An incredible snowstorm which some are reporting as the biggest ever single October snowfall has hit the North American west coast with the Lake Tahoe region reporting the biggest accumulations.
Mt Rose reported 38-42" (95-105cm) of new snow in around 24 hours and referencing the fact that the snow fell as rain over much of California said,
"Our high base elevation has been absolutely crucial in maximizing snowfall. It's feeling a lot like January up here at 8260'!"
However most ski areas did report similar (if not quite so much) snow. Palisades Tahoe (formerly Squaw Valley) said it had had at least three feet (90cm) at the top of the mountain and posted the image top.
Mammoth mountain, which had already had some smaller October snowfalls, had announced it was moving its opening date forward by two weeks to this Friday in anticipation of the storm's arrival. It's not yet clear if any other areas will open early thanks to the snow.
Until very recently ski areas in the state had been battling huge forest fires.
International leisure travel to the US for fully vaccinated skiers and boarders from regions including the EU and UK will resume in just under a fortnight's time after a 20 month pandemic closure.
Heavenly pictured below.
