ONLY 50 TUOLUMNE COUNTY POWER OUTAGES THIS MORNING

AND hopefully it stays that way!  Right?!

February 25, 2011    07:48 am     B.J. Hansen, MML News Director

Sonora, CA -- There are some power outages across the Mother Lode this morning due to the weather.
In Calaveras County over 500 PG&E customers are currently without electricity. In Tuolumne County there are less than 50 customers without power. Areas with outages include Tuolumne, Soulsbyville, Mono Vista, Mi-Wuk Village, Avery, Arnold and Dorrington. There's currently no estimated restoration time.

 New ceiling fixture, Coleman lantern, really illuminates our kitchen during a power outage.  The 'old-fashioned' phone (lower right) works wonders too.

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS TO HAVE ON HAND

February 24, 2011    03:50 pm     Tina Falco, MML News Reporter

 

Sonora, CA-- With another winter storm on the way bringing heavy snow, possible power outages and downed trees, the Tuolumne County Office of Emergency Services is recommending a list of important phone numbers.

Community Information Line- Pre-recorded event info/numbers,  533-6392
CalTrans - To report downed trees, mudslides, rocks on State Highways, 948-7977
City of Sonora - To report downed trees, mudslides, rocks on Sonora City streets, 532-8141
County Roads Dept.- To report downed trees, mudslides, rocks on County roads, 533-5601
PG&E - To report electrical outages, downed power lines, 1-800-743-5002
Public Health - For true medical emergencies, call 911. Otherwise, please call your usual health care provider or clinic if you have non-emergency health issues that are impacted by weather conditions. However, if you have exhausted your other sources for routine health information and require public health assistance during the weekend or after hours, please call the public health department at 533-8055.
Behavioral Health - Mental health-related help line, 533-7000

The Tuolumne County OES also urges residents to refrain from calling the Sheriff's Dispatch unless it is a life threatening situation.

15 IDEAS TO HELP YOU GET THROUGH THE UPCOMING WINTER STORM

February 24, 2011    06:10 am,  B.J. Hansen, MML News Director

 

 

The Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office has put together a list of 15 ideas designed to help residents get through the upcoming winter storm.

1. A generator capable of running a refrigerator and some lights is a good idea as many areas of the county will be without power for an unknown period of time. Have extra fuel on hand.

2. Don't park vehicles under trees. The limbs will become burdened with snow and can break off of the tree.

3. Make sure any exposed water pipes are well insulated.

4. Put fresh batteries in your flashlights.

5. Have a supply of food that doesn't need to be cooked on hand.

6. Have a supply of fresh water.

7. If you take medications, have an adequate supply on hand.

8. Make arrangements with someone you know that has a tractor or truck with a snow plow to plow your driveway.

9. Have ample warm clothing for everyone in the house.

10. Have an alternate heat source ready. Kerosene or propane heaters are not recommended indoors. If you decide to use these, be sure there is adequate ventilation. The concentrated fumes are deadly. If you use a wood or pellet stove, make sure you have plenty of dry wood/pellets on hand.

11. Make sure you have everything your pets or livestock will need.

12. Be sure to charge any devices such as cell phones and emergency lights prior to the storm arriving.

13. A battery powered radio can keep you stay informed when the power is out.

14. If you live in the higher elevations, put tire chains on now.

15. If you have to be mobile, you might consider a motel/hotel room in the lower elevations.

For the latest weather information, click here.

For traffic and chain control information, click here.

ANOTHER WINTER STORM WARNING

February 24, 2011    06:15 am, Mark Truppner, MML Reporter

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the Motherlode from Thursday 1 p.m. through Saturday 4 a.m.

The National Weather Service has extended the Winter Storm Warning for the Sierra Nevada from Thursday 1 p.m. through Saturday 10 a.m.

Four to eight inches of snow is expected in the Sierra Nevada today.

By Saturday morning, one to three inches of snow accumulation is possible at 1000 feet. Four to eight inches of snow is expected at 2000 feet. A foot to one foot and a half of snow is likely from 3000 through 7000 feet. Three to four feet of snow is expected at the highest elevations.

Winds of ten to twenty mph are expected in the Motherlode. In the Sierra Nevada, winds of ten to forty mph are likely, with some gusts ranging from fifty to seventy-five mph along the crest.

Very cold overnight temperatures are expected during the weekend. Temperatures will drop into the low to upper 20s on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

These cold temperatures may impact budding and flowering agriculture foliage.

Residents should also make sure that all exposed pipes are properly insulated to minimize the risk of them bursting.

Editorial comment:  payback for that 'eventless' January and early February.

Take care everyone.  The following post shares some survival tips from the Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office.

 

HIGH COUNTRY FRIENDS' BOOK CLUB CANCELLED FOR FEB 24, 2011

 
High Country Friends' Book Club [Sarah's Key] for tomorrow is canceled due to storm. Members are asked to return their books as soon as possible to either Mi Wuk or Twain Harte with a slip of paper with your name in the book.

Thank you from Joan Henderson and High Country Friends

PREPARATIONS FOR THE NEXT (expected) SNOW STORM

FROM MYMOTHERLODE.COM, February 22, 2011, 6.13 p.m.

Sonora, CA-- The Tuolumne County Public Works Department is reminding motorists to be cautious on area roadways this week.

Due to recent storm activity, crews are still clearing snow from roads and multiple branches and brush from fallen trees.

Tuolumne County Public Works Department spokesperson Carol Jackson says that since this last storm brought such a large amount of snow, finding snow storage on the sides of the road has been difficult. She says it's imperative that motorists do not park their vehicles in the road right of way where the snow needs to be stored.

"We're going to be crowding snow, which means we'll be pushing snow off the road to be making room for new snow," said Jackson. "If they can keep their vehicles out of the way, that will be very helpful for us."

With the possibility of another snow storm later in the week, Jackson also reminds residents to be prepared. She recommends having water, blankets, food that can be prepared without electricity if necessary, wood for the wood stove and medications.

I hope you continue to have a safe week.   From Dublin, CA.......

I APOLOGIIZE FOR THE LAMA-HISUM/SUSU COURT POWER OUTAGE!

About one hour after mentioning that Lama-Hisum had power last Friday morning, we lost power.  Oooops.  That was at 9.30 a.m.  When I left town this morning, Monday, we were still without power, but I understand from my husband, that our power was restored today, Monday, around 3 p.m.  I hope it's back on where you are. 

Hopefully the next few days will be quiet weather-wise.  We all need time to find places to pile snow and to dig out from last Thursday and Friday.  Good luck to those of you who might still be without power.

Our lesson learned:  when you have 5 house guests during a power outage make sure you have more than 1 loaf of bread and that you have enough flashlights, WITH good batteries, for each room in the house.  We managed just fine with flashlights, Coleman lanterns and stove, the bbq grill, and a good generator.  And two fireplaces and a good supply of wood.

Got any good photos?  Did anyone catch the full(ish) moon on Sunday morning?  I heard it was beautiful.

Have a safe week. 

ANOTHER TWELVE INCHES OF SNOW OVERNIGHT

And then you (I) have to suit up and trudge outside (thigh high this morning) to clean off the satellite dishes before the day can begin. 

PG&E OUTAGE REPORT:  February 18, 2011    06:12 pm

Tina Falco, MML News Reporter

Sonora, CA-- The recent winter storms have left thousands of Mother Lode residents still without power tonight.
According to PG&E Spokesperson Nicole Liebelt, 15,000 customers are without electricity in Tuolumne County. The Sonora area has the most outages with 6,200. Twain Harte has approximately 2,550, Groveland has 1,500, Columbia has 450, Tuolumne City has 2,000 and Mi-Wok Village has 1,500.

8:35 a.m.  We are located at the middle of Lama Hisum Road and..........WE HAVE POWER!  Not gloating, just saying. 

February 19, 2011    06:00 am

Mark Truppner, MML Reporter

The Winter Weather Advisory issued for the Motherlode remains in effect until noon today.
The National Weather Service has also issued a Winter Storm Warning for the Sierra Nevada until noon.
Two to four inches of snow is expected above 1500 feet. Four inches to a foot of snow accumulation is possible above 4000 feet. Half a foot to three feet of new snow is possible in the highest elevations.
Winds of ten to thirty-five mph are likely in the Sierra Nevada, with some gusts reaching forty-five to sixty mph.

Highway conditions and chain requirements are exactly the same as yesterday's.

Photos taken at 8.45 this morning. 

TWELVE INCHES OF SNOW OVERNIGHT!

A very unofficial measurement of overnight snow is at least 12 inches.  My morning started with a venture out in the back yard to clean off 3 satellite dishes so we could have internet and the weather channel so we could know what was happening and, better yet, what to expect.

1 p.m.:  no fresh falling snow.  Only tree 'bombs'

The Sierra has been given a mid-winter gift of amazing powder conditions with 56" of new snowfall over the past 72 hours here at Dodge Ridge bringing our annual snowfall total to 365".  The temperatures have remained in the teens and low 20's throughout this weather system leaving the powder deep, light and dry.  For all of the Powder Hounds out there, these are the conditions that you've been hoping for.  So get out your powder skis & boards and take advantage . . .

DEMO CENTER AND SPORT SHOP DEALS
Enjoy the powder with our Demo Center Deal going on.  Starting Friday, February 18 and lasting through Sunday, February 27th, bring your boots and you can demo some of the best powder skis in the industry all day for just $25.

February 18, 2011    11:35 am

Mark Truppner, MML Reporter

 

The National Weather Service has extended the Winter Storm Warning for the Motherlode and the Sierra Nevada through noon on Saturday.


The snow line will continue to fluctuate between 2000 through 3000 feet.
Four to eight inches of additional snow may fall from 2500 through 3000 feet. Half a foot to three feet of new snow accumulation is possible in the higher elevations.

Winds of ten to thirty-five mph are likely in the Sierra Nevada, with some gusts reaching forty-five to sixty mph.

So--use caution.

CHAINS ARE REQUIRED ON ALL VEHICLES EXCEPT 4-WHEEL-DRIVE VEHICLES WITH SNOW TIRES ON ALL 4 WHEELS FROM 6 MI EAST OF SONORA TO 7.2 MI EAST OF STRAWBERRY (TUOLUMNE CO)

Have a safe weekend.

LIBRARY CLOSED AGAIN TODAY, THURSDAY

The library will be closed again today.  (Yes, I just found out it was closed yesterday too.)

Stamping for Adults, normally 1-3 p.m. on the 3rd Thursday of the month, has been postponed until next month.

Be safe and mind the conditions if you have to be out and about.  Currently it is windy in Mi Wuk with just the tiniest bit of snow falling.  But--it's supposed to build up this afternoon.  Temperature at our home at 10 a.m.:  28 F.  Bring your woolies!

From MyMotherLode.com as of 6.01 a.m. February 17, 2011:

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the Motherlode and the Sierra Nevada through 10 p.m. Friday. 

Several inches of snow accumulation is expected as low as 1500 feet. Five to nine inches of snow may fall above 2000 feet. Six to fourteen inches of snow is likely above 2500 through 4000 feet. One to two feet of snow could fall above 5000 feet. Two to four feet of snow is likely above 7000 feet.

Numerous roadways are and will remain slick.

Winds of twenty to thirty mph are expected in the Motherlode, with local gusts reaching up to forty-five mph. In the Sierra Nevada, winds of twenty to thirty-five mph are likely, with some gusts reaching fifty to sixty mph.

Additionally, a Winter Storm Watch has also been issued for the Sierra Nevada, from Friday night through Saturday afternoon.

Have a safe President's Weekend.  I will post as weather dictates.

SNOWY DAY......ALL DAY LONG

7.45 p.m. 
The National Weather Service has changed the Winter Storm Warning for the Sierra Nevada to a Winter Weather Advisory through Thursday at 4 a.m.

Only an additional one to three inches of snow is expected overnight. Roads will remain slick. 
A new Winter Storm Watch has been issued for the Motherlode from Thursday afternoon through Friday evening.

Additionally a Winter Storm Watch has also been issued for the Sierra Nevada, from Thursday afternoon through Saturday afternoon.

By Saturday, an additional half foot to a foot of new snow accumulation is expected above 4000 feet. One to two feet of snow is possible above 5000 feet. Two to three feet of snow is likely above 7000 feet.

Winds of twenty to thirty mph are expected in the Motherlode through Friday, with local gusts reaching up to forty-five mph. In the Sierra Nevada, winds of twenty to thirty-five mph are likely through Saturday, with some gusts reaching fifty to sixty mph.

Highway 108:  CHAINS OR SNOW TIRES ARE REQUIRED FROM 6 MI EAST OF SONORA TO LONG BARN (TUOLUMNE CO)

CHAINS ARE REQUIRED ON ALL VEHICLES EXCEPT 4-WHEEL-DRIVE VEHICLES WITH SNOW TIRES ON ALL 4 WHEELS FROM LONG BARN TO 7.2 MI EAST OF STRAWBERRY (TUOLUMNE CO)

Source: MyMotherLode.com

Snowfall accumulation at our end (East) of Mi Wuk Village:  5"-6".  Not bad.

Have a safe trip if you're driving up here in the next few days.

WEATHER HAS ARRIVED

7:15 A.M.  Mi Wuk Village:    We have snow on the ground, about 1.5".  Steady snow coming down at this time.

From the CalTrans Report, 7:18 a.m. 16 February 2011:

SR 108
    [IN THE CENTRAL CALIFORNIA AREA & SIERRA NEVADA]
    IS CLOSED FROM 7.2 MI EAST OF STRAWBERRY TO 5.3 MI WEST OF THE 
JCT OF US 395 /SONORA PASS/ (TUOLUMNE,MONO CO) - FOR THE WINTER -
MOTORISTS  ARE ADVISED TO USE AN ALTERNATE ROUTE 

    CHAINS OR SNOW TIRES ARE REQUIRED FROM 6 MI EAST OF SONORA
TO LONG BARN (TUOLUMNE CO)

    CHAINS ARE REQUIRED ON ALL VEHICLES EXCEPT 4-WHEEL-DRIVE
VEHICLES WITH SNOW TIRES ON ALL 4 WHEELS FROM LONG BARN TO 7.2 MI EAT OF STRAWBERRY
(TUOLUMNE CO)
(the above formatting is out of my control!!)

I'll be back with an update later today.

7.30 a.m. Mi Wuk Village, CA

"WEATHER" IS COMING

I have some great news to share with you later in this post, but first I want to be sure you are all aware that we are finally going to get a change in the January/February weather here in the Motherlode.

Paraphrasing a link I cannot get to work:  we'll be getting wind, rain and snow next week.

Where'd I get the information??  Well.......  Rene Stilwell, a long time Mi Wuk Village homeowner and part time resident, has been working on a static website for us for about 5 months, as a university final project.  And yesterday, it made its debut.  You can find our MiWukVillage website here: 

http://www.miwukvillage.org/

Click on the weather tab and scroll down to the NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE ALERTS for more information about next week's weather.  

Be sure to check it all out, including the tabs below the pictures.  The website and this blog will operate in tandem:  the blog will have daily events: weather, activities, chit chat, photos and the website will hold information on pages that the blog cannot handle, such as Mi Wuk Area General Information Phone Numbers, maps, and more.

We are truly 21st Century now!  And thank you Rene for being the technical guru that I am not.  As they say, "it takes a village".

ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE

Except for the very annoying pollen that is dumping off of some of our trees and creating personal havoc, it seems as if we are being allowed to live in paradise again.  Sunshine and winter cold.  Klipple laundry will be hanging on the line today.

Upcoming events:

• Tuesday, February 8: Regular monthly meeting of the Fire Board.  Public welcome.  Highway 108 Fire Station.  7.00 p.m.

• Wednesday, February 9: Regular monthly meeting of the Mi Wuk/Sugar Pine Fire Protection District Auxiliary at the Highway 108 Fire Station, 12.00 p.m.  There will be a luncheon preceding the meeting.  $5.00.   Meeting will begin at 12.30.

• Wednesday, February 16:  Evan Royce, District 3 Supervisor,  Office Hours at the Mi Wuk Community Center, 1.30 - 2.30 p.m.   Evan holds office hours at the Community Center on the third Wednesday of every month  

• Thursday, February 17:  Blythe Klipple's Greeting Cards for Adults at the Mi Wuk Community Center, 1.00 - 3.00 p.m.  Fee:  $3  All supplies provided for creating 2 greeting cards.  Blythe leads Greeting Cards for Adults on the third Thursday of every month, weather permitting.

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If you would like to SUBSCRIBE to this blog, click on the button to the right of the blog address, in the url bar.  It will take you to a Google page where you have a choice of adding this blog to a Google Home Page or a Google Reader.  The choice is yours.  I use Google Reader--whenever there is a new post it will appear on this Google Reader page which you do have to 'go to'.  You will also have a choice of "atom" or "RSS".  It makes no difference.  Just choose one.  I chose 'atom' because it was the top one!!!

This is the button you need to click on.

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MAHA'S SPRING GENERAL MEETING will take place on 

Saturday, April 30th, 10 a.m.

Coffee & homemade goodies at 9.30 a.m.

Mi Wuk Community Center 

Please put this event on your calendar and plan to attend if you're in town.  Everyone is a part of this community and it's so nice to feel your support by your attendance!

* * * * * * * * *  

Have you received the February issue of the Smoke Signals, MAHA's quarterly newsletter?  If not, perhaps you aren't currently a member of the Mi Wuk Area Homeowner's Association.  Contact Arleen Williams, 586-5370,  e-mail:  papaneil@peoplepc.com, for a membership form.  Show your support for your community. 

Finally, I'm always available to answer your questions as I can.  If I can't answer them, I'll find someone who can!

Have a great day.....week.....month.....