Most Snow...in the World!

[beachbum]

From Mono County Tourism:
"Snowstorms that hit the Eastern Sierra last month enabled Mammoth and June Mountains to claim the most snow on the planet! Over 200 inches fell in December leaving June with a 5-9' base, and 11-18' at Mammoth."

[flyfishnevada]

I knew it snowed a lot, but not that much. They might claim the most snow, but Kirkwood has 345 inches already.

[Papasequoia]

Kirkwood gets a ton of snow, that's for sure, but their website does a poor job of reporting history. Basically there is no snow history on their site. The only thing they have is a single stat called a "seasonal total range." That is reporting 336-345 inches, but if they mean just this season or something else isn't clear.

Skiinfo.com shows history for all ski areas worldwide. One of their stats is "first day with snowfall" of the season to "last day with snowfall." They are reporting 677cm for Kirkwood (266.5 inches) and 972cm for Mammoth 382.7 inches. Mammoth's website is reporting much less than that for the season so far (316 inches). So, it's hard to know which figures are the most correct - but one thing is for sure, the Sierra Nevada got a ton of snow this December and the skiing is great! We skiied on Dec. 21st a couple of days after they got their big dump (9-15 feet) and it was unbelievable. Hoping to head up next weekend to get in another day or two. If this keeps up we should see some full reservoirs this year!

[beachbum]

After the drought years this is great! I bet the walk into HC is interesting.

[borntoflyfish]

No wonder California has more rivers than any other state in the lower 48. That's just unreal for me. Snowbird has something like 115" But 345" wow.

[Sierra Fred]

A week ago last Wednesday I did something I've never done before. I slept for an hour in my truck in the number one lane of hwy 395 just north of the Crowley Lake exit. Road was closed for over an hour due to blowing snow and an accident. From Crowley to Mammoth, usually a 20 minute drive, only took 2 hours. There is a lot of snow up there. Getting to Hot Creek or the upper Owens is going to require snow shoes or snow mobiles.

Heard about the most snow in the world right after the storm on the local news channels.

Tight Lines ... Fred

[Rockstar Fisherman]

Another reason why California is the best in the world!!

[Bakoguy]

The rain and snow are necessary and good for the state but the runoff and early summer fishing are going to be difficult, I suggest. Even the tailwaters will be affected, especially if we get any more rain or snow. The state reservoirs are already way ahead of capacity levels both season normal and compared to last year. They will start releases early in anticipation of the runoff but when the runoff begins they will have to match the inflow at best which could be huge. Natural run off creeks such as McGee,Convict and Hot Creek may get new designations as Rivers. The upper O is going to cut some new channels and the lower O may go 550cfs all year. Maybe a good year to buy a drift boat. One of you could be the first to drift the upper O from above the old Alpers ranch to Crowley. The best fishing may be ahead of the runoff but in any case it seems to be a good idea to stock up on AAA AB and BB shot.

[planettrout]

...or anvils...

PT/TB

[Flyjunkie]

The rain and snow are necessary and good for the state but the runoff and early summer fishing are going to be difficult, I suggest. Even the tailwaters will be affected, especially if we get any more rain or snow. The state reservoirs are already way ahead of capacity levels both season normal and compared to last year. They will start releases early in anticipation of the runoff but when the runoff begins they will have to match the inflow at best which could be huge. Natural run off creeks such as McGee,Convict and Hot Creek may get new designations as Rivers. The upper O is going to cut some new channels and the lower O may go 550cfs all year. Maybe a good year to buy a drift boat. One of you could be the first to drift the upper O from above the old Alpers ranch to Crowley. The best fishing may be ahead of the runoff but in any case it seems to be a good idea to stock up on AAA AB and BB shot.

I would agree 100%.. the early part of the General season might give you a short window of nice fishing.. Until the Snow melt and the ensuing Run off kicks in.. then I'd hazard an educated guess that the rivers and major creeks will be shut off for 2 months.... This year will certainly have a Great Late Season, starting mid/late August... It all depends on the duration of the Runoff, when it starts, etc.....
and not to be ragingly negative, but One Mega Winter does not end the drought. While it helps a good deal.. we will need 4 to 5 winters of above average snow fall to officially end the drought.... But this Winter is oh sooo welcomed!!!

[1mocast]

...or anvils...

PT/TB

An Anvil Attractor pattern?