Avalanche cannons were firing Friday morning on Mammoth Mountain, as if to herald one last weekend of deep powder.

By 8 a.m., at least a foot of new fluff had fallen in town, with snow coming down heavily but very light winds. Another foot or more is expected by the time the storm clears out Saturday.

Up to five feet of fresh powder was predicted for the highest elevations. By Sunday, blue skies were expected to return, with highs in the upper 30s.

Winter was making an encore performance Friday at Lake Tahoe as well. By midmorning, resorts were reporting 12 inches of new snow from the same storm system, another in a series of so-called atmospheric rivers that have carried vast amounts of moisture to California this season.


Motorists were advised to bring chains. Chain laws were in effect for U.S. 395, from six miles south of Mammoth Lakes to the town of Lee Vining to the north.

For road condition updates, call the Caltrans hotline: (800) 427-7623, or check online.

The latest National Weather Service forecast for Mammoth Lakes:

Friday

Snow before noon, then rain and snow. High near 39. Breezy, with a south wind around 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 20 mph Friday night, with gusts as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.


Saturday

Snow before noon, then snow showers likely after noon. High near 29. Breezy, with a southwest wind 20 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Sunday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 38. South wind around 5 mph.

Monday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 43.

Travel@latimes.com


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