A closed upper-level low pressure system took an inside slider trajectory, dragging a strong cold front through southern California. This resulted in very strong winds in the mountains and deserts as the front moved through and only light precipitation over and west of the mountains. Behind the front, as the low departed off to the east, the winds turned north to northeast affecting the mountain passes, Inland Empire and Santa Ana mountains. Many stations reported gusts over 60 mph, several over 70 mph and even a few above 80 mph. This resulted in areas of blowing dust, flying debris and damage to a few mobile homes.

High Wind in SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA
From 06-MAR-12 10:30:00 to 06-MAR-12 20:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 74.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

High winds began at the Burns Canyon RAWS between 1051 and 1151 PST on the 6th and ended between 1851 and 1951 PST the same day. During that time, several hours of sustained winds over 45 mph occurred with many gusts above 70 mph. A peak gust of 85 mph was measured between 1251 and 1351 PST.

High Wind in APPLE AND LUCERNE VALLEYS, CALIFORNIA
From 06-MAR-12 12:00:00 to 06-MAR-12 18:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 91.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A spotter in Johnson Valley reported sustained winds between 38 and 63 mph during the afternoon of the 6th with visibility one-quarter mile or less in blowing dust. Sometime around 1300 PST, a peak gust of 105 mph was measured. No damage noted.

High Wind in COACHELLA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA
From 06-MAR-12 10:00:00 to 06-MAR-12 20:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 65.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

High winds began at the Sky Valley mesonet between 1044 and 1144 PST on the 6th and ended between 1844 and 1944 PST the same day. During that time, several wind gusts above 60 mph were measured including a peak gust of 75 mph recorded between 1400 and 1500 PST.

Strong Wind in COACHELLA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA
From 06-MAR-12 10:00:00 to 06-MAR-12 22:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 43.00 EG
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Strong winds in the Coachella Valley caused several instances of blowing dust as well as some traffic sign damage and trees down. A street sign was partially knocked down from its supporting pole on Sunrise Way, near Gene Autry Trail. Palm Springs police also closed Gene Autry Trail between Via Escuela and Interstate 10 for much of the day on the 6th to be reopened by 8am the following morning.

High Wind in SAN DIEGO COUNTY DESERTS, CALIFORNIA
From 06-MAR-12 14:00:00 to 06-MAR-12 21:00:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 54.00 MG
Property damage: 30.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Park/Forest Service

The Borrego State Park District office closed at 1530 PST due to flying debris. Wind had ripped apart a metal awning and a metal parking structure. Winds in Borrego Springs at 1545 PST were sustained at 41 mph and gusting to 47 mph. Visibility was less than 100 yards at times in blowing dust.
A mobile home residence in Ocotillo Wells was blown over by winds around 1730 PST. NO injuries reported. At 1744 PST, winds were sustained 21 mph, gusting to 45 mph. At 1808 PST, winds were sustained  at 29 mph, gusting to 62 mph. Ocotillo Wells State Park lost many of its camping ramadas due to the wind. In Palm Canyon Campground at Anza Borrego, an electric golf cart was picked up by the wind and hurled into a visitors motor home.
At 2000 PST, Borrego Springs reported a wind gust of 63 mph. At 2045 PST, winds were sustained at 40 mph, gusting to 59 mph.