, arctic air, could arrive by late in the weekend, but other models suggest a different drier scenario. It seems the Weather Service has really had a tough time of it the last 5 weeks, trying to predict the weather with much certainty, having many problems with the forecast 1 day out, much less the 3 to 5 day forecasts that most people rely on. TRAFFIC:The chain restrictions on SR 168 were lifted just before noon today, once again leaving the roadway clear all the way to Sierra Summit. An evening accident on the road to Big Creek last night about 8:00 pm, left the roadway completely blocked for a number of hours yesterday evening by a big rig. Traffic in and out of Big Creek was impossible from the time of the incident until the roadway was reopened shortly after 1:00 am this morning. Meanwhile, no major incidents were reported on area roadways today.
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