(CLAIR) – If you’re a resident of Simi Valley, you know that typical winter weather means highs in the mid-60s and maybe a few days of rain. Snow is a rare occurrence in the area, but it does happen from time to time, and when it does, it brings an air of excitement to the community.
Over the past century, Simi Valley has seen its fair share of snowfalls, some more significant than others. An early recorded snowfall in the town was on the morning of December 26, 1916, which covered the area in a blanket of white.
Fast forward to the winter of 1948-1949, when Ventura County suffered over $1 million in crop losses due to a cold snap that split the bark of citrus trees in the area. By January 9, 1949, snow flurries began to fly in Oxnard, and by the night of January 11, as much as 4 inches of snow had accumulated in Simi Valley.
In 1985, snow fell in Simi Valley for about an hour, and in 1987, an Alaskan cold front traveled through Southern California, dropping snow all over the region, including Simi Valley and Moorpark. The storm was strong enough to allow Royal High School students to build a snowman in front of the school.
One of the most significant snowfalls in recent history occurred on February 8, 1989, when several inches of snow covered Simi Valley. The California Highway Patrol temporarily shut down California 118 at the Santa Susana Pass, and roads to most local area mountain resorts were impassable without chains. Even squad cars parked behind the old police station on Cochran Street were blanketed in the white stuff.
February 21, 2019, saw a light dusting of snow that powdered Simi Valley and parts of Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, and Calabasas. Some snow was even reported at ocean level in Malibu.
The most recent snowfall in Simi Valley happened on March 11, 2021. Early in the day, a portion of Simi Valley residents had their power shut off due to strong thunder and lightning that occurred during the storm. At the intersection of Yosemite Avenue and Los Angeles, crowds gathered to play in the snow, and one resident even gathered enough of the fluffy ice to build a small snowman.
As rare as these snowfalls may be, they remind us of the beauty and power of nature. And for those who get to experience them, even for a fleeting moment, it’s an opportunity to create unforgettable memories.
As Simi Valley resident, Jane Johnson, remarked, “I’ve lived in Simi Valley for over 40 years, and I’ve only seen snow here a handful of times. It’s a magical experience that brings out the kid in all of us.”
