While much of Europe and indeed a chunk of the US East has suffered above average temperatures and below average snowfalls this winter, large parts of Western North America has seen some incredible snowfalls, and they just keep coming.
After seven day totals of up to 14 feet reported last week, ski areas in California have posted another 3-4 feet (90-120cm) to start this week. Along with the snow there have been gale force winds at times, and the combination of snow volume, low visibility and violent winds led to many areas closing for periods.
Mammoth, which has the deepest base in the world,. Now approaching 8 metres, suffered power outages, with Heavenly, which has had nearly 500 inches (12.5 metres) of snowfall this season closed due to access roads and lifts being buried. Palisades Tahoe meanwhile have hit the 575" snowfall total mark for the season.
As ski centres dig out and gradually reopen once more they're urging skiers and boarders to beware of avalanche danger ad keep on officially 'open' terrain and to be very cautious around trees due to the severe tree well danger.
The snowfall also continues to be heavy in the Rockies, with a number of resorts in Utah past the 500" mark seasonal snowfall total already. Brighton tops the US snowfall total table with 584" season to date. The largest ski area in the US, Park City, has extended its season by a fortnight Sunday, April 23, 2023 in response to the deep snowpack and great conditions.
There's been a brief lull the last few days but another huge storm expected to bring a further 4-8 feet of snowfall is expected to arrive from Thursday.
China Peak in California pictured top this week.