The prediction of a gully-washing storm for Tuesday and Wednesday reminded of a killer blizzard in October five years ago. I hope mountain climbers, backpackers and other outdoor enthusiasts are aware of the forecast this week.

Here's the first paragraph to a story I wrote five years ago after tragedy struck:

"A powerful blizzard that has pounded the high Sierra with 3 feet of snow left two Japanese rock climbers dead in Yosemite National Park and hindered rescues of more than a dozen people in other areas."

It had been a fairly balmy October, as I recall -- a little like this October.

The storm predicted this week is supposed to be warm. But above 8,000 feet, it will be winter. The snow could be several feet deep. And the temperatures in the high Sierra will no doubt plummet.