Fierce Storm Hits the West - Mammoth Mountain Opens Early

A vigorous Fall storm brushed the western United States on Tuesday. The remnant of a super typhoon from the Pacific, the storm brought heavy rains and winds gusting to about 100 miles per hour. Snow levels in the Mono County area were around 8300 feet. Several inches of rain fell, and, in the highest elevations of the mountains that equates to a few feet of snow. It was one of the earliest seasonal snow storms in many years, occurring while the aspen groves were still near peak fall color in many areas. Mammoth Mountain was able to open for skiing and snowboarding on October 16, while areas below 8500 feet in elevation are still free of snow and the weather returned to above average temperatures, giving a rare opportunity to see fall colors in the mountains and also enjoy winter conditions on the ski area at the same time.

Throngs of winter sports enthusiasts celebrated the early opening of the ski lifts, as the Ski Area offered lift tickets free of charge on Friday's special season opener. Conditions were very good all the way to the top of the mountain on Chair 23, and a festive time was had by all

June Mountain also received a blanketing of snow, but will not be opening until its scheduled date of December 19. Season Passes for June Mountain are available at half-price until that date.

Fishing season is also still open until November 15.