Spring Snowstorm Extends Ski Season in California's High Sierra
A significant spring storm deposited up to 3.5 feet of snow in California’s Sierra Nevada, prompting Mammoth Mountain to extend its ski season until at least Memorial Day. This development offers a brief reprieve following record-warm March temperatures that caused rapid snowmelt, resulting in the second-smallest April 1 snowpack since 1950. Despite the fresh accumulation, the overall snowpack remains critically low at just 23% of normal levels, according to the UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab. While Mammoth Mountain continues operations with sixteen lifts, hazards such as exposed rocks and bushes remain a concern for skiers. The storm had minimal impact on Southern California resorts, which have already closed for the season. Meteorologists predict only minor additional snowfall before temperatures rise again. The early melt has raised serious concerns among water managers regarding the upcoming dry season and potential wildfire risks, with experts attributing the trend to climate change. Currently, nearly half of California experiences abnormally dry conditions, though Los Angeles’ water supply forecast is expected to meet close to 40% of annual demand.
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Spring Snowstorm Extends Ski Season in California's High Sierra
A significant spring storm deposited up to 3.5 feet of snow in California’s Sierra Nevada, prompting Mammoth Mountain to extend its ski season until at least Memorial Day. This development offers a brief reprieve following record-warm March temperatures that caused rapid snowmelt, resulting in the second-smallest April 1 snowpack since 1950. Despite the fresh accumulation, the overall snowpack remains critically low at just 23% of normal levels, according to the UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab. While Mammoth Mountain continues operations with sixteen lifts, hazards such as exposed rocks and bushes remain a concern for skiers. The storm had minimal impact on Southern California resorts, which have already closed for the season. Meteorologists predict only minor additional snowfall before temperatures rise again. The early melt has raised serious concerns among water managers regarding the upcoming dry season and potential wildfire risks, with experts attributing the trend to climate change. Currently, nearly half of California experiences abnormally dry conditions, though Los Angeles’ water supply forecast is expected to meet close to 40% of annual demand.
latimes