Mammoth Mountain Extends Ski Season After Major Spring Snowstorm
A significant spring storm dumped over 3.5 feet of snow on California’s eastern Sierra Nevada, prompting Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort to extend its operating season. The heavy snowfall occurred just weeks after a March heatwave had melted much of the region's snowpack, forcing many resorts to close early. The UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab recorded 42.5 inches of snow between Friday and Sunday, noting that while this late-season accumulation is beneficial, record warm temperatures throughout the winter have left the overall water year snowpack well below average. At 18% of average as of April 1, the Sierra snowpack remains at its second-lowest level on record for that date. The storm caused widespread disruptions, including the temporary closure of Interstate 80 in Northern California due to blizzard conditions and chain controls. Additionally, the weather system brought strong winds, heavy rain, and hail to various areas, with a tornado touching down near Sacramento. This event highlights the volatile weather patterns affecting California's critical water resources and winter tourism industry.
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Mammoth Mountain Extends Ski Season After Major Spring Snowstorm
A significant spring storm dumped over 3.5 feet of snow on California’s eastern Sierra Nevada, prompting Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort to extend its operating season. The heavy snowfall occurred just weeks after a March heatwave had melted much of the region's snowpack, forcing many resorts to close early. The UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab recorded 42.5 inches of snow between Friday and Sunday, noting that while this late-season accumulation is beneficial, record warm temperatures throughout the winter have left the overall water year snowpack well below average. At 18% of average as of April 1, the Sierra snowpack remains at its second-lowest level on record for that date. The storm caused widespread disruptions, including the temporary closure of Interstate 80 in Northern California due to blizzard conditions and chain controls. Additionally, the weather system brought strong winds, heavy rain, and hail to various areas, with a tornado touching down near Sacramento. This event highlights the volatile weather patterns affecting California's critical water resources and winter tourism industry.
AP News