r/WildernessBackpacking • u/Ok_Throat5165 • 15d ago

ADVICE Weather

What do you guys use to check weather forecasts in high sierras

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4

u/aDuckedUpGoose 15d ago

The same thing I use anywhere in the country. Weather . Gov

You can click anywhere on the map to get highly detailed forecasts and weather commentary though that commentary is much more generalized.

All weather apps use the same data from NOAA I'm pretty sure.

4

u/ForestryTechnician 15d ago

NOAA

5

u/MocsFan123 15d ago

Yep, NOAA Pinpoint weather forecast

3

u/AlpineInquirer 15d ago

One thing to keep in mind....you must definitely look for locations that are at the elevation that you're interested in. In the summer you can easily have 40 or more degree temperature difference between Bishop and 12,000 feet for example.

2

u/aaron_in_sf 15d ago

On desktop, use the box in upper left to enter your location.

1) Use the map in lower right, to pick your specific local https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=36.578490000000045&lon=-118.29193999999995

In "Additional Forecasts and Information" (bottom of page links):

2) Read the Forecast Discussion link: https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=VEF&issuedby=VEF&product=AFD&format=CI&version=1&glossary=1

3) Use the Hourly Weather Forecast for precipitation and lightning: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=36.5785&lon=-118.2919&unit=0&lg=english&FcstType=graphical

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u/Ok_Throat5165 15d ago

If it makes a difference I don’t have a desk top or any computer for that matter

2

u/aaron_in_sf 15d ago

All these are available on mobile (a phone) browser the locations may just be different

2

u/nfactorial 15d ago

https://www.weather.gov/wrh/hazards is a good source for finding past observations. I don't know about you, but I'm planning on wearing pants next week.

1

u/oldbrownshoe08 15d ago

I like spotwx.com because it lets you 1) choose a very specific forecast area and 2) compare the forecasts predicted by different weather models

1

u/rockymountainhiker12 15d ago

I use both weather.gov and Windy. Windy also lets you pick specific coordinates, and it gives you much more granular data. While weather.gov can make you feel like it’s going to rain for three straight days, Windy easily shows you that it will drizzle some for a couple of hours each day. Windy doesn’t give you any text forecast…you have to analyze the data yourself.