Sierra Forecast Calls for Late-Season Snow

Meteorologist Dennis Mattinson predicts a brief storm system will bring light snowfall to the Owens Valley and Mono County this week.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 12:34am

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of gray, blue, and white, depicting a snow-capped mountain range partially obscured by heavy fog and haze, conveying a sense of the overwhelming scale and power of the natural world.A late-season storm system brings the promise of much-needed snow to the Sierra Nevada, but its impact on the region's long-term water outlook remains uncertain.Mammoth Lakes Today

According to Sierra meteorologist Dennis Mattinson, a shift in the weather pattern will bring cooler temperatures and a chance of light snowfall to the Owens Valley and Mono County regions on Tuesday and Wednesday. While the storm system is not expected to produce significant accumulation, it may provide a late-season boost to the area's below-average snowpack.

Why it matters

The Sierra Nevada snowpack is a critical water source for much of California, and this late-season storm could help replenish reservoirs and groundwater supplies that have been depleted by the ongoing drought. However, the forecast indicates the storm will likely be too little, too late to significantly improve the region's overall water outlook for the year.

The details

Mattinson's forecast calls for around 2 inches of snow at the Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge on Tuesday, followed by another 2 inches on Wednesday. The Bishop area is expected to see a 30% chance of showers during the same time period. Temperatures are predicted to be cooler, with highs in the 70s and lows in the 40s and 50s across the Owens Valley.

  • The storm system is expected to move through the region on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 30-31, 2026.
  • Snowfall is predicted to occur primarily on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The players

Dennis Mattinson

A meteorologist who provides weather forecasts and analysis for the Sierra Nevada region, including the Owens Valley and Mono County areas.

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The takeaway

While this late-season storm system may provide a modest boost to the region's snowpack, it is unlikely to significantly alleviate the ongoing drought conditions that have plagued the Sierra Nevada in recent years. The long-term water outlook for the area remains uncertain, underscoring the need for continued conservation efforts and sustainable water management practices.