How to Survive A REAL Mammoth Lakes Blizzard

This wild winter weather is far from over. Mono County and the Town of Mammoth Lakes are currently under a Winter Storm Warning, an Avalanche Warning AND a Blizzard Warning through Wednesday morning, March 1. According to our town history books, this is only the eighth Blizzard Warning issued since 1995!

Currently travel to and from Mammoth Lakes is EXTREMELY difficult. Please do not drive or travel unless absolutely necessary. A potent, high-impact winter storm is affecting the region with periods of heavy snow and strong winds producing blizzard/whiteout conditions in the Sierra along with prolonged travel disruptions.

Now more than ever, please Be Patient. Be Considerate. Be Kind. And Be Safe!

Keep an eye on road information and DO NOT try and avoid road closures and take alternate routes. If Caltrans says the roads are closed, they are closed! Visit Roads.dot.ca.gov for up to the minute road conditions/chain restrictions or use the Caltrans Quick Map: Quickmap.dot.ca.gov before you get on the road. You can also call the Road Condition Hotline at 1-800-427-ROAD (7623).

Please note that currently the Eastern Sierra Transit Authority, the public transit service in Mammoth Lakes, will run with modified schedules, weather permitting. However, there will be no U.S. 395 service. Keep an eye on ESTA’s website for the most up-to-date information.

Mammoth Mountain’s current season total sits at 478-625,” putting this season on par with record-setting seasons of the past. We know everyone is itching to enjoy all the fresh snow, but please be reasonable when considering any travel. Remember that the skiing and riding season will be extra-long and UNREAL this year, so there is plenty of time to Visit Mammoth and get your turns in after the blizzard warning has passed!

Dos and Don’ts of a Blizzard Warning

*DO NOT travel unless absolutely necessary

*DO follow @mammothmountain for live and hourly mountain updates

*DO put chains on your vehicle as soon as you enter a chain required area

*DO give yourself 3x the stopping room at lights, stops signs and when following other vehicles

*DO wear bright, reflective clothes if you are walking around town. It is difficult to see people walking in a snowstorm.

*DON’T create your own parking spot

*DO pack extra blankets, food, and water in your vehicle in case you end up stranded in it for an extended period.

*DO NOT abandon your cars, even just briefly overnight, it creates plowing issues and likely damage to your vehicle

*DO NOT try and avoid road closures and take alternate routes. If Caltrans says the roads are closed, they are closed!

Be Patient (and Thank a Local)

Please remember that locals have been shoveling non-stop just to get to work to help our town operate and get you on the slopes. We are tired, but we are here for you! Please thank a local if you have a chance.

We are all in this together so please help us to help you!