Snow returns with a vengeance

UPDATE 11 a.m., Dec. 30: The U.S. 395 reopened around 7 p.m. on Dec. 29. The road remains open with chains or snow tires required in some areas. The morning of Dec. 30 brought sunny skies and great ski conditions. Mammoth Mountain is reporting a total of 3-4 feet from this storm.

Gusty winds and icy roads plagued the Eastern Sierra all day Dec. 29 bringing in several more feet of snow to Mammoth Mountain Ski Area for a December total of 202 inches (that’s almost 17 feet) for the month to date. That makes it the snowiest month on record, ever, for MMSA.

As of 5 p.m. on Dec. 29 U.S. 395 is closed from 13 miles north of Bishop to the junction of Hwy 203 due to snow and high winds that often create whiteout conditions.