A major snowstorm is currently impacting much of Western North America.
So far ski areas are reporting up to six inches (15cm) of snowfall but the storm is expected to continue for several days. A winter storm warning is in place for the next few days in several states.
Ski areas in California reported their first significant accumulations of the season, including at Mammoth Mountain which hopes to open for the season on Saturday. Diamond Peak in Nevada is pictured above.
There was also snowfall reported in Alberta and BC in Canada as well as Oregon, Utah and Wyoming in the US.
Keystone was the latest ski area to open, on Friday, joining Wold creek in Colorado and Great Divide in Montana. The latter has subsequently closed though following warm conditions which preceded the current snowstorm.
Colorado's Loveland and Arapahoe Basin are among those now expected to open imminently with the change in conditions, with Breckenridge also targeting next weekend.
The most optimistic forecasts are for up to two feet (60cm) of snowfall from the storms in total.
North of the border Nakiska is the third area in Alberta to open, on Saturday, joining Lake Louise and Mt Norquay. The third Banff area, Sunshine, will open Monday and fifth Alberta area, Marmot Basin near Jasper, later this week.