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Weather at Big Bear Lake, CA







Unlike many other Southern California Lakes Big Bear Lake is unique in the fact that it is high elevation. Taking this into consideration one must remember the risks related to the cold water and thin air which increase fatigue levels from an unexpected or expected plunge into the lake. Boaters and swimmers need to be aware that Big Bear Lake can experience extreme temperature changes throughout the summer.

On average Big Bear Lake water temperature fluctuates around 65° in the summer. It is not unlikely in the fall and spring that water temperatures can be in the low 50’s or colder. In the event of a capsized boat or swim from shore, a sudden immersion into the cold lake can cause instant blackout. The Big Bear Municipal Water District receives numerous calls each year for capsized vessels, mainly smaller type craft such as canoes and kayaks.

Remember all vessels must carry PFD’s and should be worn especially for smaller vessels which can easily be overturned. Because cold water conducts heat from the body more rapidly than air, it’s vitally important that you get out of the water as quickly as possible. Here are four simple rules to remember that could save your life.

STAY WITH THE BOAT: Never attempt to swim to shore unless there is absolutely no chance of rescue and you are absolutely certain you can make it. In 50 degree water even the strongest swimmer will be lucky to swim a quarter mile before succumbing to hypothermia.

REENTER IF YOU CAN: Getting back into a swamped craft without tipping it over isn’t easy. If weight is evenly distributed inside a boat with an outboard, crawl up over the motor. A solo paddler with a partly swamped canoe may be able to scoot in from the side, then rock the craft back and forth to empty water.

CLIMB ON TOP: If your boat is large and can’t be righted, climb out of the waterand onto the upturned hull. Arms raised and lowered is a universal distress signal, as is waving an oar or paddle.

STAY WARM: Once out of the water and to shore remove all wet cloths as soon as possible to begin the warming process.

Big Bear Community Information

Big Bear History



Big Bear Real Estate

Our mountain market is suffering from the same economy affecting the rest of the country. Home owners trying to sell locally find themselves in competition will bank-owned properties. The advantage goes to the buyer.

There are a couple of things to consider before you plan your escape to the mountains. The job market is limited so be sure you have an income stream or can telecommute. It takes an hour to get down the mountain on either Hwy 38 or 18. Winter driving can be a challenge.

If you're prepared for mountain life, and can handle a six foot snow fall, then there is no better place in Southern California. We're located in an alpine valley and are blessed with a nine mile lake. The summers are mild and the outdoors is everywhere.

Big Bear is a four season resort community with Bear Mountain for the snowboarders and Snow Summit for families.

Here are local links for more information about Big Bear Lake, Big Bear City, Fawnskin, Baldwin Lake, Lake Williams, Sugarloaf and Lake Erwin CA:

Big Bear Real Estate

Big Bear

Big Bear Restaurants

Offroad Big Bear

Big Bear Lake Restaurant Map

These restaurants will be open on Christmas Day.
When the icons come in, you can click on them for phone numbers and website information.
More Big Bear CA Maps

View Big Bear CA Restaurants Open for Christmas in a larger map

Weather and Road Conditions

(photo courtesy of Bear Mountain Resort)

Snowmaking and a little help from mother nature has given Snow Summit two inches of new snow. It’s machine groomed and supports three features.


Local weather forecasters expect us to pick up six inches of snow in the next two hours. The next cold front is moving through southern California.

Our road conditions are R2. Chains are required in some parts of the Valley. We expect the chain restrictions to cover the entire Valley soon.

If you are driving into Big Bear CA, please use caution. Much of the Valley is currently in white out conditions and the weather is expected to deteriorate. If you are already on the mountain. Go off of everything you can find, this is what we live for!

Check http://www.bigbear.us/ for updated weather and road conditions.