Press releases

The Town of Mammoth Lakes is notifying all residents and visitors to be prepared for a significant Atmospheric River event bringing heavy rain/snow to Mammoth Lakes beginning Saturday, January 7, thru Monday, January 9, 2017.

Photos courtesy Mammoth Mountain

Travel is not advised and residents/visitors are encouraged to stay off the streets and in their homes or accommodations.

Flood Watch

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for Mammoth Lakes that includes a period of intense rainfall with snow levels rising as high as 9,000 to 10,000 feet for early Sunday morning to Monday morning. Rainfall totals of 6 to 12 inches west of Highway 395 with 2 to 6 inches of rain for communities along Highway 395.

There is a potential for significant snow accumulations and gusty winds that may create hazardous winter driving conditions over passes and in wind prone areas along HWY 395. Significant travel delays and road closures are possible. Travel could be very difficult with some roads covered by water and impacted by rock, mud and snow slides. A significant rise is likely on the east and west forks of the Walker River.

Public Information

The Town advises residents and visitors to be prepared by listening to KMMT 106.5 and Sierra Wave 92.5 for any road closures or shelter openings. The Town will also post updated information on the Public Information Line: (760) 934-8054, Town e-News and www.Townofmammothlakes.com. In the event of any emergency, please call 911 for assistance.

Flooding/Sandbags

Sandbags are available for residential property use at the Town Yard (299 Commerce Drive). The Town asks that you only take what you need and be respectful of others. To report areas of flooding, please call (760) 965-3681 and be prepared to leave a short, concise message. Your call will be returned in a timely manner. In the event of any emergency, please call 911 for assistance.

Be Prepared

Be Snowsmart this winter! In preparation for the winter storm and Flood Watch, the Town advises residents to stock up on water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies, along with special items for medical conditions.

You may also consider an alternative way to heat your home; and if you have to drive, carry chains, make sure your gas tank is full, bring a charged cell phone, emergency food, water and blankets or sleeping bags and a shovel.

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From Mono County

The Reno National Weather Service has high confidence in moderate flooding over the next few days, with the highest flooding risks predicted for Sunday, January 8, through Monday, January 9.

A mixture of snow, rain, or freezing rain will occur on Saturday, warming rapidly with torrential rains Saturday night into early Monday.

The intense series of atmospheric rivers will result in widespread flooding on creeks, burn areas, urban poor drainage, construction areas, and rivers. This includes
the West Walker River, which indicates a very rapid rise on Sunday.

These predictions need to be taken seriously. Residents of Mono County who have experienced a history of localized flooding need to be attentive and prepare accordingly.

Use the break in weather on Friday to clear snow away from drains and creeks, stock up on water, food, and other necessary provisions.

Power failures should also be anticipated. Do not attempt to drive through moving water and stay off of frozen lakes and ponds.

If the weather comes in as predicted, travel should be limited to emergencies only. People already in Mono County should stay home if at all possible, and travelers coming into Mono County should postpone their travel until the weather has passed.

Make sure to check the weather and road conditions before traveling, paying special attention to predicted periods of inclement weather, road closures and chain requirements.

Mono County Public Works will have emergency sandbags available at the following locations:

Crowley Lake Fire Department, Lee Vining Road Shop,
Toms Place Crowley Lake Dr. behind asphalt piles

June Lake Community Center
Benton Road Shop

Bridgeport Road Shop
Chalfant Fire Department
Walker Road Shop