1949 Snow In Los Angeles

Above, ladies with a snowman in North Hollywood in 1949. 

It is funny that Southern California is bracing for blizzard conditions, according to news reports. Snow in the mountains above Los Angeles and along the Grapevine on Interstate 5 is not unusual.

Back in 1988, we had a clampout at Crystal Lake in the snow with Platrix Chapter No. 2. I had a tent trailer at the time and we were comfortable inside with the propane heater I had. Snow was on the ground when we arrived and it snowed off and on during the clampout. Some guys couldn't handle it and left. We stayed and got a special commemorative patch for our efforts.

As far as snow in the L.A. basin and the San Fernando Valley is concerned, it happened in 1949. This was a little before my time, mind you.

From the Los Angeles Times archives:

On Jan. 10, 1949, in the middle of the worst housing shortage in Los Angeles history, more than half an inch of snow covered the Civic Center. The San Fernando Valley was pelted with the unfamiliar white stuff for three days, accumulating almost a foot. The Rose Bowl was transformed into “a dishpan full of milk,” by one account. An Alhambra hardware store put up a sign that said, “Snow Plows for Rent — Hurry!” A snowman appeared in Eagle Rock, wearing a sombrero, and the city of Reno, Nev., sent L.A. a snow shovel.

We had some snow mixed with hail in the South Bay around 1978. And, in 1988, we had some snow in Warner Center in the San Fernando Valley. I remember being in both.

Snow is extremely rare in L.A., so when it does happen, the locals go crazy in trying to deal with it.

To see some photos of the L.A. snow, go here.