Just when you thought that winter was finished for the year, Mammoth Mountain got one more storm to send March and the 2018/19 winter season out on the right foot.
March didn’t drop as much snow as February, but few months in Mammoth’s recorded snowfall history have and the snow that did fall has set the base up perfectly for a long spring skiing season that will run all the way into summer. Get a head start on your spring skiing this year by hitting Mammoth while the snow is good and the entire mountain is still open. Remember, after the Mammoth Mountain Pond Skim on April 21st large areas of the mountain will begin to shut down for the off-season, so take advantage of the snow while you still can!
Snowfall Totals from Last Week
Light wind and snow made for a pleasant weekend on March 23rd and 24th, with 1 inch falling on the 23rd and another 4 falling on the 24th. For most of the week though, there was a gap in the snowfall with the next accumulation coming from the most recent storm hitting on the 27th and 28th.
9 inches fell over both days thanks to cold temperatures and calm winds everywhere but the upper part of the mountain. For this weekend, you can expect warm temperatures, packed powder, and spring snow on trails that receive direct sunlight and are near the base of the mountain.
Forecast for the Weekend of 3/29/19-3/31/19
Friday: The temperatures will begin to rise on Friday, with a high near 31˚ during the day and winds around 15 mph with gusts reaching 25 mph. You can also expect clear skies and a strong sun, so pay attention to where the sun is hitting the mountain to either head towards or avoid soft spring snow. The clear skies will continue into Friday night with a low of 14˚.
Saturday: Temperatures will rise again on Saturday with a high of 36˚ during the day and clear skies. The wind will remain calm in town blowing around 10 mph, but as always check day of conditions as the winds could be much stronger on the summit and result in lift closures. The clear skies and warmer temperatures will continue into Saturday night with a low of 21˚ and winds blowing between 5 and 10 mph.
Sunday: Sunday looks like the warmest day this weekend thanks to a forecasted high of 39˚ and mostly sunny skies. If you’re looking for soft snow, Sunday will be the day for you but trails higher up on the mountain should still offer great winter skiing thanks to powder that will be packed down from the most recent storm. Following a warm Sunday, Sunday night bottoms out at a low of 25˚ with partly cloudy skies.
What to Watch for:
There is more snow forecasted for the first week of April, but the warmer temperatures that are sure to follow may tempt you to wear less clothing while on the mountain. While we are all for riding in comfort, take care to protect yourself from the sun as you strip layers away from your riding and skiing gear. At Mammoth’s elevation, the sun is even stronger and all of the snow on the ground gives it plenty of surface to reflect off of. Bring proper eye protection and cover the parts of your body that receive direct and indirect sunlight to ensure that you don’t remember your day on the mountain with a sunburn.