Blog - MammothSnowman.com

Mammoth Snowman Summer Update 7/22/2019

July 22, 2019/in Mammoth Mountain Snow Report /by Steve Taylor

7-22-2019 – 6:45 AM – Perfect summer days are upon us with clear air and lot’s of events and activities to do in Mammoth Lakes and across the Eastern Sierra.

Skiing and Snowboarding have one more week to go with several runs open off of 23 and chair 3.

For the full details of the last week of winter sports and fresh images from Saturday, check out our Mammoth Mountain Snow Report Page.

Weather-wise we could see a few build-ups with a 20-30% chance of thunderstorms through the week.

Highs in Mammoth will be in the upper 70s to low 80s with 70s at Main Lodge and into the Lakes Basin. Higher elevations will be in the 60s if you want to cool off from the Summer heat.

Nighttime lows are into the 50s in the Mammoth area, with upper 50s to low 60s in the lower elevations and the Owens Valley.

Winds will be light during the morning hours with afternoon winds 20-30 MPH at times out of the SW. For Snowman’s complete Mammoth Mountain, Mammoth Lakes, June Lake, and Bishop weather forecasts use this link.

Sunset from Lake Mary – Photo by Danilo Chacon

Twin Lakes in the Mammoth Lakes Basin – Photo Heather Thomas

Mammoth Lakes events this week: on Thursday there is the SEMBA Mtn Bike Race – VC #3 – Meadow Connector Trails. Here is a link to there web site for more information.

Then on Friday at Mammoth Mountain Bike Park there is the Friday VC Downhill Race on Pipeline. The race starts at 5 pm, use this link for the details.

If you want some music in the Lakes Basin, Friday at The Gallery at Twin Lakes there is a Concert Featuring Driftwood Creek Friday at 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Friday into Sunday you will also want to check out the Village Fest in the Village at Mammoth. This event features a rib tasting cook-off and is something I would not miss. www.mammothvillagefest.info

On Saturday morning there is the Kids Fishing Festival, this is a great family event that Snowman highly recommends you check out if you have young kids. Here is a link for more information on the event.

And also on Saturday, there is the Nike Mammoth Lakes Fun Run 5K at Shady Rest Park 8 am – 11 AM – Here is the link for more information.

Recreations News and Activity Ideas for Summer & Fall 2019

Join the Snowman’s Private Facebook Group to ask questions and share your own photos and stories.

Mammoth Mountain Snow Report: Mammoth Mountain is now open until July 28th, 2019 and all operations are out of Main Lodge. For Snowman’s complete snow report write up with photos, lift hours and trails please use this link to the Mammoth Mountain Snow Report Page.

Lakes Basin Access The road is now open into the Mammoth Lakes Basin.

Tioga Pass is now open with no restrictions

Camping: All campgrounds now open in the Mammoth Lakes Area.

Fishing Season: Right now we advise you to fish at Twin Lakes, Lake Mary, Lake Mamie, Lake George, Convict, Crowley and or any lake over on the June Lake Loop.

Mammoth and Convict Creeks are raging right now and the water flows are too high in most sections at this time. If you search hard you will find a few spots you can now cast a worm into for a solid hook up.

For more information about fishing check out the fishing section of the web site here.

Mountain Biking: The Mammoth Mountain Bike Park is now open with several trails open from bus stop F down to Little Eagle and Canyon Lodges.

The Bike Park Shuttle is running out of the Village for a ride back up to bus stop F. More trails will be opening soon out of Main Lodge as the snowpack below MC Coy Station is melting out fast.

Mountain Biking trails and roads in the Shady Rest area are melted out, as are the trails and roads in the Inyo Craters areas.

Here is a link to trails you can ride outside of the mountain bike park for free in the Inyo National Forest.

For our complete update please use this link to the Mountain Bike Report.

Hiking: The Mammoth Lakes Basin trails are really starting to melt out now. Still some snow around, but it’s time for a summer hike in the lake basin. Try out Crystal Lake from the Lake George Parking area for a moderate hike with some insane view.

The Mammoth Rock Trail is a great hike or a bike ride. If you’re on a bike watch for horses and hikers.

Try a hike to the Sherwin Lakes, my advice is to go early with limited melted out trails open right now it gets crowded fast.

The Convict Lake trail loop is all melted out and is great for a family hike. MC Gee Creek is also melted out lower down on the trail with snow above 9,500 feet to 10,000 feet.

Road Biking: Try a ride from Mammoth to June and back for a nice long road ride. Parking at the Green Church 5 mins out of Mammoth and riding out to Benton and back is also a great ride right now as well. Down in the Owens Valley, the mornings up to about 11 AM are perfect for a ride.

Take a walk on the Mammoth Lakes Paved Trail System. These trails spread all over town and are paved for easy walking or biking. Start out at the park on Old Mammoth Road.

Check out the Hyden Cabin: now open daily off Old Mammoth Road across from the Mammoth Creek Park. This old cabin sits right on the side of Mammoth Creek.

There are picnic tables and when the water is not running high some great fishing at the cabin. Inside the cabin, you will find a treasure trove of the old days in Mammoth Lakes.

Scenic Drives: Take a drive up to June Lake and drive around the loop. When you hit the town of June Lake try out June Pie for the best Pizza in the Eastern Sierra. When we do the lop we also do the drive north about 10 mins of 395 to the Mono Lake Visitors Center.

June Lake Beach: This is the best beach in the Eastern Sierra with tons of sand and good bathrooms close to the parking area. Best to go early for calm conditions as the wind blows in your face out of the SW each day afternoon. There are SUP rentals on the beach most days of the week during the Summer months.

Horseshoe Lake Beach in the Mammoth Lakes Basin offers up a nice beach. Depending on the water year it can be a short or long hike out to the waterline. If you have dogs this is the beach for you, if you’re not into dogs head to the June Lake Beach.

Gondola Rides: Nothing like a ride to the top if you’re not skiing or riding. You can get out at MC Coy and at the top and walk around. There will be snow at the top well into July, head up for a snowball fight if your not skiing or boarding.

Snowman out… Reviews

ASCENT is the largest cannabis retailer in the Eastern Sierras. We are dedicated to providing our community of Mammoth Lakes with the highest quality products available. Click here to learn more.

Mammoth Wildflowers – Photo by Marilyn-Ross-Jakovich

Please Support our Local Advertisers

Who Are We?

Steve Taylor – The Mammoth Snowman? Over the last 30+ years, Snowman has spent countless hours studying and learning about mammoth mountain weather and snow conditions first hand.

Snowman started blogging this information back in 1990 on the old Mammoth BBS system, then the RSN Forums and then on to MammothSnowman.com in 2004 with his Video & Photo Blog reports. (No YouTube back then)

Snowman has had his reports, videos, and photos featured on both local TV Stations here in Mammoth, along with AP, Fox, ABC, CBS, and NBC News. Learn more about the Snowman and our team here at MammothSnowman.com at this link.

Mammoth Mountain Snowman

Recreations News and Activity Ideas for Summer & Fall 2019

June 27, 2019/in Mammoth Mountain Snow Report, Recreation Report for the Inyo Forest and the Eastern Sierra /by Steve Taylor

Recreations News and Activity Ideas for Summer & Fall 2019

Lakes Basin Access The road is now open in the Lake Basin, however, there is no camping at this time due to the snow and water runoff from the big winter. As soon as we get word from the Forest Service that a campground in opening up we will post it here.

Tioga Pass is open with very limited access to the west and east sides. Hours the road is open will be 10 to 11 AM and then 2 PM to 3 PM. There will be a CHP escort car to lead you thru the mess on the highway. The last word was no service’s or stopping in this area.

The Road to Devils Postpile and Reds Meadow is closed until sometime in July due to road repairs and maintenance after the very large winter we just had. The road has been plowed and they have been letting bikes in and out of the area. Watch out and yield to road crews in the area.

Camping: Lot’s of campgrounds are open, but with the massive winter crews are struggling to get everything open for the July 4th Holiday.

As of now here are the campgrounds that are closed: Twin Lakes, Lake Mary, Lake George, Pine City, Coldwater, Agnew Meadows Horse, Agnew Meadows Group, Agnew Meadows Family, Upper Soda Springs, Pumice Flat, Reds Meadow, Devils Postpile.

Upper and Lower Deadman, Big Springs, Ellery Lake, Junction, Tioga Lake, Sawmill Walk-in, Saddlebag Lake, Saddlebag Lake Group Camp, Aspen Grove.

As soon as they are ready to open we get the word about it, I will update this list.

Fishing Season: is wide open below the 9000-9500 foot level with lakes being the prime spot to fish.

Right now we advise you to fish at Twin Lakes, Lake Mary, Lake Mamie, Lake George, Convict, Crowley and or any lake over on the June Lake Loop.

Mammoth and Convict Creeks are raging right now and the water flows are too high for fishing at this time. Hint: Hiring a guide is the best way to go if you really want a killer fishing experience in the Eastern Sierra.

For more information about fishing check out the fishing section of the web site here.

Mountain Biking: The Mammoth Mountain Bike Park is now open with Downtown, Uptown, Big Ring and Shot Gun open from Chair 4 down. More trails will be open by the end of the week below the 8500-foot level / Chair 4.

Mountain Biking trails and roads in the Shady Rest area are melted out, as are the trails and roads in the Inyo Craters areas. Also the forest roads on the East Side of highway 395.

If you want some good single track riding, Lower Rock Creek 15 mins south of Mammoth is the place to go. For our complete update please use this link to the Mountain Bike Report.

Hiking: For hiking on a bit of dirt and a lot of snow you can try the trails in the Mammoth Lakes Basin. Again above 9000 feet it will be mostly ALL snow so be prepared.

Mammoth Rock Trail has melted out now and is a great hike or bike ride. If you’re on your bike watch for horses and hikers.

Try a hike to the Sherwin Lakes as this trail is all melted out. My advice is to go early with limited melted out trails open right now it gets crowded fast.

The Convict Lake trail loop is all melted out and is great for a family hike. MC Gee Creek is also melted out lower down on the trail with snow above 9,500 feet to 10,000 feet.

Road Biking: is wide open for your enjoyment. Try a ride from Mammoth to June and back for a nice long road ride. Parking at the Green Church 5 mins out of Mammoth and riding out to Benton and back is also a great ride right now as well.

Take a walk on the Mammoth Lakes Paved Trail System. These trails spread all over town and are paved for easy walking or biking. Start out at the park on Old Mammoth Road.

Check out the Hyden Cabin: now open daily off Old Mammoth Road across from the Mammoth Creek Park. This old cabin sits right on the side of Mammoth Creek.

There are picnic tables and when the water is not running high some great fishing at the cabin. Inside the cabin, you will find a treasure trove of the old days in Mammoth Lakes.

Scenic Drives: Take a drive up to June Lake and drive around the loop. When you hit the town of June Lake try out June Pie for the best Pizza in the Eastern Sierra. When we do the lop we also do the drive north about 10 mins of 395 to the Mono Lake Visitors Center.

June Lake Beach: This is the best beach in the Eastern Sierra with tons of sand and good bathrooms close to the parking area. Best to go early for calm conditions as the wind blows in your face out of the SW each day afternoon. There are SUP rentals on the beach most days of the week during the Summer months.

Horseshoe Lake Beach in the Mammoth Lakes Basin offers up a nice beach. Depending on the water year it can be a short or long hike out to the waterline. If you have dogs this is the beach for you, if you’re not into dogs head to the June Lake Beach.

Gondola Rides: Nothing like a ride to the top if you’re not skiing or riding. You can get out at MC Coy and at the top and walk around. Everyone needs a selfie by the 19 foot tall Mammoth Mountain sign at the top.

There will be snow at the top well into July, head up for a snowball fight if your not skiing or boarding.

The Mammoth Welcome Center is open daily 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Fuelwood Permits on sale

Monday-Friday, 8:30 to 1:00 and 2:00 to 4:00).

Snowman out…

Freedom Bash & Fireworks from the Summit of Mammoth Mountain

The Highest Fireworks Show in the Country at the Top of Mammoth Mountain Jump on the Panorama Gondola for a scenic ride up to Mammoth’s summit where a patriotic party awaits. Groove with Woolly, indulge in some all-American BBQ and enjoy a colorful, booming display of fireworks launched from 11,053′. Free viewing is available at the Adventure Center, or check out the VIP viewing options from the base of the mountain. Date / Time: Jul 06 / 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: Mammoth Mountain
Category: Summer Fun, Summer Adventure, Summer Events

Fireworks July 6th Event Schedule

6PM	Ticket office and will call open at the Adventure Center (under the Panorama Gondola)
6:30PM	Panorama Gondola opens Food/bar concessions open
8PM	Last gondola ride up to the summit
8:15PM	Sunset
9PM	Fireworks show from the summit
9:30PM	Freedom Bash ends; last gondola ride down

Events subject to change.

Pets/dogs and outside alcohol are not permitted at this event.
Bring your own chair or blanket for seating/viewing. There will be limited indoor table seating provided at the summit.
The temperature drops significantly after sunset and there will still be snowy conditions at the summit, so please dress accordingly with appropriate footwear and attire.

Freedom Bash/Gondola Tickets – SOLD OUT

VIP Viewing Party on the Main Lodge Sundeck | SOLD OUT

Food/Drink Concessions & Free Viewing Areas

The fireworks can also be viewed at base of the mountain from the Adventure Center, with activities open (for purchase) till 7PM. A variety of food and bar options will be available from the Yodler and The Lunchbox.

Free Transportation from The Village | 6:30–10 PM

Shuttle service offered between The Village and Main Lodge every 15 minutes, with the first shuttle departing The Village at stop #90 (on Canyon Blvd.) at 6:30 PM, and the last shuttle departing Main Lodge at 10 PM.

Parking

Free parking will be available at Main Lodge with the parking shuttle picking up at the lettered parking signs along Minaret Rd. between Chair 4 and Main Lodge.

Fireworks on Mammoth Mountain - July 1, 2017 Photo Sean Mathis

Fireworks on Mammoth Mountain – July 1, 2017 Photo by Sean Mathis – Photo from MMSA

6-24-2019 – Mammoth Mountain & Eastern Sierra Weather Forecast from the Snowman

June 24, 2019/in Mammoth Mountain Weather, Mammoth Weather /by Steve Taylor

Eastern Sierra Weather Summary – 6-24-2019 – The weather this week will be highlighted by a low-pressure system to our north.

This system will help to bring down our high and low temperatures and it will also bring windy conditions to the higher elevations this week.

It will feel more like Springtime then Summer so be prepared with a jacket and warmer clothes.

Lows at the 9000-foot level will be close to freezing with the 30s well below that level.

If you’re camping be prepared for cold nights above 6500 feet. Skiers and Snowboarders be ready for frim conditions at Mammoth Mountain at 7:30 AM when they open.

Mammoth Mountain and the Lakes Basin Weather

At the 9000 foot level, we are expecting highs in the upper 50s to low 60s on Monday lowering to the lower 50s to possibly the upper 40s by Wednesday.

Night time lows will be in the 40s tonight and then drop back down into the low 30s by Wednesday morning.

Winds will be moderate this week with some gusts to 50 MPH out of the SW possible Tuesday and Wednesday. Winds will back off later in the week but it will still be breezy and noticeable.

By next weekend highs at Main will be in the low 60s with mid to upper 30s at night.

That will allow for some great summer corn snow conditions over the weekend, winds should also be a none factor.

Mammoth Lakes Weather @ 8000 Feet

At the 8000-foot level highs will be in the low 70s dropping to the mid-60s midweek. Lows will be in the 40s tonight and into the mid to upper 30s midweek. Brrr

Winds will be 10-20 MPH today increasing to 20-30 MPH on Tuesday. Expect breezy conditions all week.

By next weekend it warms back up into the 70s with lows in the 40s. Perfect Summertime weather to explore the Mammoth Lakes area.

Bishop and Big Pine

Highs will be in the low 90s today and will give way to the mid-80s by Wednesday.

Lows at night are down into the low 50s this week. Winds in the area will be around 10-20 MPH at times.

It’s only hot right now from about noon to 6 PM and then it cools off fast.

Mammoth Mountain & Mammoth Lakes, California Radar

Mammoth Mountain MC Coy Station Webcam

Western Satellite Image for Mammoth Lakes and Mammoth Mountain

Pacific Satellite View for Mammoth Mountain Weather

6-10 Day Temperature Outlook

6-10 Day Precipitation Outlook

10-14 Day Temperature Outlook

10-14 Day Precipitation Outlook

6-24-2019 – Mammoth Snowman Report from the Eastern Sierra

June 24, 2019/in Mammoth Weather /by Steve Taylor

6-24-2019 – 7 AM – Good morning and thanks for stopping by MammothSnowman.com. We have clear skies in the area at this time.

Highs the last couple days have been in the upper 50s with cool nighttime lows down to freezing. Those cool temperatures turned that spring slush into ice overnight.

The icy pack turned soft by mid-morning leaving us with some great skiing and snowboarding on some great summer corn snow under mostly clear skies.

Mammoth Mountain Weather wise this week we expect cooling temperatures starting mid-week. Highs will be in the high 50s today dropping into the lower 50s and upper 40s later in the week at Main Lodge.

Once again night time lows midweek will drop back into the low 30s at the 9000 foot level at Main Lodge.

Winds will also be picking up the next few days. Look for winds 20-30 MPH today picking up to 40-50 MPH midweek over the higher elevations. Down at Main winds will be gusting 35-40 MPH.

For Snowman’s complete Mammoth Mountain and Mammoth Lakes Weather Forecast use this link.

June 20, 2019 – Top of 23

June 13th, 2019 – Top of Chair 23

Mammoth Mountain Snow Report – 6-24-2019

The Summer Corn Snow season is going off right now. Lot’s of diehards up here having a blast.

More and more people are learning that summer corn snow skiing and boarding can be fun if your boards are tuned for these conditions.

Out on the hill chair, 2 is melting out fast, looks like it could last thru next weekend if they keep moving the snow around. Not sure if this lift can run on July 4^th, it is going to be close.

Down at Main Lodge, there is still a ton of snow with chairs 1 and 6 along with Gondolas 1 and 2 open.

The unbound Main is done for the most part, but the slopestyle hits are still up as of this post. The forest Trail Park is open with a ton of fun to be had.

Up at MC Coy Chair 3 is open as is chair 23 and gondola 2. Skiing off of three is a mix of a groomed center bowl and a bump fest in West Bowl. The rest of the snow is starting to get a bit of sun cuppy in spots.

Up top Climax, Cornice Bowl, Scotties along with the wipe and dropouts are all still open with some fun turns to be had.

Got to love the summer corn as it gets soft later in the morning. Yahooooo

ASCENT is the largest cannabis retailer in the Eastern Sierras. We are dedicated to providing our community of Mammoth Lakes with the highest quality products available. Click here to learn more.

Local Area Recreation News

Lakes Basin Access and Camping Update – The road is now open in the Lake Basin, however, there is no camping at this time due to Snow and Water Runoff from the big winter.

Tioga Pass is open with very limited access to the west and east sides. Hours the road is open will be 10 to 11 AM and then 2 PM to 3 PM.

What else is there to do besides Skiing and Snowboarding in the Eastern Sierra?

Fishing Season: is wide open below the 9000 foot level with lakes being the prime spot to fish.

Right now we advise you to fish at Twin Lakes, Lake Mary, Lake Mamie, Lake George, Convict or Crowley for the best experience.

Mammoth and Convict Creeks are raging right now and the water flows are too high for fishing at this time.

Hint: Hiring a guide is the best way to go if you really want a killer fishing experience in the Eastern Sierra.

Mountain Biking: The Mammoth Mountain Bike Park is now open with Downtown, Uptown, Big Ring and Shut Gun open from Chair 4 down. More trails will be open by the end of the week below the 8500-foot level / Chair 4.

Mountain Biking trails and roads in the Shady Rest area are melted out, as are the trails and roads in the Inyo Craters areas. Also the forest roads on the East Side of hwy 395.

If you want some good single track riding, Lower Rock Creek 15 mins south of Mammoth is the place to go. For our complete update please use this link to the Mountain Bike Report.

Road Biking: is wide open below 8000 feet. Try a ride from Mammoth to June and back for a nice long road ride. Parking at the Green Church 5 mins out of Mammoth and riding out to Benton and back is also a great ride right now.

Take a Walk: in Mammoth Lakes, you can walk all the paved trail sections with the exception of the Lakes Basin Trail above Twin Lakes.

Check out the Hyden Cabin now open daily off Old Mammoth Road across from the Mammoth Creek Park.

Scenic Drives: Take a drive up to June and drive around the loop. When you hit the town of June Lake try out June Pie for the best Pizza in the Eastern Sierra.

Gondola Rides: Nothing like a ride to the top if you’re not skiing or riding.

Camping: Is open at the Mammoth RV park, New Shady Rest, Convict, Mc Gee, and Sherwin Creek. Big Springs and the Glass Creek sites are also open now.

Snowman out…

Please Support our Local Advertisers

k2 99 Ti Mind Bender Skis – You can Demo them at Footloose Sports here in Town.

The new skis from K2 Blow my mind I guess that is why they call them Mind Benders.

I have now skied these skies for the last 5 month. Everything from groomers, to wind buff, steeps to steep cut up powder crud and now corn snow. I have been flying all over the hill feeling like I am in my mid 30’s again. Love these skis….

My advice is to pick some demos from Footloose and give these a try out for a day. 760-934-2400

Who Are We?

Steve Taylor – The Mammoth Snowman? Over the last 30+ years, Snowman has spent countless hours studying and learning about mammoth mountain weather and snow conditions first hand.

Snowman started blogging this information back in 1990 on the old Mammoth BBS system, then the RSN Forums and then on to MammothSnowman.com in 2004 with his Video & Photo Blog reports. (No YouTube back then)

Snowman has had his reports, videos, and photos featured on both local TV Stations here in Mammoth, along with AP, Fox, ABC, CBS, and NBC News. Learn more about the Snowman and our team here at MammothSnowman.com at this link.

Mammoth Mountain Snowman

Video – Discover Mammoth Lakes Today 6-18-2019

June 18, 2019/in Video - Discover Mammoth Lakes Today /by Steve Taylor

6-11-2019 Mammoth Mountain and Mammoth Lakes Weather Forecast

June 11, 2019/in Mammoth Mountain Weather /by Steve Taylor

6-11-2019 – 3 PM – Good Afternoon, Mammoth Mountain is sitting under clear blue skies and it looks to stay that way for the next few days.

Highs into Friday will be in the ’60s at Main Lodge with 70’s down in town. Winds are light at 10-15 MPH at times out of the SW.

Feels like Summer has arrived with lot’s to do after the ski area closes at 2 PM. June is a prime time to get out for some fishing, mountain biking, scenic drives and so much more.

Mammoth Mountain Weather Highs and Lows @ 8900 Feet – The Main Lodge

Mammoth Mountain & Mammoth Lakes, California Radar

6-10 Day Temperature Outlook

6-10 Day Precipitation Outlook

6-11-2019 – Mammoth Mountain Snow Report from the Snowman

June 11, 2019/in Mammoth Mountain Snow Report /by Steve Taylor

Mammoth Mountain Snow Report

6-11-2019 – Currently, we are skiing and riding on some great corn snow. You will find some nice soft carvable snow on the groomers on Chair 2 starting right out of the gate at 7:30 AM.

All the other runs are quickly getting soft now as the sun is high in the sky as we approach Summer.

Up top Cornice is getting groomed just about nightly and it’s the first to get soft up top. Scotties is also groomed and offers up some fun warm-up laps in the am.

As the day heats up any run off the groomed that is getting some skier or boarder traffic has some really good snow as it gets turned up.

Top of the Drop Outs are great, watch out on the lower half later in the am as it gets a bit sticky.

West Bowl has some bumps that are getting bigger by the day now. The bumps in here are best to ski after 11 AM.

To keep the snow in better shape grooming crews are also doing there salting, keeping the snow surface less slushy and not grabby.

The race runs are getting an extra dose of salting so the ski teams that are training have a nice firm surface to ski on for a few hours early morning.

Around 10:30 to 11 AM they pull the closures on those runs and the snow is just about perfect. You will find a nice thin layer of silver lined corn snow with a carvable but not to firm surface below.

The base out on the hill is around 6-18 feet from what we are observing. With the warm weather, we have had the snowpack drop a couple of feet the last week. All that May snow is about gone as we see a lot of the early May Spring base starting to appear.

Lift hours are now locked in at 7:30 AM to 2 PM with Chairs 1, 2, 3, 6, 11 and 23 open daily. The lower gondola is also open with the upper gondola closed until mid-June for maintenance.

Snowman Out…

Mammoth Mountain Snow Report Photo by the Snowman

Hangman’s Hollow off of Gondola 2

Climax at the top of Mammoth Mountain – 11,053 Feet

Gravy Chute and Chair 1 out of Main Lodge

Cornice Bowl off of Chair 23

Monument and the Paranoids off of Chair 23

Top of Chair 23 with the Drop Out and Wipe Out Chutes

Scotties Run

Spring Corn Turns on Mammoth Mountain

Mammoth Mountain Snow Report

6-9-2019 – Mammoth Mountain to Bishop Mountain Bike Report

June 9, 2019/in mountain bike report /by Steve Taylor

Mammoth Mountain to Bishop Mountain Bike Report

6-9-2019 – Sunday @ 4 PM – Mountain Biking is getting off to a slow start in Mammoth Lakes to start June. We have had a big winter that has lasted right into Memorial Day weekend. Elevations below about 8000 feet are now snow free and rideable.

Forest Service dirt roads out of Shady rest are rideable as are many of the roads off the scenic loop. To the east of 395 everything is snow free so pick your favorite road and jump in.

Lower Rock Creek Trail is the best you’re going to get in single track riding at this time. The trail is in great shape if you’re riding watch for both uphill and downhill riders. Yes, there are also hikers on this trail so beware.

The Mammoth Mountain Bike Park is still closed but will be opening up next Friday with Downtown from Chair 4 down and Shot Gun.

With the big and late winter lower mountain trails will slowly start open the next couple weeks. Mid and Upper Mountain Trails from Main up will take at least a month to melt out.

Bishop and Round Valley are heating up now, riding down in the valley early mornings will be the call as highs move into the 90s now for the foreseeable future.

For those who have been around a while, if you want to pull off a duplicate of the plumbline 7500 to the top of the White Mountain now is the time.

Snowman will have an update late this week on the current conditions.

For the best Bike Tune in Mammoth Lakes check out Footloose Sports. You can reach them at 760-934-2400

Mammoth Weather Update

June 9, 2019/in Mammoth Weather /by Steve Taylor

6-9-2019 – Mammoth Weather this week will be under a big time warming trend.

Highs will be reaching into the mid to upper 70s in town with a 70 around Main Lodge and up in the Mammoth Lakes Basin.

Lows will be coming up into the low to mid-40s this week. Winds will be light all this week.

By late in the week highs will drop 5-8 degrees. Welcome to Summertime enjoy it while it lasts.

Mammoth Radar

Please Support our Local Advertisers

Demo The Mind Bender at Footloose Sports

6-9-2019 – Weather Forecast for Bishop, California

June 9, 2019/in Bishop Weather Forecast /by Steve Taylor

6-9-2019 – 10:47 AM – Weather Forecast for Bishop, California

Good morning, we had a nice spring night with lows in the 50s. Today highs will be in the mid-80s, highs could reach the upper 90s by mid-week with lows in the upper 50s overnight.

This will be our first real taste of some early summer heat. No T Storms or clouds in sight the next few days just clear warm days turning hot mid week.

Late this week highs will back off into the lower 90s with lows in the upper 50s. Expect a chance of T Storms in the high country above Bishop late week and into the weekend.

If you want to beat the heat head up to Lake Sabrina with highs in the low to mid-60s midweek and down into the 50s by the end of the week. Night time lows at that elevation will be in the upper 30s to low 40s.

Posted at 10:47 AM Sunday 6-9-2019 by Steve Taylor the Snowman

Weather Forecast for Bishop, California

Mammoth Mountain May 2019 Photos

May 26, 2019/in Mammoth Mountain Photo Shots /by Steve Taylor

What’s your local ski resort look like today? Here is a shot of Mammoth Mountain on 6-1-2019. Amazing this will be 2 out of 3 years we get to ski into August. Photo By Ed Cesnalis

Photo By Laura K

Photo by: Danilo Chacon

Photo by: Christopher Lucchese

Photo by Adam Malovani

Photo by Scotland Roeber

Powder Turns in Late May – Photo by Laura Kranzler

Photo Snow Report – 5-20-1019

Mammoth Mountain Chair 5

Chair 23 heading up to the top of Mammoth Mountain

Looking at to the Noids while riding up chair 23

DCIM100GOPROGOPR0769.

DCIM100GOPROGOPR0768.

Top of Saddle Bowl looking over to Cornice Bowl

Climax tracked out on a May Powder Day

View from a ride up Chair 3

View 2 from a ride up Chair 3

The face of Five was open for Monday Morning Freshies – Thanks Mammoth Mountain

Powder all around with a groomed path down the center.

Looking down from lower Cornice Bowl

Cornice Bowl

Monday AM Update from the Snowman

April 8, 2019/in Mammoth Weather /by Steve Taylor

4-8-2019 7 AM – Good morning everyone, we have thick high clouds over Mammoth at this time.

Today expect pt cloudy skies with highs again in the 40’s and SW winds 20-30 MPH with gusts to 50 MPH over the mid and upper elevations.

The rest of the week will be highlighted with much cooler temperatures with periods of rain and snow possible.

Snowfall amounts will be on the light side with 3-6 inches of additional snowfall forecast for the week.

For tonight expect rain and snow with the snow level around 9000 feet, looks like just a dusting to an inch of snowfall.

Tuesday expect snow likely with 1-3 inches possible and high in the 30s. Winds will be gusting to 50 MPH over the higher elevations. Snow levels will be 7500-8000 feet.

At this time Wednesday is looking like a sunny spring day with more snow showers possible Thursday into Friday.

The weekend outlook is calling for clear skies with highs in the mid-40s to mid-50s with light winds.

Overall it now appears that this never-ending storm train is slowly coming to an end.

As we move into mid-April expect more spring days with some nice corn snow starting to set up.

On clear days Spring Skiing and Riding is on, make sure you have your gear waxed up so you do not bog down as the snow turns slushy on warm days. Footloose has you covered with a FREE Hot Wax… Get the Coupon at this link.

Climax on Sunday Afternoon

Snow Conditions: 4-8-2019 – Same old story on snow conditions, it’s spring on the lower mountain with the mid and upper mountain still in winter snowpack.

Up Top Cornice and Scotties should be the call if you like steeper groomers to start your day.

The rest of the top is a mostly a flat packed out snow surface mixed in with a few bumps. There is a mix of some firmer wind buff and some nice packed powder snow.

The faces of 3 and 5 are a blast right now with packed powder snow, you can pick any line you want to take.

Over on 22 and 25, you will find a mix of winter and spring. The groomers on 25 got to be full on spring fun by 9 am over the weekend. Anytime the sun is out 9, 15 and 25 should slush up fast.

Right now the line between spring and winter is right around MC Coy Station.

FYI: The Ski Area will be open at least thru July 7th this season, make plans to get some Spring and Summer turns in.

Canyon Lodge and Eagle Lodges will be open until April 28th, after that all lifts will be running out of Main Lodge.

Snowman out

PS: If you want to interact with other MammothSnowman Fans join our private Facebook Group at this link.

PS 2: I will be keeping this site updated just about daily thru the Spring and Summer and right up to next seasons opening day. Keep checking in for the most current details.

Ariens 926065 – For Sale – Trying to sell this awesome Snow Blower to raise funds for our move. This beast will blow further than a bobcat. Only 2 years old and very well taken care of. If anyone is looking for a beast that will last the next 20+ years this is it. 420CC Engine I have used it for clean up after the snow removal guy leaves. Asking 1900 OBO …. thanks Snowman out – 760-709-1351

Photo Snow Report 3-31-2019

Daves Run and Top of the World

Top of Coyote lookingout toward Lincoln Mtn.

The Face of Five

Riding up 23

Climax

Please Support our Local Advertisers

Demo The Mind Bender at Footloose Sports

k2 99 Ti Mind Bender Skis – You can Demo them at Footloose Sports here in Town.

The new skis from K2 Blow my mind I guess that is why they call them Mind Benders.

I have now taken these ski’s all over the hill the last 10 weeks. From groomers, to wind buff steeps to steep cut up powder crud I have been flying all over the hill feeling like I am in my mid 30’s again.

My advice is to pick some demos from Footloose and give these a try out for a day. 760-934-2400

Who Are We?

Steve Taylor – The Mammoth Snowman? Over the last 30+ years, Snowman has spent countless hours studying and learning about mammoth mountain weather and snow conditions first hand.

Snowman started blogging this information back in 1990 on the old Mammoth BBS system, then the RSN Forums and then on to MammothSnowman.com in 2004 with his Video & Photo Blog reports. (No YouTube back then)

Snowman has had his reports, videos, and photos featured on both local TV Stations here in Mammoth, along with AP, Fox, ABC, CBS, and NBC News. Learn more about the Snowman and our team here at MammothSnowman.com at this link.

Click Here to Learn More About the People Who Make MammothSnowman.com a Reality.

Mammoth Mountain Snowman

T-BAR SOCIAL CLUB TO BEGIN SERVING NEW YORK STYLE PIZZA

April 3, 2019/in Mammoth Weather /by Steve Taylor

T-BAR SOCIAL CLUB TO BEGIN SERVING NEW YORK STYLE PIZZA

June Pie Pizza Co. is the second business to open in the historic Sierra Inn building

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JUNE LAKE, CA – March 25, 2019

The Eastern Sierra has a new fast-casual dining option. On Wednesday, March 27, June Pie Pizza Co. will serve New York style thin crust pizza out of the T-Bar Social Club in downtown June Lake.

“When we began conceptualizing our plans for the building, we identified a large void that needed to be filled.” said Jamie Schectman, B-ROC, LLC President “93% of Americans eat pizza monthly and virtually everyone I know loves a tasty slice of pie.”

A top-of-the-line, rotating stone deck oven was installed in the newly renovated June Pie kitchen. The oven weighs 3,900 lbs and the stone was imported from Italy. The oven operates at temperatures up to 900 degrees and each pizza takes under 4 minutes to cook. Using classic techniques and fresh ingredients, both slices and whole pies will be served.

June Pie Pizza Co. is the second business to reopen in the historic Sierra Inn building. In late 2020, the Balanced Rock Saloon will be completed, serving as a 299 person capacity multi-use event space and upscale concert venue,

# # # #

About June Pie Pizza Co: Privately trained by the New York Good Fellas Pizza School, JPPC is committed to offering delicious pizza. Currently served out of the T-Bar Social Club from 4 pm Wednesday through Sunday. Future plans call for delivery service throughout June Lake as well as a 25 person storefront located on the highway. To see the menu, visit www.junelakepizza.com.

About T-Bar Social Club: June Lake’s newest gathering place hosts quality year-round entertainment including concerts, DJ dance parties, adventure speaker series, comedy nights, movie screenings, regular open mic nights and other community events. Round trip shuttle service from Mammoth Lakes is available for all concerts and DJ nights. To see a complete listing of upcoming events, visit www.tbarsocialclub.com.

Powder Forecast –Tuesday April 2nd, 2019

April 3, 2019/in Mammoth Weather /by Steve Taylor

Powder Forecast –Tuesday, April 2^nd, 2019

Ted Schlaepfer CCM —- Mammoth Mountain WeatherGuy

Forecast Summary:

Snowfall tapers off this evening and ends tonight with dry weather expected tomorrow and Thursday.

Snowfall chances increase during the day Friday with snow likely Friday night and Saturday morning with dry weather probably returning Sunday and Monday.

Next chance for light snow will be around Tuesday next week followed by another chance for snowfall end of the week or the following weekend.

Overall, powder conditions are expected tomorrow and again Saturday/Sunday with a chance for low-end powder mid-week next week.

No Update Friday, next update Tuesday 4/9

Snowfall forecasts are valid at the Sesame snow course (Main Lodge) for the prior 24 hours as reported in the 6-7 AM morning snow report.

Sesame Snow Course

**Snowfall forecast confidence ranges from very low (1) to very high (5)

Wed 4/3 = 6 – 7” (H20 = 0.75” – 0.80”)**4
Thu 4/4 = 0”
Fri 4/5 = 0 – 1”
Sat 4/6 = 5 – 8” (H20 = 0.60” – 0.80”)**2
Sun 4/7 = 2 – 4” (H20 = 0.20” – 0.40”)**2
Mon 4/8 = 0”
Tue 4/9 = 0”
Wed – Fri 4/10– 4/12 = 0 – 6”

April Snowfall = 5”
April Forecast = 35 – 45”

Detailed 4-day Snowfall Forecast:

Wed 4/3 and Thu 4/4 —No snowfall both days except for a chance for light snowfall overnight Thursday into Friday. Light winds both days.

Fri 4/5 —Snowfall is possible by the afternoon and more likely at night. Gusty winds increase during the morning hours.

Sat 4/6 —Snowfall is possible during the morning before likely ending during the day. Gusty winds decrease by Saturday afternoon.

Forecast Discussion:
Short Term:

Satellite image below shows an upper level low pressure system moving slowly through the Sierra with moderate snowfall currently being observed in Mammoth. The upper low will swing eastward tonight and snowfall will end overnight.

About six inches of snowfall has fallen and the models have generally underestimated the QPF from the storm system. The GFS model is showing less than half an inch today (image below) and the ECM has around half an inch with current readings showing about 0.75”. Looks like enough already fell for powder conditions tomorrow on the mountain.

High pressure will briefly build into Mammoth in the wake of the system tomorrow and Thursday for fair and dry weather. Winds tomorrow should be light and temperatures seasonable by the afternoon. Slightly colder weather is expected Thursday with only a bit more breeze.

The latest ECM model run backed off significantly on the strength of the storm system for Friday and into Saturday. It now moves the strong upper level low (image below) into NorCal with Mammoth on the southern edge. The GFS model is similar or now even slightly stronger than the ECM, but still keeps the storm track mostly north of Mammoth.

Model QPF is up for the GFS, but down for the ECM model that is now showing less than an inch of liquid. The GFS model is not showing much more and is also around an inch (image below). So it should be enough for powder conditions, but it doesn’t look like deep powder or a large storm anymore.

Long Range:

Longer range guidance is suggesting a short-wave trough may move through CA around Tuesday next week (image below). Current solutions are not favoring a big storm, but a more typical spring storm system that could produce a few inches. It is still a week out and confidence low.

The ECM (image below) and GFS (two images below) then moves a deeper colder-type low pressure system southward into CA by the end of next week. This is similar to the set-up in February with a strong high pressure ridge building into the north Pacific and Alaska and forcing a deep trough southward into CA.

I am certainly skeptical about the ECM solution and whether that much energy can slip under the ridge mid-April with the GFS solution possibly being more realistic. It has happened before though as I remember skiing powder near Ch 9 mid-April with snow levels around 4500 feet.

The GFS ensemble moves the trough eastward over the following weekend (image below) and the ECM model is similar. It is still way too far out to know the details or even if it will happen, but it does represent another chance for powder conditions this month especially since the GFS is suggesting ridging thereafter (two image below).

The climate models are not favoring any big storm patterns through mid-April (image below) with a suggestion of more spring storms latter part of the month (two image below). If there is a late season surprise, this could be a year it happens. WG

Tuesday Morning 4-2-2019 Update from The Snowman

April 2, 2019/in Mammoth Weather /by Steve Taylor

Demo The Mind Bender at Footloose Sports

4-2-2019 – 8 AM – Good morning we have cloudy skies over Mammoth Mountain with 1-2 inches of new wet snow overnight.

Here in town, we had some rain last night that has now turned to snow, there is about 1/4 inch of fresh snow on my deck.

Up top it 23 with SSW winds to 64 MPH. Down at Main Lodge, it’s 27 with WSW winds to 38 MPH.

For today snow showers are likely, snowfall amounts look to be in the 4-8 inch range now from Main Lodge to the top.

Highs will be in the low to mid-30s across the hill, winds will be out of the South West at 30-40 MPH with gusts to 60+ over the top and mid-mountain areas.

Snowfall amounts look to be in the 1-3 inch range. Snow levels on Tuesday will be around 7500-8000 feet.

For Wednesday expect sunny skies with light winds and high in the mid-30s to low 40s.

By Thursday night we could see some more snow showers move in that last into Saturday. The jury is still out on what to expect for snowfall amounts late in the week into the weekend.

Road Conditions: No Chains are required. For the most current up to date info from Cal Trans use this link.

Climax on Sunday Afternoon

Snow Conditions: 4-1-2019 – It’s spring on the lower mountain with the mid and upper mountain still in winter snowpack conditions.

If you’re going to be out on the hill on Monday I would advise you start out at Chair 2 for the best-groomed snow. Expect the groomers to start out a bit firm and soften up fast on Monday.

The groomed runs over at Eagle and the Chair will be a bit firm until about 10 AM. So if you start at 15 head to 16 to 2 for the best snow. Cornice and Scotties should be the call if you like steeper groomers to start your day.

The rest of the top is a mostly a flat packed out snow surface that is still in full on winter conditions. There is a mix of some firmer wind buff and some nice packed powder snow.

The faces of 3 and 5 are a blast right now with packed powder snow, you can pick any line you want to take. Over on 22, you will find a mix of winter and spring. The best snow today was in the Avy Chutes 1 and 2.

FYI: The Ski Area will be open at least thru July 4th this season, make plans to get some Spring and Summer turns in.

Canyon Lodge and Eagle Lodges will be open until April 28th, after that all lifts will be running out of Main Lodge.

May is a great month to get ski and riding in during the AM hours then get in some fishing or mountain biking in the lower elevations. There are also lot’s of places to hike at that time of year below the 8500-foot level.

Snowman out

PS: If you want to interact with other MammothSnowman Fans join our private Facebook Group at this link.

PS 2: I will be keeping this site updated just about daily thru the Spring and Summer and right up to next seasons opening day. Keep checking in for the most current details.

Photo Snow Report 3-31-2019

Daves Run and Top of the World

Top of Coyote lookingout toward Lincoln Mtn.

The Face of Five

Riding up 23

West Bowl

Cornice to the Noids

Cornice and Hangmans

Climax

k2 99 Ti Mind Bender Skis – You can Demo them at Footloose Sports here in Town.

The new skis from K2 Blow my mind I guess that is why they call them Mind Benders.

I have now taken these ski’s all over the hill the last 10 weeks. From groomers, to wind buff steeps to steep cut up powder crud I have been flying all over the hill feeling like I am in my mid 30’s again.

My advice is to pick some demos from Footloose and give these a try out for a day. 760-934-2400

Who Are We?

Steve Taylor – The Mammoth Snowman? Over the last 30+ years, Snowman has spent countless hours studying and learning about mammoth mountain weather and snow conditions first hand.

Snowman started blogging this information back in 1990 on the old Mammoth BBS system, then the RSN Forums and then on to MammothSnowman.com in 2004 with his Video & Photo Blog reports. (No YouTube back then)

Snowman has had his reports, videos, and photos featured on both local TV Stations here in Mammoth, along with AP, Fox, ABC, CBS, and NBC News. Learn more about the Snowman and our team here at MammothSnowman.com at this link.

Click Here to Learn More About the People Who Make MammothSnowman.com a Reality.

Mammoth Mountain Snowman

Thursday Morning Storm Update and the Weekend Outlook

March 28, 2019/in Mammoth Weather /by Steve Taylor

3-28-2019- 7:05 AM – This current storm has brought 6-12 inches of new snow from Little Eagle to the top of Mammoth Mountain.

At this time we still have snow falling in town and on the mountain.

No winds in town but we do have mid and upper mountain winds, with SW winds gusting to 54 MPH up top and to 30 MPH at Main Lodge.

Expect the steady snowfall to rapidly come to end later this morning, then the rest of the day will offer up snow showers at times.

Highs will be into the mid-20s, winds will be out of the SW 25-35 MPH with gusts to 60 MPH possible over the higher elevations.

For Friday expect sunny skies with highs from the upper 20s to low 30s across the hill with winds out of the west 15 – 25 MPH gusting to near 40 over higher elevations.

If you’re coming up for the weekend the forecast is calling for clear skies with highs in the upper 30s to mid-40s.

Should be a perfect winter type weekend with packed powder conditions over the upper elevations. Over lower elevations that get direct sun, you can expect some spring type snow to come out.

Early next week we have another spring system in the forecast with an additional 6-12+ inches possible by late on Tuesday, so more winter in spring.

Road Conditions: CHAINS OR SNOW TIRES ARE REQUIRED FROM 6 MI SOUTH OF THE JCT OF SR 203 TO 8 MI SOUTH OF BRIDGEPORT. For the most current up to date info from Cal Trans use this link.

Canyon Lodge Cam and Chair 16 7:10 AM on Thursday Morning

Mammoth Mountain – Photo by Ed Cesnalis – taken from his plane

Snow Conditions: 3-28-19 It’s a Powder Day out on Mammoth Mountain!

3-27-2019 – Mammoth Mountains base at the snow study site at 9000 feet is 165+ inches.

Up top, the snow is soft in most areas and you can ski and ride any line you want at this point.

Cornice and Scotties are getting groomed just about nightly now. When they are not groomed it’s most likely a powder day.

The Noids are a ton of fun just watch for rocks getting into those chutes, the snow in here has been fantastic.

The Drop Outs and Wipe Outs have been a flat and fast wind packed surface. Daves is flat and fast while Climax has been covered in some big packed powder bumps.

The groomers are in great shape with packed powder snow from chair 16 over to chair 14. Even the Face of Five and Dry Creek have been getting groomed several times a week.

Over at Little Eagle and Chair 25, there is a mix of winter pack with some spring pack so watch for the slick spots early in the morning.

FYI: The Ski Area will be open at least thru July 4th this season, make plans to get some Spring and Summer turns in.

Canyon Lodge and Eagle Lodges will be open until April 28th, after that all lifts will be running out of Main Lodge.

May is a great month to get ski and riding in during the AM hours then get in some fishing or mountain biking in the lower elevations. There are also lot’s of places to hike at that time of year below the 8500-foot level.

Next update at 7:00 AM on Friday

Snowman out

PS: If you want to interact with other MammothSnowman Fans join our private Facebook Group at this link.

PS 2: I will be keeping this site updated just about daily thru the Spring and Summer and right up to next seasons opening day. Keep checking in for the most current details…

Photo Snow Report 3-24-2019

DCIM100GOPROGOPR0631.

DCIM100GOPROGOPR0634.

DCIM100GOPROGOPR0639.

DCIM100GOPROGOPR0636.

DCIM100GOPROGOPR0635.

DCIM100GOPROGOPR0640.

k2 99 Ti Mind Bender Skis – You can Demo them at Footloose Sports here in Town.

The new skis from K2 Blow my mind I guess that is why they call them Mind Benders.

I have now taken these ski’s all over the hill the last 5 weeks. From groomers, to wind buff steeps to steep cut up powder crud I have been flying all over the hill feeling like I am in my mid 30’s again.

My advice is to pick some demos from Footloose and give these a try out for a day. 760-934-2400

Who Are We?

Steve Taylor – The Mammoth Snowman? Over the last 30+ years, Snowman has spent countless hours studying and learning about mammoth mountain weather and snow conditions first hand.

Snowman started blogging this information back in 1990 on the old Mammoth BBS system, then the RSN Forums and then on to MammothSnowman.com in 2004 with his Video & Photo Blog reports. (No YouTube back then)

Snowman has had his reports, videos, and photos featured on both local TV Stations here in Mammoth, along with AP, Fox, ABC, CBS, and NBC News. Learn more about the Snowman and our team here at MammothSnowman.com at this link.

Click Here to Learn More About the People Who Make MammothSnowman.com a Reality.

Mammoth Mountain Snowman

Lowest Gas Prices in the Owens Valley – Fort Independence

March 27, 2019/in Mammoth Weather /by Steve Taylor

If you’re looking for the best gas prices in the Owens Valley, Fort Independence is the place to stop.

It’s just a few miles north of the small city Independence right on the 395. Besides gas, they have a convenience store and a grill so you can get a good meal.

If you’re into slots they have a Casino right on site as well.

Monday Morning Snowman Update 3-25-2019

March 25, 2019/in Mammoth Weather /by Steve Taylor

3-25-19 – Monday 7:30 AM – Winter Storm Watch in effect Tuesday night into Thursday morning.

Looks like a nice taste of winter with 12-24+ inches of new snow in the forecast from Main Lodge to the top by Thursday morning.

At this time it looks like Today (Monday) will be mostly clear with increasing SW winds @ 25-35 MPH with gusts up to 60+ MPH over the top.

Should be some fantastic skiing and riding with the wind machine in full effect.

Snow moves in on Tuesday during the day with a dusting to 1 inch of fresh snow. By Tuesday night into Wednesday, we could see moderate snow at times.

Wednesday will be a storm riding day with upper lifts closed and possibly mid-mountain lifts on hold at times as well.

By Thursday we expect just snow showers and a good chance of the top opening with 2 feet of fresh snow ready to ride.

If you’re coming up next weekend at this time the forecast is calling for clear skies with highs in the 30s. Should be a perfect winter type weekend with packed powder conditions.

Road Conditions: Roads are mostly clear at this time with no chain restrictions posted. Expect chains to be required in town and up to the lodge on Wednesday. It might be to warm for chains on 395 during this storm, for the most current up to date info from Cal Trans use this link.

Mammoth Mountain – Photo by Ed Cesnalis – taken from his plane

Snow Conditions: Mammoth Mountains base at the snow study site at 9000 feet is 170+ inches.

Up top, the snow is soft in most areas and you can ski and ride any line you want at this point.

Cornice and Scotties are getting groomed just about nightly now. When they are not groomed it’s most likely a powder day.

The Noids are a ton of fun just watch for rocks getting into those chutes, the snow in here has been fantastic.

The Drop Outs and Wipe Outs when opened have been a flat and fast wind packed surface. Yesterday when they opened 23 there was about 6-8 inches of new fresh powder in there.

Daves is flat and fast while Climax has been covered in some big packed powder bumps.

The groomers are in great shape with packed powder snow from chair 16 over to chair 14. Even the Face of Five and Dry Creek have been getting groomed several times a week.

Over at Little Eagle and Chair 25, there is a mix of winter pack with some spring pack so watch for the slick spots early in the morning.

If you’re into winter ski and snowboarding conditions the next 10-14 days looks to offer up plenty of packed powder and powder day fun.

Next update at 7:30 AM on Tuesday… Snowman out

PS: If you want to interact with other MammothSnowman Fans join our private Facebook Group at this link.

Photo Snow Report 3-24-2019

DCIM100GOPROGOPR0631.

DCIM100GOPROGOPR0634.

DCIM100GOPROGOPR0639.

DCIM100GOPROGOPR0636.

DCIM100GOPROGOPR0635.

DCIM100GOPROGOPR0640.

k2 99 Ti Mind Bender Skis – You can Demo them at Footloose Sports here in Town.

The new skis from K2 Blow my mind I guess that is why they call them Mind Benders.

I have now taken these ski’s all over the hill the last 5 weeks. From groomers, to wind buff steeps to steep cut up powder crud I have been flying all over the hill feeling like I am in my mid 30’s again.

My advice is to pick some demos from Footloose and give these a try out for a day. 760-934-2400

Who Are We?

Steve Taylor – The Mammoth Snowman? Over the last 30+ years, Snowman has spent countless hours studying and learning about mammoth mountain weather and snow conditions first hand.

Snowman started blogging this information back in 1990 on the old Mammoth BBS system, then the RSN Forums and then on to MammothSnowman.com in 2004 with his Video & Photo Blog reports. (No YouTube back then)

Snowman has had his reports, videos, and photos featured on both local TV Stations here in Mammoth, along with AP, Fox, ABC, CBS, and NBC News. Learn more about the Snowman and our team here at MammothSnowman.com at this link.

Click Here to Learn More About the People Who Make MammothSnowman.com a Reality.

Mammoth Mountain Snowman

Powder Forecast from the WeatherGuy –Tuesday, February 19th, 2019

February 19, 2019/in Mammoth Weather /by Steve Taylor

Powder Forecast –Tuesday, February 19^th, 2019

Ted Schlaepfer CCM —- Mammoth Mountain WeatherGuy

Forecast Summary:

Mostly light snow showers develop Wednesday afternoon and continue into the evening before ending overnight.

Snow showers may redevelop Thursday afternoon and continue overnight with snowfall expected to end Friday morning.

Rest of Friday will be dry with dry weather expected Saturday as well. Next chance for snow will be early Sunday and into Sunday night.

Dry weather may return early next week with the next storm cycle not likely until March.

Overall, low-end powder conditions are possible Thursday and again Sunday/Monday. Next chance for deep powder could be around early March (March 2-5^th).

Next update Friday 2/22 by 5PM

Snowfall forecasts are valid at the Sesame snow course (Main Lodge) for the prior 24 hours as reported in the 6-7 AM morning snow report.

Sesame Snow Course

**Snowfall forecast confidence ranges from very low (1) to very high (5)

Wed 2/20 = 0”

Thu 2/21 = 2 – 4” (H2O = 0.15” – 0.30”)**2
Fri 2/22 = 1 – 3” (H2O = 0.05” – 0.15”)**2
Sat 2/23 = 0”
Sun 2/24 = 0 – 2”
Mon 2/25 = 2 – 5”
Tue 2/26 = 0”
Wed – Fri 2/27– 3/1 = 0 – 6”

February Snowfall = 190”
February Forecast = 195 – 200”

Detailed 4-day Snowfall Forecast:

Wed 2/20 —Snow showers develop during the afternoon and continue through the evening before ending overnight. Gusty winds resulting in wind holds. Accumulations 2 – 4” by Thursday AM, almost 6” up top

Thu 2/21 —Likely dry during the morning, then a chance for light snow showers by the late afternoon and continuing overnight. Breezy to gusty northeast winds. Accumulations 1 – 3” by Monday AM, 3”+ up top

Fri 2/22 and Sat 2/23—No snowfall expected both days. Breezy winds both days, but not too gusty.

Forecast Discussion:
Short Term:

Late morning satellite image (below) shows that weak high pressure has built into CA with the next upper-level low-pressure system to move into CA tomorrow is currently situated in the Pac NW.

That system is expected to increase the clouds late tonight and early tomorrow with snow showers likely starting during the afternoon.

The ECM model (image below) moves the upper-level low into central CA by early Thursday while cutting it off from the jet stream at the same time. It is another cold system, so snow levels will remain low and the cold air already in place re-enforced.

However, it is lacking in sufficient moisture to produce snowfall and is also taking a southward track into SoCal and any orographic enhancement over the Sierra will be minimal.

As a result, the model QPF is rather puny, especially versus recent storms that have resulted in the big February. GFS model (image below) is showing about a quarter inch liquid while the Canadian (two images below) is showing even less.

Latest ECM model has about a quarter inch or around 2-4 inches as the snow ratios should be high and in the 15-20”:1” range.

The system will exit eastward Thursday night and Friday and upslope moist easterly flow will likely produce more snowfall. It could begin Wednesday afternoon, but is more likely overnight and could result in a few more inches of fluffy snowfall by Thursday AM.

Temperatures should stay cold through Thursday and the few to maybe up to six inches total should be the dry, fluffy quality snowfall. Should be fun, but deep powder is not expected this time.

Friday will be dry and Saturday likely as well as weak high pressure builds into CA between storm systems.

The ECM model (image below) moves the next storm southward around Saturday night or Sunday next week with the bulk of the precipitation staying north of Mammoth and into Tahoe as the guidance says the trough will not dig too far southward.

Nonetheless, model guidance says another few inches or possibly up to six inches of snowfall may fall with this storm and should refresh the mountain over the weekend.

Again, not expecting deep powder with this storm at this time, but it is still many days out. It does not look to be as cold as the previous storm systems.

Long Range:

The longer range models are a bit mixed but are generally not showing any big storms for next week.

The ECM model (image below) actually moves an upper-level ridge over CA and shifts the deep trough eastward for a general pattern change back to drier weather and more seasonable temperatures.

It keeps any precipitation north of Mammoth with the big weather feature being a very strong ridge in Alaska.

The GFS, on the other hand, has the big ridge in Alaska slightly farther southward and keeps the associated weak trough south of it farther southward into NorCal as well.

It has the jet stream tapping some moisture and just far enough southward for some light precipitation in Mammoth around Wednesday next week. Some of the ECM ensembles show this solution, but next week is generally low confidence in any snowfall.

EMC model keeps the ridge over CA through the end of next week (image below) for fair, dry weather and seasonable temperatures after this long stretch of cold weather (except for the two days last week when it rained).

The ECM mean is split with most of the ensembles favoring the jet stream flow farther southward with less ridging than the operational model and only a handful showing the op solution.

That mostly means it could be a dirty ridge (high clouds) as the ensembles still favor the jet stream to stay north of Mammoth.

The longer range ensemble means then are becoming more bullish about a westerly under-cut of the ridge around the end of the month with a better chance it could happen in early March.

The GFS mean shows a very flat ridge becoming flatter into early March (images below) that would allow storm systems to move under that strong ridge in Alaska.

The ECM ensemble mean is actually more bullish about this solution than the GFS with more jet energy southward and under the ridge. It is showing a favorable multi-day pattern for snowstorms to move off the Pacific into CA.

These would not necessarily be cold storms like the storms over the past month, but more reminiscent of the storms in January and hopefully not too warm as the details are still a guessing game right now.

The latest CFS model (images below) also supports with a wet period with above normal precipitation starting end of February and lasting into the second week of March.

So it looks like a break from storms for about a week to ten days before the next storm cycle gets going again and hopefully powder days. WG







	–

Mammoth Mountain Snow and Weather Report 2-7-2019 – 8 AM

February 7, 2019/in Mammoth Weather /by Steve Taylor

2-7-2019 – Good morning from a world in white.

At 8 AM it’s a chilly 10 at Main Lodge, up top, it’s 16 with very light NW winds.

We checked the airport temperatures this am and found it to be -21 last night, that’s a 3 dog night for sure.

That storm cycle dropped 7-11 feet of snow on Mammoth Mountain. The base now at the Snow Study site at 9000 feet is 130 inches with a reported 180 inches at the top of the hill.

Yesterday they got the whole mountain open, there was a small slide over on Wazzo and that shut down chair 9.

Today the entire hill will be open with some leftover fresh powder in spots, with soft tracked out powder off the groomers and if you like the groomed 1500 acres of fresh corduroy.

It’s a winter wonderland in Mammoth at this time.

Below is a photo from the bottom of 4. 10 mins later my go pro froze up from the cold.

The news is the town is booked solid Friday and Saturday so make sure to confirm or arrange lodging if you’re coming up this weekend. Word is there are still rooms in Bishop up for reservations.

Road conditions on the 395 are R1 27 miles north of Bishop, chains are required on none 4×4 cars and trucks.

Here in town we still have R2, CHAINS ARE REQUIRED ON ALL VEHICLES EXCEPT 4-WHEEL-DRIVE AND AWD VEHICLES WITH SNOW TIRES.

Roads crews in town are catching up with the backlog from the tremendous amount of snow that fell. Most streets are back to two lanes now.

Many of the parking lots in town are half full with snow now, use caution and watch for crews removing the snow and trucking it out of town to the snow pit.

Here at the 7900-foot level, we picked up 6 feet of snow over that 4 days of snowfall.

Snow berms on the side of all streets are now massive at 8-18 feet high. Watch out for car’s trying to merge into roads as they have to sneak out a bit to see oncoming traffic.

It’s a total winter wonderland now in Mammoth Lakes, time to come up and get some winter sports in.

Mammoth Mountain Weather Update:

Expect sunny skies today into Friday morning with increasing clouds and chance of snow showers later in the day on Friday up on Mammoth Mountain.

By Friday night snow is likely with amounts in the 6-12 inch range from Main Lodge to the top.

For travelers, we expect snow on 395 after 9 PM with 2-4 inches possible by the morning hours. The snow that will be falling will be the light and dry with all the cold air in place.

Highs temperatures over the next 5 days will remain in the 20’s for most of the ski area.

With lows in the single digits tonight moving into the teens Friday night into Monday night. Down in town, it will be chilly with highs in the upper 20s for the most part.

Not much wind today, but on Friday we expect winds out of the SW 15-25 MPH with gusts to around 35 MPH.

Over the weekend we expect snow showers on Saturday morning with 1-3 inches in the forecast.

By very early Sunday more snow will move in with 6-10+ additional inches of snow expected.

Highs this weekend are expected to be in the teens to low 20’s, so bring an extra layer and make sure you have full face protection.

Next week looks to start off clear and sunny before more snow moves in later in the week.

Use this link for WeatherGuys full update with all the graphs and charts he uses, he posts on Tuesday and Fridays by 5 PM.

Come on up for our Fabulous February of 2019.

Driving up Lakeview to Canyon Lodge. Massive berms of snow.

Please consider becoming a part of our Private Mammoth Snowman Community.

You must have a Facebook account with a profile image and answer a couple questions to get in, here is the link to the group. We also have a facebook page at this link.

Snowman Out – PS Scroll down the page for our Coupons & Offers

Photo by: Tom SzulgaPhoto by: Sarah Asa

k2 99 Ti Mind Bender Skis – You can Demo them at Footloose Sports here in Town.

The new skis from K2 Blow my mind I guess that is why they call them Mind Benders.

I have now taken these ski’s all over the hill the last 5 weeks. From groomers, to wind buff steeps to steep cut up powder crud I have been flying all over the hill feeling like I am in my mid 30’s again.

My advice is to pick some demos from Footloose and give these a try out for a day. 760-934-2400

Who Are We?

Steve Taylor – The Mammoth Snowman? Over the last 30+ years, Snowman has spent countless hours studying and learning about mammoth mountain weather and snow conditions first hand.

Snowman started blogging this information back in 1990 on the old Mammoth BBS system, then the RSN Forums and then on to MammothSnowman.com in 2004 with his Video & Photo Blog reports. (No YouTube back then)

Snowman has had his reports, videos, and photos featured on both local TV Stations here in Mammoth, along with AP, Fox, ABC, CBS, and NBC News. Learn more about the Snowman and our team here at MammothSnowman.com at this link.

_____________________________________

Ted Schlaepfer – CCM – The Mammoth Weather Guy

We met The Weather Guy about 12 years ago on the Mammoth Mountain Forum. He checked out MammothSnowman.com and offered to do a Powder Forecast.

Those forecasts are now responsible for many people getting multiple powder days on Mammoth Mountain over the years. People email us saying they plan their days off around The Mammoth Weather Guy Powder Forecasts.

Ted’s Bio: Always fascinated with the weather, skiing was just a natural extension of my love for snow and rain. I started skiing at age 5, first discovered Mammoth in 1979 as a youth, and have been a regular visitor since the late ’80s.

Here is the link to The WeatherGuys Page with all his great insights on the weather, update Tuesday and Friday at 5 PM during the ski season.

Click Here to Learn More About the People Who Make MammothSnowman.com a Reality.

Mammoth Mountain Snowman

Mammoth Mountain Snowman Report 1-28-2019 – 2:30 PM

January 28, 2019/in Mammoth Weather /by Steve Taylor

1-28-2019 – 2:30 PM – Good afternoon from Mammoth Mountain. We currently have thick high clouds in the area.

As of this post, we have had a high at Main Lodge today of 42 with a 34 up top. Winds at this time up top are 15-20 MPH out of the NNW.

Roads in the area are now clear, watch for icy patches on local side roads and in parking areas.

Always carry chains and a winter travel kit, if you’re coming up this weekend expect R1 and possibly R2 conditions by Friday night into Saturday.

The base at this time is at 5 – 11 feet from little eagle up to the top of the ski area. Coverage is great on all runs, you can ski or ride 100% of the hill at this time.

Mammoth Mountain Weather Update:

For Tuesday by midday, we can expect a 30 percent chance of light snow from Main Lodge up with a mix of light rain and snow in the lower elevations of the ski area. Skies should be mostly cloudy from the start of the day.

Expect a high near 39 at Main Lodge, winds will be out of the southwest around 15-25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.

At this time it looks like a dusting to possibly an inch of snow could fall by the evening hours from Main Lodge up.

Wednesday is looking pt cloudy before we transition into an active pattern that should bring some decent amounts of snow to Mammoth Mountain. Highs will be in the 30s with a southwest wind 15-25 MPH.

As we move towards the very end of the week models are coming into a better agreement for a light system late on Thursday with a moderate storm for Friday into Saturday. Timing on the Thursday system is in question at this time.

If you’re driving up Friday night expect snow as you arrive in town with rain down on 395. As the week goes on we will go into the fine details of when we expect the snow to start.

Looking at the updated models and talking to Weather Guy just now we could see 1-2 feet of some heavier snow by midday Saturday and then a colder system for Sunday into Monday.

That colder system will bring snow levels well below town. It’s way too far out to make a call on how far down snow levels could fall, but it’s looking like a good shot of some real powder.

Beyond that things look to stay active with several systems now in the outlook period. Weather Guy will post a very detailed update with all the weather charts late in the day on Tuesday. Here is a link to the page he posts on.

Mammoth Mountain Snow Conditions:

At the Main Lodge, the snow is still a mid-winter snowpack. The groomers are in great shape in that area with a nice corduroy surface first thing in the AM. Cornice to St Anton was great when I skied them at 10 am today, as was all the groomers out of Main.

Down by Little Eagle and Chair 9 and 25, you will find some firmer snow in the am as areas in the direct sun turned spring-like on Saturday and Sunday. The snow in these areas should soften a bit by mid-morning on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Up top we still have mid-winter conditions, yes it’s getting firmer with a fast groomed out Cornice bowl and Scotty’s run. This morning the snow on Cornice and Scotty’s was groomed perfectly for our AM laps.

I have not been off the groomed up top in a few days, but it looks like some fun turns with a mix of bumps and flat spots.

Over at the June Mountain Ski Area, the reports I am getting from June is the runs above J1 are groomed out perfectly and there are no crowds. The only lines you will encounter is getting up J1 in the morning on the weekends with no lines on weekdays.

They now have a base of 30-57 inches from the chalet to the top of the ski area. For the upper runs at June Mountain, this is all the snow you need for a good session of skiing and snowboarding.

The upper runs are still a nice mid-winter packed powder with perfect corduroy. This is the place to head to when Mammoth is all crowded on Saturdays.

If you go mid-week the corduroy lasts pretty much all day long. Hot Tip For Apres Ski in June hit up the T Bar Social club they open at 4 pm in downtown June Lake.

Have a great day and pray for snow. Snowman out…

Climax at about 9:45 on Monday 1-28-2019

Please consider becoming a part of our Private Mammoth Snowman Community. We have close to 10,000 people in our group and there must be 8-12 new posts a day with lots of people chatting about Mammoth Mountain. This is the best group around to get your Mammoth Mountain questions answered year round.

You must have a Facebook account with a profile image and answer a couple questions to get in. We only allow Mammoth talk in their no politics or being a jerk to people or we kick you out. https://www.facebook.com/groups/mammothmountainsnowman/

Snowman Out – PS Scroll down the page for our Coupons & Offers

Photos from 1-24-2019 by Snowman

June Mountain Ski Area

Photo by Brandon Wells

Photo by Jessie Eye

k2 99 Ti Mind Bender Skis – You can Demo them at Footloose Sports here in Town.

The new skis from K2 Blow my mind I guess that is why they call them Mind Benders.

I have now taken these ski’s all over the hill the last 5 weeks. From groomers, to wind buff steeps to steep cut up powder crud I have been flying all over the hill feeling like I am in my mid 30’s again.

My advice is to pick some demos from Footloose and give these a try out for a day. 760-934-2400

Who Are We?

Steve Taylor – The Mammoth Snowman? Over the last 30+ years, Snowman has spent countless hours studying and learning about mammoth mountain weather and snow conditions first hand.

Snowman started blogging this information back in 1990 on the old Mammoth BBS system, then the RSN Forums and then on to MammothSnowman.com in 2004 with his Video & Photo Blog reports. (No YouTube back then)

Snowman has had his reports, videos, and photos featured on both local TV Stations here in Mammoth, along with AP, Fox, ABC, CBS, and NBC News. Learn more about the Snowman and our team here at MammothSnowman.com at this link.

_____________________________________

Ted Schlaepfer – CCM – The Mammoth Weather Guy

We met The Weather Guy about 12 years ago on the Mammoth Mountain Forum. He checked out MammothSnowman.com and offered to do a Powder Forecast.

Those forecasts are now responsible for many people getting multiple powder days on Mammoth Mountain over the years. People email us saying they plan their days off around The Mammoth Weather Guy Powder Forecasts.

Ted’s Bio: Always fascinated with the weather, skiing was just a natural extension of my love for snow and rain. I started skiing at age 5, first discovered Mammoth in 1979 as a youth, and have been a regular visitor since the late ’80s.

Here is the link to The WeatherGuys Page with all his great insights on the weather, update Tuesday and Friday at 5 PM during the ski season.

Click Here to Learn More About the People Who Make MammothSnowman.com a Reality.

Mammoth Mountain Snowman

Powder Forecast –Tuesday January 22nd, 2019

January 22, 2019/in Mammoth Weather /by Steve Taylor

Powder Forecast –Tuesday January 22^nd, 2019

Ted Schlaepfer CCM —- Mammoth Mountain WeatherGuy

Forecast Summary:

Dry weather is expected for the rest of the week and through the following weekend and likely into the middle part of the next week as well with seasonably mild temperatures this weekend. Dry weather may last rest of January with the next chance for snowfall right around the end of the month or early February with a continued chance over that first week. Powder conditions are not likely again until at least early February, but overall, there are no clear signs for the next the powder day.

Next update Friday 1/25

Snowfall forecasts are valid at the Sesame snow course (Main Lodge) for the prior 24 hours as reported in the 6-7 AM morning snow report.

Sesame Snow Course

**Snowfall forecast confidence ranges from very low (1) to very high (5)

Wed 1/23 = 0”
Thu 1/24 = 0”
Fri 1/25 = 0”
Sat 1/26 = 0”
Sun 1/27 = 0”
Mon 1/28 = 0”
Tue 1/29 = 0”
Wed – Fri 1/30 – 2/2 = 0 – 6”

January Snowfall = ~94”
January Forecast = 95 – 100”

Detailed 4-day Snowfall Forecast:

Wed 1/23 through Sat 1/26 — No snowfall expected all days.

Forecast Discussion:
Short Term:

A high-pressure ridge will build off the coast tomorrow (image below) and then slowly move eastward into CA rest of the week for dry weather. A weak inside slider type system will move southward through the back side of the ridge and east of the Sierra Thursday and into Friday to keep temperatures seasonable and produce a little breeze, otherwise skies will be mostly sunny.

The ridge will edge eastward in the wake of the passage of that system and peak in strength over CA and Mammoth this upcoming weekend (image below). That means slightly warmer temperatures with 30s up top and 40s to low 50s on the lower part of the mountain along with light winds. May even feel like spring for a few hours.

Long Range:

High pressure will continue to hold over CA and Mammoth into the middle part of next week (image below) for generally little change in the weather pattern. This pattern, ridge in the West and deep trough in the East, is related to the Sudden Stratospheric Warming (SSW) event that started in early-December and has now finally worked vertically downward into the troposphere where it has caused a split polar vortex with one lobe centered over the Great Lakes and another over Europe.

The people who study these events say they don’t believe the SSW this time will remain coupled with the troposphere like it did in 2014. That is important because if it remains coupled like in 2014 the atmosphere will remain in a stable configuration and ridge/trough pattern will persist for weeks.

The latest guidance says the pattern may break as early as the first few days of February. The latest ECM model (image below) moves an upper level low pressure system southward late next week and a cold front into CA for a possible round of snowfall for the first weekend of the month.

The GFS model has a similar trend as the ECM bringing a trough southward out of the Gulf of Alaska, but never brings it southward into CA. It instead develops a westerly undercut (image below) with multiple low pressure systems moving into CA off the Pacific over the first few days of the month for significant amounts of precipitation with almost 9” liquid for Mammoth (two images below).

Unfortunately, this pattern is currently not well-supported by the GFS ensemble mean (image below) with a flat ridge over the West Coast and CA and not a true zonal jet into CA (purple arrow). Many of the ensembles are showing a continued ridge along the West Coast and trough in the East.

And the CFS model (image below) has pushed back in time a few days the forecasted period of potential snowfall to almost the second week of February. With the MJO a non-factor right now and El Nino weak, there is not a lot of factors to consider that may sway the teleconnection pattern one way or another. Best hope is that the SSW doesn’t couple and a weather patter like we had in the middle January returns during early February. Fingers still crossed. WG

Mammoth Mountain Snowman Report – 8 PM on 1-15-2019

January 15, 2019/in Mammoth Weather /by Steve Taylor

1-15-2018 – 8 PM Hey everyone we have some light snow falling in town tonight, conditions are not that bad as all road have been plowed but are frozen and white. We will see a few more inches of snow tonight in town and up on the hill.

Expect R2 road conditions by Wednesday night into Thursday. That means you need chains unless you have a 4 x 4 with snow tires.

Our advice is to forget traveling to Mammoth late Wednesday into Thursday. Roads are going to be a mess from the top of the Sherwin grade all the way to the state line.

If you decide to travel, please chain up when the signs say to, do not wait until your sliding all over the road. Last year we had a person get killed putting chains on in the wrong spot of 395. The chain up areas are set up for you’re safety use them and live.

Snow levels are now forecasted to drop down to Crowley Lake later today with several inches possible on 395. So be ready to SLOW down and chain up.

As of this time, the NWS has issued a winter storm advisory for the next 24 hours. A Winter Storm Watch is now posted for Wednesday night into Thursday when the second and much stronger system comes into the Mammoth Area.

Overall expect 4-6 feet over Mammoth Mountain with 2-3 feet possible in the town of Mammoth Lakes by Friday morning. There should be a nice layer of powder at the end of the cycle for some great freshies.

I will have an update early on Wednesday AM by 7 AM – Steve Taylor – The Snowman

PS Snow Conditions are great and will be even better by Friday, this is an exciting time to get up here and Ski and Ride!

Powder Forecast –Tuesday, January 15^th, 2019

Ted Schlaepfer CCM —- Mammoth Mountain WeatherGuy

Forecast Summary:

Moderate to heavy snow overnight tapers off to light snow showers during the day Wednesday before increasing again late PM/evening.

Heavy snow and/or blizzard conditions expected overnight Wednesday and through Thursday early morning before tapering in intensity during the day and ending Thursday night resulting in multiple feet of snow.

Dry weather returns Friday and Saturday followed by another chance for snowfall Sunday night and early Monday. Dry weather has then favored the rest of January and possibly into early February.

Overall, powder conditions and storm riding continue into Friday followed by another chance for powder on the MLK Holiday, then no more powder days likely until February.

Next detailed weather update Friday 1/18

Snowfall forecasts are valid at the Sesame snow course (Main Lodge) for the prior 24 hours as reported in the 6-7 AM morning snow report.

Sesame Snow Course

**Snowfall forecast confidence ranges from very low (1) to very high (5)

Wed 1/16 = 12 – 15” (H20 = 1.25” – 1.50”)**3
Thu 1/17 = 22 – 28” (H20 = 2.50” – 3.00”)**4
Fri 1/18 = 20 – 24” (H20 = 2.25” – 2.50”)**4

Sat 1/19 = 0”
Sun 1/20 = 0”
Mon 1/21 = 3 – 6”
Tue 1/22 = 0”
Wed – Fri 1/23 – 25 = 0”

January Snowfall = 47”
January Forecast = 100 – 120”

Detailed 4-day Snowfall Forecast:

Wed 1/16 — Snowfall tapers off during the morning and into the afternoon before increasing again late PM/evening. Heavy snow/blizzard conditions expected overnight. Accumulations 22 – 28” by Thursday AM. Around 3 feet up top.

Thu 1/17 — Heavy snow/blizzard conditions expected during the morning hours with continued snow through the afternoon and evening, ending overnight. Accumulations 20 – 24” by Friday AM. Almost another 3 feet up top.

Fri/Sat 1/18 and 19 —No snowfall expected both days.

Forecast Discussion:
Short Term:

The latest satellite image (below) shows a complicated arena of low-pressure systems situated in the eastern Pacific. A low-pressure system currently moving onto the Central Coast will move inland tonight and moderate to heavy snowfall will last into the early morning hours Wednesday.

Looks like a solid foot should fall at Main as both the ECM and GFS have over an inch liquid forecast overnight. Snow levels should be around 5500 feet.

The ECM model (image below) moves the low-pressure system and trough eastward into Nevada early Wednesday and Mammoth will be in between systems during the morning and through midday. Snowfall should taper in intensity, but winds will likely be increasing and very gusty.

The main event then moves into Mammoth Wednesday late afternoon and into Thursday. The models (ECM below) move a very strong upper-level trough into CA early Thursday with a strong front moving southward as well.

The placement of the upper low is a bit farther northward than in the last forecast and the southern branch of the jet stream (purple arrow) northward as well.

That means Mammoth will be in the perfect position to receive a combination of strong jet dynamics combined with a deep moisture plume. Models are saying the upper level low will contain a moderate strength Atmospheric River that will move into the Mammoth Area early Thursday (image below).

It also means that there will also be stronger warm air advection out ahead of the strong front Wednesday night. Snow levels should slowly rise and peak Thursday morning just before frontal passage. GFS has 700-mb temps or 10K temps around -2 C early Thursday that translates to a snow level around 8000 feet. Dynamic cooling with the upper low though should keep levels slightly lower and around 7600-7800 feet.

All the models are showing big amounts of liquid with the passage of these low-pressure systems. The Canadian is the wettest at around 9 inches (image below) with the GFS showing about 8” now (two images below).

Latest ECM backed off a bit and has just over 6”. Current forecast favors an ECM/GFS blend for almost 7” liquid. I am worried the system will move through too fast for really large amounts.

Nonetheless, snowfall amounts should be a solid four to five feet of Sierra cement at Main and six to seven feet up top by Friday morning. The heaviest period of snowfall and winds will be overnight Wednesday and into Thursday dawn when blizzard conditions are expected. There is a good chance that the mountain might not open Thursday or have very limited operations.

Snowfall ends Thursday night and dry weather returns Friday along with lighter winds. High pressure will then build into Mammoth (image below) through Saturday for fair and dry weather along with seasonable temperatures. The dry weather will likely last through Sunday midday before the next chance for snowfall arrives Sunday night.

Long Range:

The longer range guidance is mixed about how much short wave energy will be able to bust through the ridge and into CA with the approaching trough Sunday and into Monday. The latest ECM (image below) is a bit more robust and digs the short wave southward along the Sierra Sunday night and into early Monday for about six inches of snow.

The GFS model is not as bullish about the southward movement and keeps all the moderate amounts of snow north of Mammoth with just a couple inches for the hill. The Canadian is closer to the GFS, but not quite as far north. Most of the GFS ensembles (image below) are much farther north and east than the ECM solution while the majority of the ECM spaghetti ensembles follow the operational solution. The current forecast follows the ECM mean with about 0.50” liquid and 3-6” snow.

A high amplitude ridge will then build into Mammoth rest of the week, peaking around Thursday next week (image below). Since the ridge will build off the coast and not directly over CA, Mammoth will be under weak northerly flow resulting in seasonable temperatures and light/breezy northeast winds. Good conditions for the blue-bird lovers.

The longer range GFS ensemble says this pattern will basically last rest of January (images below) with the ridge/pattern starting to break down around the end of the month. I would not be surprised if an inside slider type storm moves through Mammoth last week of the month for colder temperatures and wind, but probably only light snowfall if it happens.

The climate models have shifted a bit from their prior dry forecast for early February with the CFS (image below) and ECM both indicating a chance for undercutting pattern again. It is still long ways out with most of the guidance/odds favoring dry weather. There is nothing wrong with rooting for the underdog. WG

The Dragons Back Area is looking fresh and deep! Taken 1-11-2019

**I wanted to give you all a review of the new K2 gear I have been skiing. I got a call last spring from the Local Rep Jeff and he asked if I would be interested in skiing on all new K2 gear.

Of course, I jumped at the chance and got started with the New Recon 130 Ski Boots from Day one. I added some fresh footbeds from that I had Keven at Footloose fit and it’s been off to ski every other day since we got started.

The new Recons are light about half the weight of my old boots and they fit like a nice perfect glove. They feel just as comfortable as my normal shoes I wear around town.

Next Up Jeff showed up at Christmas with some brand new experimental skis. I went with the 177 CM at 99 under feet.

I have now taken these ski’s all over the hill the last 3 weeks. From groomers, to wind buff steeps to steep cut up powder crud I have been flying all over the hill feeling like I am in my mid 30’s again.

Thanks to the crews I have been hooking up with, it’s been a blast skiing and riding with all of you.

Who Are Area

Steve Taylor – The Mammoth Snowman? Over the last 30+ years, Snowman has spent countless hours studying and learning about mammoth mountain weather and snow conditions first hand.

Snowman started blogging this information back in 1990 on the old Mammoth BBS system, then the RSN Forums and then on to MammothSnowman.com in 2004 with his Video & Photo Blog reports. (No YouTube back then)

Snowman has had his reports, videos, and photos featured on both local TV Stations here in Mammoth, along with AP, Fox, ABC, CBS, and NBC News. Learn more about the Snowman and our team here at MammothSnowman.com at this link.

_____________________________________

Ted Schlaepfer – CCM – The Mammoth Weather Guy

We met The Weather Guy about 12 years ago on the Mammoth Mountain Forum. He checked out MammothSnowman.com and offered to do a Powder Forecast.

Those forecasts are now responsible for many people getting multiple powder days on Mammoth Mountain over the years. People email us saying they plan their days off around The Mammoth Weather Guy Powder Forecasts.

Ted’s Bio: Always fascinated with the weather, skiing was just a natural extension of my love for snow and rain. I started skiing at age 5, first discovered Mammoth in 1979 as a youth, and have been a regular visitor since the late ’80s.

Here is the link to The WeatherGuys Page with all his great insights on the weather, update Tuesday and Friday at 5 PM during the ski season.

Click Here to Learn More About the People Who Make MammothSnowman.com a Reality.

Mammoth Mountain Snowman

Powder Forecast –Friday January 4th, 2019

January 5, 2019/in Mammoth Weather /by Steve Taylor

Powder Forecast –Friday January 4^th, 2019

Ted Schlaepfer CCM —- Mammoth Mountain WeatherGuy

Forecast Summary:

Dry weather ends tomorrow late morning/midday with snowfall increasing through the evening hours before tapering in intensity overnight. Snowfall then increases again Sunday morning and becomes moderate/heavy Sunday night before ending during the day Monday. There will then be a break until Tuesday afternoon with snowfall likely overnight into Wednesday. Thursday could be dry with the next chance around Friday/Saturday next week with continued chances for snowfall through the following weekend and into the next week. Dry weather may return after mid-month. Overall, powder conditions Sunday (and storm riding), Monday, and also likely next Wednesday. Powder is also possible following weekend and at times through mid-month.

Next update Tuesday 1/8

Snowfall forecasts are valid at the Sesame snow course (Main Lodge) for the prior 24 hours as reported in the 6-7 AM morning snow report.

Sesame Snow Course

**Snowfall forecast confidence ranges from very low (1) to very high (5)

Sat 1/5 = 0”
Sun 1/6 = 12 – 15” (H20 = 1.35” – 1.60”)*3
Mon 1/7 = 15 – 20” (H20 = 1.50” – 2.00”)*3
Tue 1/8 = 1 – 2” (H20 = 0.15” – 0.25”)*3
Wed 1/9 = 8 – 12” (H20 = 0.75” – 1.25”)*2
Thu 1/10 = 1 – 2” (H20 = 0.15” – 0.25”)*3
Fri 1/11 = 0”
Sat – Mon 1/12 – 14 = 6 – 15”

January Snowfall = 0”
January Forecast = 50 – 80”

Detailed 4-day Snowfall Forecast:

Sat 1/5 —Snowfall begins late morning or midday and increases through the evening hours along with strong gusty winds. Snowfall tapers off late at night. Accumulations 12 – 15” Main, 18”+ up top by Sunday morning

Sun 1/6 —Snowfall increases again late morning or midday and increases through the evening hours and remains moderate/heavy overnight along with strong gusty winds. Accumulations 15 – 18” Main, ~24” up top by Monday morning

Mon 1/6 —Snowfall tapers off during the morning hours and ends during the afternoon. Accumulations 1 – ” Main

Tue 1/7—Snowfall develops again midday or afternoon hours and increases through overnight along with gusty winds. Accumulations 8 – 12” Main, 12”+ up top by Wednesay morning

Forecast Discussion:

Short Term:

The latest satellite image (below) this afternoon shows a tightly wound low-pressure system off the California coast moving eastward toward the coast tonight and eventually into Mammoth by tomorrow afternoon. This will be the first of many storms to impact Mammoth over the next week or longer.

The ECM model deepens the upper-level trough (image below) over the next twenty-four hours and moves into ashore Saturday and into Sunday (two images below) as a full latitude trough. That means there will be no splitting this time when the low-pressure troughs move ashore through the upcoming weekend and the storms will move ashore full force.

Snow should start late morning and midday tomorrow and increase in intensity through the evening hours before tapering off a bit late at night when the first front moves through the region. There will also be strong gusty winds accompanying the snowfall. 12Z ECM model has over 1.5” liquid while the GFS is only showing about 0.75”. Forecast leans closer to the ECM based on the strength of the upper-level trough.

A trailing storm system (green box satellite image) now just entering the central Pacific will intensify as it moves into the deep long-wave trough set-up over the West Coast. That system will spread another round of moderate to heavy snowfall starting during the day Sunday (beware riders of the storm) and increasing in strength into the overnight hours.

These types of systems often over-perform as the models usually under-estimate the effects of the strong warm air advection and associated upward omega forcing that produces the clouds/precipitation. ECM model has over 2” liquid while the GFS is showing a little over an inch. Forecast is a blend leaning toward the ECM model and another solid 15”, but I would not be surprised if it comes in heavier and up two feet at Main.

The system will exit Monday morning (image below) and high pressure will build over the region for about 24 hours before the next trough offshore moves into CA on Tuesday night. So, snowfall should end during the day Monday with a break in the snowfall overnight Monday and into Tuesday morning.

Snowfall should return by Tuesday night with the timing from the ECM model saying Tuesday afternoon. It should increase in intensity Tuesday evening and night ahead of the trough passage Wednesday morning (image below). ECM mean has about an inch of liquid which could possibly result in close to another foot. Current trend with the guidance is that the medium and longer range potential storms have been coming in stronger closer in time. Hope that trend continues with this next trough.

Long Range:

The longer-range guidance moves another trough toward CA by the end of next week (image below) after a dry day or two around Thursday/Friday. The guidance seems to be favoring a southerly track with this system, similar to something typical during an El Nino year.

Looking at the GFS spaghetti ensembles (image below) for the end of next week shows a lot of spread in timing, but most show a trough off the coast. The operational GFS (dashed black line) and GFS control run (dashed blue line) seem to be faster than most of the ensembles in moving the under-cutting trough toward CA. The ECM model is similar to the GFS control run with the timing.

Not sure I buy into anything at this point as it appears to me the entire pattern for the end of next week is still evolving. The ECM operational model moves another low pressure into CA over the weekend and then develops a closed low off the coast early the following week (image below).

That surely could happen, but the trend with the guidance is for more energy to be moving into the southerly branch of the jet stream. So I would not be surprised if we end up with a bigger trough when the time comes. Current forecast favors some snowfall around Friday night/Saturday next week followed more snowfall by early over the following week. And it could be enough for powder conditions.

So it looks like the next week or ten days will feature a few storms and amounts could add up. ECM model is similar to the Canadian (image below) with up to 6” liquid Mammoth crest over the 10-day period. Latest GFS was showing big amounts but has now backed off (two images below) with only a few inches liquid for Mammoth. ECM mean has over 4” liquid next 10 days.

Let us hope it happens as longer range climate models are saying we will shift back to a dry pattern after mid-month with both the CFS (image below) and the ECM models shifting the long-wave trough eastward for dry weather. A lot of it will depend upon the MJO (two images below) and if it moves back into the dry phases 5-6 while also becoming a low amplitude signal.

That could allow the ongoing stratospheric warming event to have more sway resulting in high latitude blocking and potential prolonged dry weather. Or it could also mean El Nino will have a bigger say and there will be more under-cutting of the jet stream of those high-pressure blocks. I’ll take the latter please. WG

The Highest Fireworks Show in the Country at the Top of Mammoth Mountain

Fireworks July 6th Event Schedule

Freedom Bash/Gondola Tickets – SOLD OUT

VIP Viewing Party on the Main Lodge Sundeck | SOLD OUT

Food/Drink Concessions & Free Viewing Areas

Free Transportation from The Village | 6:30–10 PM

Parking

Mammoth Mountain and the Lakes Basin Weather

Mammoth Lakes Weather @ 8000 Feet

Bishop and Big Pine

Mammoth Mountain Snow Report

Mammoth Mountain to Bishop Mountain Bike Report

Site Links

Where to find us

More Stuff

Legal Links & Stuff