Recent activity in the west. NOAA photo.

Snowmageddon 2017 has been actively attacking much of the west during this past week, dumping massive amounts of precipitation (we're looking at you Mammoth) and causing major disruptions in multiple regions. If you are close to any mountain range you're probably in the middle of one of the craziest weeks of your life.

We here at TGR wanted to simplify this historic week with your ultimate guide to Snowmageddon 2017 with everything from resort snowfall totals, avalanche danger and resort closures. Let this be your ultimate guide to travel safe and score some powder this upcoming weekend.

Resorts Closed, Sierra Residents Urged to Stay Inside

Buses covered in Kirkwood. Kirkwood photo.

The snow has been so large and heavy throughout the country that we have multiple resort closures. The Sierra was hit particularly hard. After large accumulations, all resorts except Heavenly were closed due to these extreme conditions. The full list of area closures includes Kirkwood, Northstar, Sierra at Tahoe, Diamond Peak, Sugar Bowl, Mount Rose, Tahoe Donner, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, Homewood Mountain, Boreal Mountain, Soda Springs and Donner Ski Ranch.

Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows sent out the following email today talking about the current situation. "Today alone we received 29 inches of snow since 6 am. Blizzard conditions kept both Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley closed today. Tomorrow, if conditions allow, we are planning to open with a limited number of lifts at both resorts. However, it is currently still dumping and our operations may change significantly in the morning."

The Sierra Avalanche Center issued a high avalanche warning for residents in Crystal Bay and Incline Village, urging them to stay indoors, as avalanches in similar storm conditions have broken trees and moved cars in the past.

At this point, it has become less about skiing powder and more about survival for residents of the Tahoe area.

This Monday Crested Butte was forced to suspend mountain operations because of unsafe conditions for both staff and skiers. They reopened today after receiving seven and a half feet of snow in the past ten. A-Basin was also closed today while US 6 over Loveland Pass was cleared for avalanche work. They hope to reopen tomorrow.

Mammoth Receives Incomprehensible Amount of Snow

On the eighth day of their storm cycle, Mammoth received another foot of snow last night, bringing the grand total of this cycle to 116" at upper elevations according to their website.

The storm is easing up but over 500 locals are still without power, which has affected 911 service in the area according to Los Angeles Times.“Landlines are down in Mono County, which has impacted our 911 capabilities,” the sheriff’s office reported at 8:30 a.m. Authorities advised residents to call from a mobile phone or to go to the nearest fire station.

Don't Worry, The Rest of West is Getting in on the Action

This happened yesterday. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort/Chris Figenshaw photo.

California and Colorado have not been the only part of the country that has enjoyed the powder. Brighton and the Big Cottonwood Canyon received 60" over the past week. The Wasatch is enjoying all-time conditions.

Jackson Hole students enjoyed their first snow day in over twenty years this Monday, when a mix of snow and rain dumped 20" in the valley. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort received 41" of snow in four days, bringing their season total to just over 300" with plenty of the season left.

Full seven-day snow totals here.

Avalanche Danger Reaches Extreme Levels

The avalanche report for the Teton area on 1/11/19. Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center.

The Sierra Avalanche Center released the following backcountry warning this morning. "HIGH avalanche danger continues for all elevations and aspects due to a combination of wind slab, storm slab, and deep slab avalanche problems. Travel in avalanche terrain, on or below slopes 30 degrees and steeper is not recommended. Avalanches could run into areas of mature forest. A backcountry avalanche warning remains in effect until 5 pm today." The report also warns of likely historic storm slab slides.

The Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center reported extreme avalanche levels for the first time in recent memory after the last night's snowfall. The Wyoming Department of Transportation was able to trigger an avalanche this morning in Twin Slides off of Mt. Glory. The avalanche crossed the road. The center stated, "Large and destructive avalanches are certain in some areas. Avoid all avalanche terrain."

Colorado is experiencing a similar story with high avalanche danger reported around the state and extreme levels at all elevations in the Gunnison area. The Colorado Avalanche Information Center noted how unusual for this level of danger to exist. "Extreme avalanche conditions are not common, this is a very dangerous time. We expect to see some historic avalanche activity during this period. Valley floors are not immune from the large and very large avalanches during this warning period."

We urge everyone to avoid any travel in the backcountry until this dangerous cycle has subsided. If you do travel through these dangerous zones please use proper training, equipment, and decision making to make it home safe.