Late Spring Snowstorm Extends Ski Season at Mammoth Mountain

Over 3.5 feet of snow fell in California's Sierra Nevada, briefly closing a key interstate and reviving the late-season snowpack.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:52pm

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A vast, majestic landscape painting depicting the snow-covered peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains under a dramatic, moody sky. The scene emphasizes the overwhelming scale and sublime power of the natural environment, with the ski resort and any human-made structures dwarfed and obscured by the towering mountains and heavy snowfall.The late-season snowstorm in California's Sierra Nevada range underscores the region's ongoing battle with drought and climate change, as ski resorts struggle to extend their seasons in the face of unpredictable weather patterns.Mammoth Lakes Today

A spring storm dumped more than 3.5 feet of snow in California's eastern Sierra Nevada over the weekend, briefly closing Interstate 80 and extending the ski season at Mammoth Mountain. The late-season snowfall came just weeks after a March heat wave melted much of the state's snowpack, which provides one-third of California's water supply.

Why it matters

The late-season snowstorm provided a much-needed boost to the Sierra Nevada snowpack, which had been well below average due to a warm and dry winter. However, experts warn that the state's drought conditions remain severe, and the threat of devastating wildfires looms large.

The details

The weekend storm brought blizzard conditions to the region, forcing the closure of Interstate 80 on Sunday. The UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab reported 42.5 inches of snow between Friday and Sunday, which they said 'has been great to create a late-season snowpack.' Despite the fresh snow, Mammoth Mountain cautioned skiers and riders to 'ski and ride with caution' as hazards like dirt, rocks, and bushes remain just below the surface.

  • The storm hit the Sierra Nevada region over the weekend of April 11-13, 2026.
  • On April 1, 2026, the Sierra snowpack stood at just 18% of average, the second-lowest mark for that date on record.

The players

UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab

A research lab that monitors and reports on snow levels in the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Mammoth Mountain

A popular ski resort located in the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains of California.

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What they’re saying

“'Unfortunately, record warm temps this winter means that we're still well below average for the water year.'”

— UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab

“'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.'”

— Mammoth Mountain

What’s next

The National Weather Service has forecast the possibility of additional snowfall in the Sierra Nevada region on Monday, which could further extend the ski season at Mammoth Mountain.

The takeaway

This late-season snowstorm provided a much-needed boost to the Sierra Nevada snowpack, which had been severely depleted due to a warm and dry winter. However, experts warn that California's drought conditions remain severe, and the threat of devastating wildfires continues to loom large over the region.