Sierra resorts reopen with deep snow, frigid temps. SoCal ski areas flush with snow

Mammoth Mountain and June Lake snow resorts reopened Wednesday and are now contending with as much as 11 feet of new snow and temperatures hovering around 0 after the biggest storms of the season left behind more than 10 feet in some places.

All lifts at Mammoth were expected to be up and running Wednesday. But skiers early-day skiers faced biting cold. The temperature early Wednesday was 5 degrees heading toward an expected high of 18.

Mammoth’s website warned skiers about snow immersion suffocation, or SIS, because the snow is so deep, and it recommended skiing or boarding with a companion. It also promised “extensive patrol work...for the safety of all guests and employees.”

At June Mountain, the temperature Wednesday morning was listed as -10; the high was expected to reach 18. At least two lifts were expected to open Wednesday; several trails remained closed.

Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows expected all lifts and runs to be open Wednesday, noting that it had received 7 feet of snow, according to its Twitter feed.

Closer to home, SoCal ski resorts were reveling in new snowfall.

Big Bear reported 2½ feet of snow the last three days, bring its season total to 6½ feet. The high on Wednesday was expected to be 27, according to the Weather Channel.

Mountain High in Wrightwood got as much as 3 feet from the most recent storms, and its website said the east resort was expected to open Friday. The high on Wednesday was expected to be 29, its website said.

Snow Valley Mountain Resort in Running Springs said it received more than 3½ feet. The opening of its upper mountain was delayed Wednesday because of icing. Highs today were expected in the mid-20s.

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