The winter of 2023 brought record-breaking snowfall to Lake Arrowhead, California, with an estimated 9 feet of snow falling over the course of just a few days. This snowstorm was one of the worst in the area’s history, leading to road closures and power outages that lasted for many days. For over a week, residents and businesses had been stuck with a shortage of many resources.
Keep reading to learn about the effects of the storm and what Kiwi Docks is doing to protect docks and canopies affected on the lake.
Staggering Records of Snowfall
According to reports, snowfall amounts have exceeded 40 inches in some locations and Lake Arrowhead received an estimated 109 inches of total snow accumulation during the recent storms.
This is the most snowfall since 1950, when Big Bear Lake saw 58 inches of snow. In addition, several areas in the San Bernardino Mountains have recorded over 80 inches of snow during this storm, setting a new record for the highest amount of snow in a single storm since 1938. Furthermore, the amount of snow that fell in the lower elevations of Lake Arrowhead was the most ever reported for the area.
A State of Emergency
This massive storm caused many of the roads in the area to become impassable, widespread power outages, and snow drifts that are creating treacherous conditions. This situation has led to a state of emergency in the region declared by Gavin Newsom, as the effects of this storm have been devastating for residents and businesses alike.
The Current Aftermath on the Community
Residents are being snowed in and running low on food, supplies, and medication. The situation has gotten worse since plows have not come in several days to remove the snow, making it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to go to grocery stores.
Businesses have also been hit hard; ski resorts and restaurants were among those forced to temporarily close their doors due to the conditions. Grocery stores have low or empty shelves, making it difficult for people in the community to stock up on more necessities. One grocery store in Crestline even had its roof collapse due to the weight of snow.
The Effects on the Lake
The amount of snowfall has caused significant damage around the whole lake with some areas— South shore, Point Hamiltair, and the back of North Bay— in worse shape than others due to higher snow accumulation, less sunlight, and high winds. Conditions like this have never been seen.
As far as the number of docks & boats damaged, it will take some more time to fully assess the lake. However, it’s estimated that around 10-15 docks have completely capsized, many other docks have suffered significant damage or gangway and connection issues, some canopies have collapsed, and easily 40-50 or more boats are in need of salvage.
The Help on the Way
Travel restrictions have been put in place, emergency shelters have been opened, and local law enforcement is working around the clock to keep people safe. Officials are still assessing the damage and recommending that residents remain indoors until the storm subsides. On Friday, the National Guard arrived to provide help to the affected communities.
How Kiwi Docks & ADU Are Working to Salvage Structures on the Lake
Kiwi Docks and Arrowhead Docks Unlimited are working together to save as many docks and boats as possible. In fact, we have managed to get at least one barge out on the water every day since Sunday of last week.
The ice and slush on the lake surface made parts of the lake completely inaccessible via boat during the storms, specifically anything West of Village Point and the back of North Bay. The surface ice was one of the many things that was making dock and boat surveying and repair very difficult during the storms, however, the ice has started to melt making it easier for our team to conduct work.
Regardless of current conditions, shoveling snow and ice is hazardous, strenuous, and exhausting work for our crew members, but we are doing the best we can given the circumstances to clear as much as we can and lessen the damage to as many boats and docks as possible.
We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding. If you have any questions about your dock, canopy, or boat, reach out to us at kiwidocks@gmail.com. For more dock-related tips, check out our blog.
