Sierra Atmospheric Forecast Calls for Heavy Weekend Snow

Forecaster Dennis Mattinson predicts 10-15 inches of new snow in Mammoth by Monday

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:35pm

A vast, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a snow-capped mountain range shrouded in heavy fog and dramatic lighting, with a small cabin nestled in the valley below, conveying the overwhelming scale and power of the natural environment.A powerful late-season storm system sweeps through the Eastern Sierra, blanketing the region in heavy snow and evoking the sublime grandeur of the mountain landscape.Mammoth Lakes Today

A low-pressure system from the Pacific Ocean combined with a cold front from the Gulf of Alaska is expected to bring heavy snowfall to the Owens Valley, Mammoth Lakes, and Mono County areas of California this weekend. Forecaster Dennis Mattinson predicts 10-15 inches of new snow over Mammoth Mountain by Monday morning, with snow levels dropping to 6,500-7,000 feet and windy conditions along the Sierra Crest.

Why it matters

This late-season storm system could significantly impact travel, outdoor recreation, and business operations in the popular ski and tourism region of the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains. Heavy snowfall in April is not uncommon, but the back-to-back nature of these systems makes this a potentially significant weather event for the area.

The details

According to Mattinson's forecast, the low-pressure system from the Pacific will interact with a cold front originating in the Gulf of Alaska, resulting in dropping snow levels and accumulating snowfall across the region. Bishop and the Owens Valley are expected to see a 30-50% chance of showers on Saturday and Sunday as the storm system moves through.

  • The low-pressure system and cold front are expected to arrive in the region on Friday, April 10, 2026.
  • Snow levels are forecast to drop to 6,500-7,000 feet by Saturday and Sunday, April 11-12, 2026.
  • Mattinson predicts 10-15 inches of new snow over Mammoth Mountain by Monday morning, April 13, 2026.

The players

Dennis Mattinson

A Sierra atmospheric forecaster who provides weather updates and predictions for the Owens Valley, Mammoth Lakes, and Mono County areas of California.

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What they’re saying

“Today and this weekend's weather will be brought to you courtesy of a low pressure system in the EPAC, getting absorbed by a longwave trough from the Gulf of Alaska (GLA). The colder storm from the GLA should cause snow levels to drop to 6,500 – 7,000 feet by Saturday / Sunday.”

— Dennis Mattinson, Sierra Atmospheric Forecaster

What’s next

Residents and visitors in the affected areas should monitor weather forecasts closely and prepare for potential travel disruptions, power outages, and impacts to outdoor activities over the weekend.

The takeaway

This late-season storm system is a reminder of the unpredictable and powerful weather patterns that can impact the Eastern Sierra region, even well into spring. Businesses and communities in Mammoth Lakes, Bishop, and surrounding areas will need to be prepared to respond to the challenges posed by heavy snowfall and high winds.