High Sierra Topix

Mammoth just passed 182.5" inches so far this January, surpassing the old record for the month set back in 1995:

Over the last 24 hours another 18" of new snowfall has accumulated. It is officially the snowiest January on record, and its still coming down. Heavy snow is expected through the day, and right into the weekend. Be advised wind and storm conditions will impact resort operations.

http://www.mammothmountain.com/winter/m ... nd-weather

With an additional (minimum) 24-36" inches expected before the current storm rolls out by Tues, the season total will stand at over 315" before January is even concluded. To put this into perspective, the heaviest snowfall year on record (2010-11) finished with 669" inches, with the season total at the end of January '11 coming in at 335".

Howard Sheckter says that 4-5' (48-60") is expected from this storm - in town. If the mountain only comes in with that amount, it will blow past the year-to-date totals through January for the heaviest snowfall year recorded during 2010-2011:

http://mammothweather.com/

Up here in South Lake Tahoe I just hit 112 inches for the month which I'm fairly certain is a January Record. With an expected 2-3 feet in my area we will easily break the average for the entire season in January.

When they ask for snow.. they never truly realize that Mother Nature can give them way more than they ever bargained for. I was snowed in in the last storm cycle and I'm pretty sure I will be tomorrow. But I love it and wouldn't want anything else!

January is shattering snowfall records with another 17" of new snow bringing our month total at Main Lodge to 200"! The current storm has brought up to 5 feet of snow across the mountain with MUCH more to come through Monday.

http://www.mammothmountain.com/winter/m ... nd-weather

Mammoth is now at 304" inches for the year - only 58" short of last year's season total of 362". The new storm hitting tonight through Monday could easily drop another 50-60". So, not only will the snow levels exceed last year's season total by 1/24, it will also exceed the 335" YTD totals through January for the 2010-2011 record of 669" inches for the season.

PS Andy is trying to get me to come along on some winter hikes, but I'm still holding out for spring.

36" - 48" more expected today...stay tuned!

Just saw that Jan 2017 not only surpassed the Jan record but became the all time largest month ever for Mammoth and the month isn't over. Wonder if they have started loading up and trucking the snow out of town yet?

Looking at previous years, February and especially March can have some impressive storms and totals. If it really adds up, some areas in the Sierra might be winter like through most of the summer, similar to 1995 and 2011.

Snowtrout wrote: Wonder if they have started loading up and trucking the snow out of town yet?

Since last Friday, these huge white hopper things (TYKO toys?) appeared from somewhere...the constant snowplow roar...a futile attempt, trying to move slabs/mountains of snow where there just is no room to put it.
20'+ snow-blower walls now common in town - a steady semi-wet snow - hasn't stopped since early AM.
Awesome!

That picture of the cornice on Von's scares me. Don't want to be walking near that thing.

Great photos markskor, thanks for sharing.

That picture of the cornice on Von's scares me. Don't want to be walking near that thing.

I was thinking the same thing. Next thing ya know, people will have to be roped up to go grocery shopping.

Can't wait for spring.