What does Mammoth Mountain have in common with parts of the Amazon Rainforest?
They both average 400 inches of precipitation.
Weather can be the difference between a ski trip you forget about and a ski trip you brag about for the rest of your life. It can also be the reason one place gets 400 inches of rain and another gets 400 inches of snow. Even though geography and elevation play a big role in Mammoth’s snow, there’s a reason why your local news has weathermen and women instead of geographers.
Weather is unpredictable and constantly changing but is always important to consider before a trip anywhere, most of all a ski mountain. To help you keep track of Mammoth Mountain’s weather as best as possible, we’ve listed everything you need to know about Mammoth weather below. Check it out and plan your Mammoth trip today!
Snow Falls From November to May
For skiers and snowboarders, the most important thing to know is when there is actually snow on Mammoth Mountain. To be honest though, the better question is when isn’t there snow on Mammoth Mountain?
Temperatures typically drop low enough for natural and manmade snow begin falling in November with the mountain opening in mid to late November. While storms are possible during this time, it’s more likely that the majority of the snow on the slopes will be manmade. The chances of storms rises throughout December though, and by January there is typically considerable natural snowfall. February and March are the snowiest months of the year, but storms often hit in April and even May.
Just because the snow stops falling doesn’t mean the mountain closes though, as the high elevation and cool temperatures often allow Mammoth Mountain to stay open well into the summer months.
What an Average Winter Day Feels Like
If you went by averages alone, then you could expect a high temperature around 40 degrees and a low in the teens for any given winter day. However, another weather factor you must consider is the wind. Mammoth’s location and elevation result in winds that combine with cold temperatures to create a wind chill that will shake anyone unprepared. You should always expect some wind at Mammoth Mountain, but still check the weather forecasts ahead of time to see if there will be abnormally high winds so you can prepare.
Where to Check the THE MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN Weather
For more than a basic forecast from your phone’s weather forecasts or a local’s perspective, See our list of sources in our post Best Sites to Check Mammoth Lakes Weather Reports and Forecasts.
Remember, weather is always unpredictable. No forecast is perfect, but if you take the time to check the weather reports ahead of your trip then you’ll give yourself the best chance possible at preparing for whatever weather Mammoth has in store for you.