Be Prepared for Periods of Heavy Snowfall, Potential Flooding and Blizzard Conditions in Mammoth Lakes
The Town of Mammoth Lakes is notifying all residents and visitors to be prepared for a potent ‘Atmospheric River’ bringing heavy Sierra snow, strong winds, and a mixture of heavy wet snow and low-elevation flooding concerns through Wednesday, January 11, 2023.
The State Operations Center (SOC) anticipates that this may be one of the most challenging and impactful storms to touch down in California in recent memory.
Winter Storm Warning
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Mono County and Mammoth Lakes in effect through early Wednesday morning. The forecast is for major snow accumulations of 2 to 5 feet. The heaviest snowfall begins early Monday morning through midday Tuesday above 7,000 feet. Snow levels may sharply rise to 7,000-8,000 feet around midday on Monday with areas below 7,000 feet experiencing heavy rainfall. Sierra ridge winds could exceed 100 mph with gusts to 50 mph in the lower elevations.
Weather Impacts
During this period of time, travel is expected to be very difficult in whiteout conditions and possible road closures, with many roads in Mammoth Lakes impassable. With this amount of snow and heavy snowpack, avalanches are a significant concern. Visit the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center for the latest forecast.
Be Snowsmart!
Be prepared and be Snowsmart this winter by following a few simple rules and lifesaving tips. View our Winter SnowSmart Page for links to road and highway conditions, current chain restrictions, transit services, tow companies, taxi & shuttle services, emergency information, and more. During heavy snowfall, please stay off the roads and let our snow removal operators clear the roads and sidewalks. Don’t put on chains when you have to – put on chains before you need them. Stopping in roadways is dangerous and is to be avoided. The Town clears several miles of sidewalks for your safety. Do not walk on the streets with vehicles and plows and do not walk in-front of snow removal equipment.
Public Information
The Town advises residents and visitors to be prepared by listening to KMMT 106.5, Sierra Wave 92.5 or KIBS 100.7 FM for chain restrictions, road closures or shelter openings. In the event of an emergency, please call 911 for assistance.
Winter Storm Temporary Road Closures
In advance of the winter storm the Town of Mammoth Lakes has closed Sherwin Creek Road and the Mammoth Lakes Scenic Loop for the duration of the storm.
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
We recommend you park your vehicle (off the roadway and behind the orange snow stakes) and take the bus. The FREE Red Line operates 7-days per week from 7:00am until 5:30pm. The Red Line provides service throughout town via Old Mammoth Road and Main Street traveling between The Village and Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge. Contact ESTA at (760) 924-3184 or download the free Transit app for updated routes and schedules.
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 winter storm.
Road Conditions & Chain Restrictions
For updated road conditions and chain restrictions visit the Caltrans Quickmap site or 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.
Winter Propane Safety Reminders
- You should NOT smell propane in your home. If you smell gas or are experiencing signs of a gas leak, immediately exit the premises, and then call the AmeriGas 24/7 Emergency Line at (800) 805-0659 – or call 911 for immediate assistance.
- Keep equipment clear of snow and ice. The weight of these elements could eventually break gas connections.
- Keep gas appliance vents clear of snow and ice to avoid gas fumes from becoming trapped in your home.
- Clear a path to your propane tank.
- Install Carbon Monoxide detectors.
- Propane Safety First website.
- Call the MLFD at (760) 934-2300 for additional information.
Important Contact Numbers
- 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
- Town of Mammoth Lakes Building Division – (760) 965-3635
Public Utilities
- AmeriGas Propane – (760) 934-2213
- Southern California Edison – (800) 611-1911 – Outage website
- Eastern Sierra Propane – (760) 872-2955
- Mammoth Community Water District – (760) 934-2596 or (760) 914-0395
The Town of Mammoth Lakes and Mono County Emergency Management continues to encourage residents and visitors to be “READY Mono” as storm patterns impact the Eastern Sierra. Please visit the Emergency Information page on the Town’s website for emergency preparedness or the Town’s facebook page for storm updates.
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(From Town of Mammoth Lakes)
