In light of the record snowfall this winter (almost 700 inches, way past the yearly average of 450 inches) Squaw Valley has decided to extend the ski season until the end of May.  During this extended operations the resort will be open Friday-Sunday, plus 2 Mondays.  And they will consider an opening for 4th of July once they see how the summer is progressing.  I can remember the last time the resort was open for 4th of July.  What fun to ski in the morning and go boating in the afternoon.  It was the talk of the town.  I remember seeing the t-shirts that said something about skiing at Squaw on the 4th of July. 

The snow around the valley is amazing right now.  I haven’t seen snow banks like this since I was a kid.  In some places in the valley the snow banks along the roads are exceeding 15 feet overhead.  With snow accumulation like this comes fun ski conditions but also tiring snow removal and added risk to homes.  Some residents have had their roofs and decks shovelled.  We have heard of two incidences so far of structural damage due to snow loads.  With the warmer days this week we expect to see considerable melting which will start to decrease the loading.  Forget spring this year… we are going to hope all the snow is gone to allow us to enjoy a little summer.  Take a look at a few of these photos.

Check out the snow accumulation in the Palisades!

Massive snow piles.

Snow piling on flat roof.

Snow levels passing second story decks.

Cave like entries into homes.

Tight squeeze into this home.