California Mountain Report » Mtn News

Another Winter Season is On It’s Way

Webmaster — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:00:39 +0000

I can’t believe it’s mid-October already; the snow has already started to fall and California resorts are opening.

Word on the street is Mammoth got a huge dump of 14 inches a few days ago and are planning to open on Friday.

And just when I was going to open my mouth and say sorry Boreal you weren’t first this year… I went to check their site only to learn that Boreal actually opened up last weekend for 3 days of skiing and snowboarding. This is Boreal’s earliest open to-date. Their operations are stated as tentative for weekends (Fri, Sat, Sun) conditions permitting.

More California mountain news… El Nino 2010 Baby! According to a link I found via Sierra at Tahoe to some weather and science site, El Nino conditions (currents and temperatures) are present in the Pacific Ocean indicating that we have the potential makings for an El Nino Winter. So what does that mean… precipitation and lots of it.

The California water situation is in pretty bad shape after 3 below average winters. An El Nino winter could be huge.. countless powder days and replenished reservoirs and some highwater rafting come spring time.

Get ready folks cuz it’s about time to fire this blog back up for the winter. Make sure you grab the feed to stay up to date.

Fall Is In The Air

Webmaster — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:01:37 +0000

Labor Day is passed and the halloween decorations are hitting the stores… only means that summer season is winding down and the wait for fresh powder is almost over.

I’ve already been hearing rumors of an el nino winter. I need to dig and do a little research to see if there is any validity to those statements.

I’m looking forward winter, it seems like ages since I strapped into my board. Until then.. I’m on my mountain bike cranking out as much single track as I can.

Fire Restrictions on Middle & North Fork American

Webmaster — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:11:38 +0000

This notice just came across my desk from California State Parks regarding a fire ban on the Middle Fork and North Fork of the American River.

Please be advised that until further notice no campfires will be allowed in the Middle or North Fork American River canyon as of today. However, as with prior summer season fire danger restrictions, gas camp stoves will continue to be allowed unless further advised.

Please use extreme caution with any open flame. Remember to keep the stove at least 10 feet away from any flammable materials and vegetation. If you have any questions, please contact me or Bill Deitchman at bdeit@parks.ca.gov or (530) 823-4164.

Thank you,

Kris

Kris Dey
Whitewater Recreation Office
CA State Parks – Auburn SRA – Gold Fields District
501 El Dorado Street, Auburn, CA 95603-4949
Ph. 530-823-4162 Fax: 530-885-2798

This is a great reminder to extremely careful with fires anywhere in California. Fire season is gonna come early this year because conditions are pretty darn dry. Remember to make sure all fires are DEAD OUT. And please adhere to all fire regulations and restrictions.

It’s Dumping in the Sierras

Webmaster — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 23:57:55 +0000

Winter has returned to the Sierra’s.. it been snowing for several days now with more in the forecast. Here’s an overview of conditions across Lake Tahoe as well as Central and Southern California.

Sierra at Tahoe.. 14″ in the last 12 hours.. 30 inches = storm total

Heavenly: 7-10″ in the last 12 hours… up to 20 inches = storm total

Kirkword: 24-36″ in the last 24 hours… up to 50″ in the last 7 days

Mammoth: 16″ in the last 24 hours + 28″ since the 5th.. storm total, 48 inches.

Sugar Bowl: 12 – 16 inches of new snow

Boreal: 12 – 18 inches of new snow

Northstar at Tahoe: 10-13″ in the last 24 hours… up to 21 inches in the last 7 days

Squaw Valley: 12-16″ of new snow

Alpine Meadows: 22 inches of new snow in the last 24 hours.

Bear Valley: 16 inches of new snow as of 11AM Monday

Big Bear: More than 18 inches reported.

Sierra Summit: 14 – 18 inches… 30 inches storm total.

Enjoy!

Snow in the Forcast

Webmaster — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 17:27:16 +0000

At last some snow in the forecast! Snow level is supposed to start at 8000′ feet and gradually lower down to about 6500′. This upper elevation system is not going to drop a ton but its snow none-the-less.

What’s great about upper elevation systems like this is we get wet packy snow way up high. That wet snow is packed with water content which we need in the spring and summer to go whitewater rafting.

So when it comes to having enough water in our rivers is due to wet snow. I know, I love the deep fluffy powder from a cold storm but I also like to have my cake and eat it too!

Old Man Winter Has Returned

Webmaster — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 15:36:37 +0000

It’s starting to look a lot like winter now that this long awaited winter storm has finally started to add a light blanket of white across the Sierra Nevada. Although not expected to be a huge storm, weather forecasts are predicting a few inches each day from today through Tuesday (Dec 16).

I would expect with this being a fairly cold storm that snowmaking would be taking place 24/7 for resorts, but this is not confirmed at this time.

Scanning through ski resort snow reports… a few inches have fallen so far with some reporting up to 4 inches at the higher elevations. If you’re on the mountain this weekend be extra aware of hidden obstacles like rocks and logs.

California Ski Season Opens at Mammoth

Webmaster — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 19:14:17 +0000

Mammoth Mountain Resort is the first California ski resort to open the 2008 / 2009 season. Typically Boreal Mountain Ridge is the first to open.. but not this year… they are expected to open later this week.

Eager skiers and riders got first tracks this morning after a powerful storm hit Mammoth over the weekend. Broadway Express opened at 9am on a base of 6-12 inches of natural and manmade snow. This early season storm dumped even more snow at high altitudes and additional terrain should open soon. Visit MammothMountain.com for updates.

Our high elevation and commitment to the pursuit of playing big paid off as Mammoth once again was the first resort to open in California. Dust off your gear and plan your trip now.

Stay tuned as more more mountains open.. we’ll be posting updated for all major California Mountain Resorts.

Ski Resort Jobs in Lake Tahoe

Webmaster — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 15:08:29 +0000

The following is list of Lake Tahoe Area Ski Resort Job Fairs and job boards. The winter ski and snowboard season is quickly approaching and there is no better way to spend a winter than working and playing on the mountain. Plenty of jobs are available at most resorts from baristas, bartenders, lift operators, cashiers, ticket sales, snow making, ski instructors… an more.

Upcoming Job Fairs

Sugar Bowl: Saturday, October 25 from 9am-3pm at Mount Judah. More details
Boreal: Saturday, October 25 from 10am – 2pm at Boreal. More Details
Alpine Meadows: Friday & Saturday, October 24-25 from 9am to 3pm. More Details
Squaw Valley: Saturday, October 25 from 9am-3pm at the Olympic Village Lodge. More Details
Northstar at Tahoe: Saturday, October 25 from 8am-2pm in the Village at Northstar Conference Rooms. More Details
Sierra at Tahoe: Sat, Oct 18 from 10am-2pm & Sat, Nov 1 from 10am-1pm at the Sierra-at-Tahoe Main Lodge. More Details
Kirkwood: Saturday, October 18 from 9am – 3pm at the Tahoe Golf Course in Meyers. More Details
Heavenly: Sat, Oct 18 from 9am-4pm & Tues, Oct 21 from 4:30pm-7pm at the California Main Lodge. More Details

… brings me back to my days of flipping burgers at Steamboat Springs Mountain Resort back in 1995.

First Snow of the Season

Webmaster — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 16:58:07 +0000

This past weekend brought in some cold temperatures and the first snowfall of the season… several mountain resorts like Northstar and Mammoth report a dusting of about 3 inches. The cold temperatures have also allowed for snow making to begin. Most mountain resorts are planning for mid-November openings.

Season Passes for 2008 / 2009 Ski & Snowboard Season

Webmaster — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 05:27:40 +0000

So where has summer gone? I know it’s not over but the back to school sales are on, the college kids are heading back to campus and before you know.. winter will be here. With this in mind… it’s time to start thinking about that 2008 / 2009 Ski & Snowboard Season Pass.

Prices listed are for adult season pass rate unless otherwise noted

Mammoth Mountain