Not sure if you recall early season snow conditions last year, but I personally try not to remember but for the sake of comparing then to now — it was brutally dry. Colorado began to see some solid storms towards the end of January, but the Sierras were struggling to recruit any major weather systems and conditions were unattractive to most skiers.
The 2013 to 2014 snow season continued, and although there were some decent storms, overall snow levels remained low. Spring came faster than we had hoped, and before we knew it, it was summer. “Drought: Save Water” signs appeared throughout most Southern California freeways. I entered a minor state of depression and prayed for a speedy summer, all with a deep sigh.
Soon, fall approached and talk of El Niño began. My palms started sweating and my summer depression turned into anxiety. Thoughts of snowstorms, powder turns, and hooting and howling among the trees with my friends became constant. Ski videos started showing up in the lower right side of my monitor at work. Before I knew it, Mammoth Mountain reported its first Winter Weather Warning as a large cold front swept down from the North Pacific to the Sierras dumping over 18 inches in two days.
I woke up in Los Angeles to howling wind and rain. The most rain I’ve seen in a year! I sent a “Not Feeling Well” email to work, packed the car, and hit the road. It was a sketchy drive from LA to Mammoth, but I was determined to get there. A few hours later, I was in winter wonderland. My heart was racing as I made alls to meet the GnarBox Crew. My first ski day of this season was a bluebird powder day with good company and endless new tracks. I don’t know if my voice or my legs were screaming louder. To state it simply, we scored. What amazing day to start off the season!
By the end of December 2013, Mammoth only had 45 inches. By the end of January, 60 inches. This year? We already had had multiple 18-plus inch storms accumulating 76.6 inches to date (January 2). By the looks of it, we are in for a great season. So here’s to a Happy New Year and prosperous snowfall for the Sierras. Get out there and shred — this could be a season to remember!
Want to see more of Matt Hoffman’s work? Check out his website at MHoffmanPhotography.com, and be sure to follow him on Instagram.
