Mammoth Mountain Gets 16-22 inches Overnight

Mammoth Mountain is kicking off fall with a bang. Locals woke up to a resort blanketed in 16 to 22 inches of fresh snow, making autumn look a whole lot more like winter. And it's only mid-October!

While it's not quite cold enough to start snow making operations, Mammoth aims to start running lifts November 14. That's less than a month away.

Despite the lack of snowmaking and official snowpack, the visual change to the mountain is more than enough to get us frothing. Check out Mammoth's live webcams below:

Historically, Mammoth sees a lot more snow once winter really gets going. But these early storms still matter. Mammoth averages a healthy 400 inches of snow per season. With 16 inches already in the bank, this season is off to a solid start.

Forecasters say this system was part of a strong early-season Pacific front, the kind that can set the tone for winter in the Sierra Nevada. With another pulse of moisture expected later in the week, it’s possible Mammoth could see additional accumulation before things warm back up.

For now, it’s a reminder that the long wait for winter is almost over, and that Mammoth’s high elevation and deep snowpack potential keep it one of the most reliable early openers in the West.