A spring storm dumped more than than 3.5 feet of snow in California's eastern Sierra Nevada, briefly closing a key interstate and extending the ski season at Mammoth Mountain.
MAMMOTH LAKES, Calif. — A spring storm dumped more than than 3.5 feet of snow in California's eastern Sierra Nevada, briefly closing a key interstate and extending the ski season at Mammoth Mountain.
The weekend storm came just weeks after a March heat wave melted much of California's snow, forcing many ski resorts to close. More snow was possible Monday.Denver7 is tracking the latest on Colorado's drought. Click here for our stories
On April 1, the Sierra snowpack, which provides one-third of California’s water, stood at just 18% of average, a reading in the mountains near Lake Tahoe found. It was the second-lowest mark for that date on record.
The UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab reported 42.5 inches between Friday and Sunday, which “has been great to create a late-season snowpack. ”“Unfortunately, record warm temps this winter means that we’re still well below average for the water year,” the lab said on social media.
Interstate 80 in Northern California was shut down Sunday because of blizzard conditions, and chain controls were in place early Monday for the important route between San Francisco and Lake Tahoe.
The storm also brought strong winds, heavy rain and hail to many areas. A tornado touched down Sunday near Sacramento, but no damage was reported, the National Weather Service said.
Mammoth Mountain said 11 lifts were running Monday. Skies were clearing but another couple of inches of snow was possible, the resort said in its daily report.“While fresh snow may look inviting, hazards like dirt, rocks, and bushes remain just below the surface. Ski and ride with caution and avoid venturing off trail,” the report said.
Snow was vanishing across much of the U.S. West after a warm winter with poor skiing conditions gave way to early spring record heat. This month, Colorado reported its worst snowpack since statewide recordkeeping began in 1941.
Officials warned the measurements are a clear sign that water shortages could worsen the ongoing significant drought, barring an unexpected deluge.Cities in the region are imposing water-use restrictions, and ranchers are wondering how they will feed and water their cattle. The threat of devastating wildfires looms.
How are the drought and potential water restrictions in Colorado affecting your daily life, your neighborhood, or your livelihood? Share your experiences, concerns, and questions with a Denver7 reporter by email newstips@denver7.com. Your story could be part of our ongoing coverage as we track the impacts across our communities.
What concerns you most about Colorado’s low snowpack and warm, dry winter?What solutions or water‑saving strategies are you using — or wish your community would adopt?How will water restrictions or drought conditions changed your daily routine?
If you're searching for how your Colorado community is responding, or what restrictions are in place where you live, Denver7 is updating that information in this link.
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