Be Prepared for Periods of Heavy Snow and Potential Blizzard Conditions
The Town of Mammoth Lakes is notifying all residents and visitors to be prepared for a powerful winter storm bringing heavy snow and potential blizzard conditions to Mammoth Lakes beginning Sunday, December 12 through Tuesday, December 14, 2021.
Winter Storm Watch
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for Mammoth Lakes in effect from Sunday evening through Tuesday evening. The forecast is for heavy snow accumulations of 6 to 18 inches for communities along Highway 395, with 2 to 5 feet above 7,000 feet. Sierra ridge winds could exceed 100 mph with gusts to 50 mph in the lower elevations. Very strong winds could cause tree damage. During this period of time, travel is expected to be very difficult in whiteout conditions and possible road closures. With this amount of snow, avalanches certainly become a concern. Please visit the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center for the latest forecast.
Winter Storm Temporary Road Closures
In advance of the winter storm the Town of Mammoth Lakes is closing the following roads for the duration of the storm.
- Sherwin Creek Road: Closes at 4:00pm on Saturday, December 11
- Mammoth Lakes Scenic Loop: Closes at 12:00pm on Sunday, December 12
Parking
Unless signed otherwise, it is a violation of the Town of Mammoth Lakes municipal code to park on any roadway from November 1 through April 30. Please park all vehicles, including boats and trailers, as far off the roadway as possible and inside the orange snow stakes. Identify your vehicle’s location with poles to keep it visible for snow removal operators. Overnight parking in Town maintained parking lots is not permitted.
Transit Services
During the winter storm, transit services may be impacted or terminated by the worsening road conditions and poor visibility without notice. Transit passengers are encouraged to call ESTA at (760) 924-3184 or download the free Transit app.
Mammoth Yosemite Airport
The Town advises passengers to contact Advanced Air at 1-800-393-7035 regarding updated flight schedules with the anticipated impacts from the forecasted winter storm.
Public Information
The Town advises residents and visitors to be prepared by listening to KMMT 106.5 or Sierra Wave 92.5 for chain restrictions, road closures or shelter openings. The Town, as needed will post updated information on the Public Information Line: (760) 965-3612, Town e-News or online at: www.townofmammothlakes.ca.gov. In the event of any emergency, please call 911 for assistance.
Road Conditions & Chain Restrictions
For updated road conditions and chain restrictions call (800) 427-ROAD or dial 511.
- Requirement 1 (R1): Chains are required on all vehicles except passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks under 6,000 pounds gross weight and equipped with snow tires on at least two drive wheels. Chains must be carried by vehicles using snow tires. All vehicles towing trailers must have chains on one drive axle. Trailers with brakes must have chains on at least one axle.
- Requirement 2 (R2): Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles except four wheel/ all-wheel drive vehicles with snow-tread tires on all four wheels. NOTE: (Four wheel/all-wheel drive vehicles must carry traction devices in chain control areas.)
- Requirement 3 (R3): Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles, no exceptions.
Winter Driving Tips
Caltrans reminds drivers to always carry chains when driving in winter conditions. Keep a full tank of gas, carry blankets, water, food, a shovel, gloves, a flashlight, ice scraper and a shovel. Allow extra time for travel. For additional tips, please visit the Caltrans Winter Driving Tips webpage.
Important Life Safety Message
The Town of Mammoth Lakes and Mammoth Lakes Fire Department would like to remind residents of several life safety issues. These include the accumulation of large amounts of snow/ice on roofs, the blockage of vents for heating and hot water appliances, and the maintenance needed to safely use propane. Additionally, we request that residents keep property addresses visible and fire hydrants cleared.
Propane Tanks and Vents: For those homeowners that use propane, several responsibilities come with its use. The top of the tank needs to be routinely dug out and cleared to allow access to the shutoff valve and regulator venting. In addition, make sure that unprotected sections of all exterior gas pipes are cleared of snow/ice and protected from shedding snow and ice from your roof. Downward snow pressure from snow settlement and falling snow/ice from roofs has caused many pipe sections to crack resulting in leaks. Unfortunately, if the leak occurs under the snow, the snow traps the gas, and it may be some time before the leak is detected. Homeowners, landlords and tenants need to make sure that vents for appliances are cleared of snow and inspected so that a build-up of carbon monoxide inside does not occur. It is highly recommended that carbon monoxide detectors be installed inside structures in order to alert occupants to the build-up of carbon monoxide gas. Call the MLFD at (760) 934-2300 for additional information.
Important Contact Numbers
- Town of Mammoth Lakes Public Information Line – (760) 965-3612
- Town of Mammoth Lakes Building Division – (760) 965-3635
- Mammoth Hospital – (760) 934-3311
- Mammoth Lakes Police Department – (760) 965-3700
- Mammoth Lakes Fire Department – (760) 934-2300
- Mono County Sheriff’s Department – (760) 932-7549
- Mammoth Mountain Ski Area On-Hill Emergency Hotline – (760) 934-0611
- Caltrans, Current Highway Conditions – (800) 427-7623 or 511
- Caltrans Highway Information Network (CHIN) – (800) 427-7623 cell phones only
Public Utilities
- AmeriGas Propane – (760) 934-2213
- Southern California Edison – (800) 611-1911
- Eastern Sierra Propane – (760) 872-2955
- Mammoth Community Water District – (760)934-2596/ After hours: (760) 914-0395
Please visit the Emergency Information page on the Town’s website for emergency preparedness and important contact numbers.
