You’ve seen the postcards. Everyone thinks Southern California is just palm trees and surfers, but if you’ve ever sat in the Friday afternoon crawl up State Route 18, you know better. Honestly, the weather for Snow Valley is one of the most misunderstood patterns in the San Bernardino Mountains. People assume it’s just a "warmer version" of Bear Mountain because it's closer to the coast.
That's a mistake.
Basically, Snow Valley occupies a weird, beautiful geographic pocket above Running Springs. Because it’s the first major resort you hit coming up from the valley, it catches "the front" of incoming Pacific storms differently than the peaks further east. It’s kinda the gatekeeper of the San Bernardinos.
The Reality of Snow Valley Weather Patterns
Right now, as of January 16, 2026, we are looking at a classic high-pressure hold. The current temperature in Running Springs is sitting at 33°F with a "feels like" of 28°F due to a light northeast wind at 5 mph. It’s clear. It’s cold. But it isn't "winter wonderland" snowy just yet.
If you’re looking at the sky today, Friday, expect nothing but sun with a high reaching 60°F. Yeah, you read that right. 60 degrees in mid-January.
This is the nuance most people miss. The daily forecast shows a massive temperature swing. While it's sunny and mild during the day, the mercury drops to 33°F tonight. This cycle—the "freeze-thaw"—is what defines the mid-season. It means the morning runs are going to be bulletproof ice, but by 1:00 PM, you’re riding through "mashed potatoes" or what we affectionately call spring slush.
Why 2026 is Throwing a Curveball
We are currently in a La Niña year. If you follow the National Weather Service or experts like Brian Garcia from NOAA, you know La Niña usually pushes the moisture north toward the Pacific Northwest. Southern California usually gets the "drier" end of the stick.
However, looking at the data from the last few decades, we’ve actually seen more "wetter" La Niña winters since the early 90s than we used to. It’s a bit of a gamble. The current trend for late January 2026 suggests above-normal temperatures and below-average precipitation.
Saturday, January 17, is looking like a carbon copy of today: 60°F high and 35°F low. If you're heading up tomorrow, don't expect fresh powder. The chance of rain is a tiny 5% during the day, bumping up to 10% at night.
The Terrain Trap: Slide Peak
Most people don't realize that Snow Valley’s "Crown Jewel," Slide Peak, is a total slave to the weather. Unlike the beginner areas near the base, Slide Peak (reached via Chair 11) doesn't have the same robust snowmaking infrastructure. It relies almost entirely on what falls from the sky.
Historically, Slide Peak only opens for about 4 to 6 weeks a year. Since the current season total for natural snowfall is sitting on the lower side—many resorts in the area are reporting only a few inches of fresh natural snow so far this January—Slide Peak remains a waiting game.
The Snowmaking Secret
Since the sky isn't cooperating this week, the resort has to manufacture the "weather." Snowmaking usually kicks in when the wet-bulb temperature drops low enough, typically at night.
With humidity levels hovering around 23% today and 21% tomorrow, the air is incredibly dry. This is actually a silver lining! Dry air allows snow guns to work more efficiently even if the temperature isn't at a deep freeze. But with daytime highs hitting 60°F, the grooming team has their work cut out for them to keep that base from evaporating.
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Your 2026 Strategy
Don't let the 60-degree forecast fool you into wearing a T-shirt at 8:00 AM. The mountain creates its own microclimate.
- Morning (8 AM - 11 AM): The snow will be firm. The northeast winds, currently around 9 mph, can make the shade feel significantly colder than the thermometer suggests.
- Midday (12 PM - 3 PM): This is the sweet spot. The sun is high, the UV index is around 3, and the snow softens up. This is the best time for beginners.
- Late Afternoon: As the sun dips behind the ridges, the temperature plummets. That slushy snow starts to refreeze into "death cookies" (chunks of ice).
Looking ahead to next week, Monday, January 19, holds steady at 60°F for a high and 31°F for a low. We aren't seeing any major "miracle marches" or "January jumps" in the immediate forecast.
If you want the best experience, aim for the early morning "corduroy" (groomed snow) or wait for a rare mid-week storm that catches the coastal moisture. The "weather for snow valley" is fickle, but if you time it right, you get the best views of the valley floor without the sub-zero bite of the Sierras.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check the live mountain cams before you leave the house to see if the morning fog (common in Running Springs) has cleared. Pack high-fluorine wax for your board or skis; it helps significantly with the suction created by the warm, wet "slush" snow expected this weekend. Finally, ensure your cooling system in your car is topped off—the climb up the 330 in 60-degree weather can be surprisingly taxing on older engines during the weekend traffic crawl.