Most of the extreme climates of California are found either along the eastern edge of the state or at high elevation. The Barcroft Station in the White Mountains is in both these categories.
Located at almost 12,500 ft. above sea-level near the Nevada border, Barcroft Station is a highland climate that experiences harsh conditions year-round. Only two months of the year (June & July) have an average low temperature above 32°F. Sub-freezing temps can happen any day of the year here. Over 13 feet of snow accumulate at the Barcroft Weather Station annually on average. And interesting summary of the conditions and facilities at this remote station can be found in the links below.
Summers are exceedingly short on the high slopes of the White Mountains. Still, the summer drought that is so prevalent throughout the rest of the state makes its presence felt here as well. In fact, the clear and sunny skies of summer allow enough insolation to bring the mercury above freezing long enough for alpine plants and their flowers to flourish in brief splash of life and color.
- Köppen Classification: (H) Highland.
- Current Conditions available via the National Weather Service.
- Climate data from The Western Regional Climate Center.
- White Mountain Research Center: Barcroft Station (BAR)
Rob O’Keefe
