Freezing rain this evening into the morning of New Year's Day will be light and isolated, but could create slick, icy roadways for holiday travel across colder valleys of northeast California and the eastern Sierra. ...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH SUNDAY MORNING... * WHAT...For the Winter Weather Advisory...Freezing rain. Ice accumulations up to a tenth of an inch in the Martis Valley and along Highway 395 in Mono County. For the Winter Storm Watch... Heavy snow. Snow accumulations of 1 to 2 feet above 7000 feet and up to 12 inches below 7000 feet. Sierra crest ridgetops could see gusts as high as 100 mph. * WHERE...Greater Lake Tahoe Area, and Mono County. * WHEN...For the Winter Weather Advisory...from 4 PM this afternoon to noon PST Thursday. For the Winter Storm Watch...from Friday afternoon through Sunday morning. * IMPACTS...Difficult travel conditions are possible. The hazardous conditions could impact holiday travel tonight and Thursday morning. For this weekend, travel could become very difficult at times due to heavy snow. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Light freezing rain tonight through Thursday morning will be isolated and confined to colder valleys, but may create slick, icy roadways in the Martis Valley, including Interstate 80 near Truckee, and along Highway 395 in Mono County. Snow accumulations of 6 to 10 inches possible along the Sierra crest in Mono County through Thursday morning.
A fresh coat of winter magic is on the way to Mammoth Mountain this New Year’s Day, with 4.5" of snowfall expected in the next 24 hours and a hefty 13.6" anticipated over the next 72 hours. Mammoth Mountain is a top ski resort in the United States located in California's Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Wind
Humidity
The real storm sets in later this week, with a staggering 51" predicted over the next five days—ideal for powder hounds ready to kick off 2026 with deep turns. The current snowpack sits at 32", about 27% above average, setting the stage for some of the best early season conditions in years. With overnight temps holding steady at 32.7°F, snow quality remains preserved across the mountain.
Mammoth is fully open for the season, boasting over 50 trails and top-to-bottom riding across various terrain. The resort gained national acclaim recently as one of the top 10 ski destinations in the U.S. for the 2025/26 season. However, recent avalanches have raised safety concerns—two patrollers were injured and another tragically lost their life while working to secure the slopes. Increased avalanche mitigation efforts are underway, so guests are urged to respect closures and stay informed. Despite the challenges, Mammoth Mountain remains a premier destination for unforgettable winter adventure, and this week’s snowfall promises prime conditions ahead.
Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) shows how much water the snow holds. This is ideal for year-to-year tracking of real snowfall and water resources. Measurements from Virginia Lakes Ridge.
Snowpack depth measures how much snow has accumulated in the area. This is a key indicator of powder quality, trail coverage, and how epic your runs are going to be this season at Mammoth Mountain.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Mammoth Mountain impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
Mammoth Mountain, located in the Eastern Sierra region of California, is part of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The resort sits on the slopes of Mammoth Mountain itself, which is a lava dome complex that is part of the Long Valley Caldera. The mountain has an elevation of 11,053 feet and offers over 3,500 acres of skiable terrain.
Other nearby mountain ranges that can be seen from Mammoth Mountain include the White Mountains to the east and the Inyo Mountains to the southeast. These ranges add to the scenic beauty of the area and provide a stunning backdrop for skiing and snowboarding at the resort.
The resort boasts over 3,500 acres of skiable terrain, beautiful scenery, and a lengthy ski season. The best trails are the black diamond runs, such as the Paranoid Flats, which offer challenging terrain for advanced skiers. An interesting fact about Mammoth Mountain is that it is a volcano, and its last eruption was about 57,000 years ago. For beginner skiers, we recommend the gentle slopes of Little Eagle, which offer a great introduction to skiing. For an apres-ski drink, head to the Mammoth Brewing Company, which offers a range of locally brewed beers and delicious bites.
Night Skiing | No |
Lift Count | 29 Lifts |
Hourly Lift Capacity | 50000 per hour |
Base Elevation | 2424 Meters |
Terrain Park | Yes |
Acreage | 3500 Acres |
Established | 1955 |
Run Count | 150 Trails |
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, snow, mainly before 1pm. high near 33. windy, with a southwest wind 15 to 20 mph increasing to 25 to 30 mph in the afternoon. winds could gust as high as 45 mph. chance of precipitation is 100%. new snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.
Mammoth Mountain is expected to receive up to 51.49" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
California ski resorts are gearing up for an impressive storm cycle, with the Sierra Nevada set to receive some of the heaviest snowfall in the West. Bloods Creek leads with a massive 179 inches in the past 24 hours and 92 inches forecasted over the next five days. This surge will significantly impact nearby Bear Valley Resort and Dodge Ridge, ... Read more