Monday in Mammoth: Snow, snow and more snow, but the weekend should be sunny

Snow was falling heavily again at midday Monday, as Mammoth Lakes suffered, shivered and ultimately embraced a five-day mega-storm that had buried the go-to ski spot in an estimated 8 to 12 feet of fresh flakes. Cooling temps had brought snow rather than rain to the area, easing — for now — fears of flooding.

Snow and breezy conditions were forecast for the rest of the week, as the Alpine mountain town prepared for the busy Martin Luther King Jr. weekend.

The holiday weekend forecast calls for sunny skies, with highs in the low 30s.

Till then, a winter storm warning is in effect through 4 p.m. Thursday. Monday’s high was expected to be 34, with a cooling trend through the week. The National Weather Service was predicting up to 8 inches on new snow by the end of the day, with 2 to 4 inches on Tuesday, amid gusty winds. By Thursday, highs were expected to be in the mid-20s, with several feet of new snow.

Snow totals of 12 feet since last week were being reported, with upper mountain accumulations as high as 7 feet in the last two days. The Mammoth Mountain website was up and down Monday, but a spokesman reported at least nine lifts and the village gondola were operating.

Those trying to get around town on Monday had to deal with slushy though manageable streets. Visitors were able to get in and out of town, though chains were required Monday on nearby U.S. 395. The chain warnings were in effect from 17 miles north of Bishop to Lee Vining.

For road updates, call Caltrans hotline at (800) 427-7623.

travel@latimes.com

Twitter: @LATimestravel

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