Mammoth is battling a river of rain, sleet, and snow

Day 1 of battling the latest atmospheric river here in Mammoth Lakes, CA. Heavy wet snow , wind, sleet and RAIN have shut everything down. Roads are closed, many are without power, phones are down , the old 928 snowblower DIED…and we’re only half way through the storm !
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#mammothlakes
#hondasnowblower
#atmosphericriver
#snow
#blizzard
#california

[@scottied67]

You're doing a wonderful job documenting this epic winter of 2023 : -)

[@sw8741]

Storm after storm after storm. I can hear the weariness, getting tiresome! Thanks for the vid!

[@joanneaurica3189]

I was thinking exactly the same thought at @Heart Mind . . . older people could not get through this weather event successfully unless they had a strong younger neighbor, family, or friend with great muscles and maybe some heavy equipment. If ever "community" comes to mind, this is it. Knowing where the old, ill, vulnerable are living so neighbors can check in . . . if they can get over the snow mountains and unshovel the doors to the house! Your videos, descriptions, and attitude are so terrific, show details most of us would never know. Thank you for sharing these, you're great.

[@yodafannie]

Really enjoying your war of the snow - although your not - appreciate the on going documentary. Stay safe.

[@speedoflight3532]

Holy Cow that is some seriously heavy snow!!! And yes definitely heart attack snow, stay safe!!! Love the videos!!!

[@ginnymorales155]

Prayers 🙏 🙏 🙏

[@nacona5114]

Lived 20 years in heavy snow country and this created the feared flashbacks. This is why we moved to southern Arizona, I will never do this again! Nothing beats a warm afternoon sipping Margaritas!

[@andreah6379]

I can't even imagine snow level being worse than it is now. It's beyond incredible!! Your work is neverending right now. I'd be concerned about my roof, too! Wow... 14 lbs each shovel. Quite a workout.

[@davidthatcher7754]

Nothing beats a good snow contractor. They are worth every penny, especially when dealing with record snow fall

[@lennymo9088]

Hang in there, thanks for sharing.

[@shooter7a]

There are going to be some big heavy avalanches.... Wet heavy snow on to of previous light dry layers.

[@mikem1129]

Epic winter. May god give you the strength to survive it!💪

[@rustysteel8714]

Many of us would LOSE our SANITY! Thanks for documenting the struggle. 🙏

[@jeffjansen582]

That's the worst snow to have to deal with, it stalls that little Honda. Great vid as always. Cheers

[@VangoghsDoggo]

Have to do what they do in UP of Michigan. Once the snow is that high, you put wood 2x6's over your driveway with pallets on top and create a tunnel to your house. Once the banks are built up high enough to get your car under. Then you keep the end of the drive way blown out during the storm and blow back the banks on the road all season. Create a place for them that the snow will run out of the plow before it gets to your driveway. Then if you do get some, it won't be so much work and you can get out if you need to.

[@jangrueter]

Thank you for sharing your adventure! We moved from California to Idaho in 1990 and we have severe winters here also. May God bless you and protect you as you labor to protect your house and property!! Praying for you!!!

[@thereadinesschannel7610]

Dude….I ran across one of your earlier vids on this and then it was wow look at all the snow up in mammoth….now it’s I’ve got to see what that guy is up against today and how he’s dealing with it. My interest is largely due to my emphasis on emergency preparedness and these videos are a real case study of how things like a simple snow shovel can become a life or death tool. I haven’t heard any reports in that area but hopefully the elderly and or disabled folks are surviving thru this

[@noraleestone2859]

Preparedness starts with the correct mindset. If you think it can't, or won't happen, your goose is already half-cooked! 🤣🤣😝

[@thereadinesschannel7610]

@@noraleestone2859 well put Noralee. It never stops amazing me how a lot of folks dis miss the idea …often until it’s to late

[@HearturMind]

We were going to retire to the Sierras. We would not have been able to handle this as older people. Sending you all love and encouragement ❤️

[@jimm2442]

We retired to the Sierra Foothills 10 years ago (ElDorado County). At that time I wanted to be at about 4000 feet because it is beautiful with more pine vs oak trees. A friend that had lived near Placerville for 40 years said "you want to be between 1800 and 2500 feet in elevation. You will not have the valley fog and although it might snow, you wont be snowed in very often." We purchased 10 acres with our dream home and my dream shop located at 2300 feet in elevation. I would agree with the advice we received from our friend after10 years of living here as experience. Another suggestion, try to find a place with as flat of a driveway as possible. Our road (we live on) is not plowed. I am 69 and my wife is 67. We absolutely love our home and have no regrets moving here from the Bay Area. The thought of going back there even to visit is daunting.

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

@@jimm2442 I would only visit a big city if you to for specialty health care.

[@garyellis8740]

Move to Bishop No snow

[@jolenecreech7648]

I must say, it is nice to see that this you are prepared for living in severed snow. So many in So. Ca. were not prepared and suffered the consequences. Thank you for showing a useful perspective.

[@mtnride4930]

@@jolenecreech7648 How can you be prepared for a once in a generation snow? My sister lives in Arrowhead they were relatively prepared but still the snow they received has never been seen up there. I lived in Big Bear for many years and the record for snow was in 82 at 12 feet. My sister is at 4500 feet and they have received about 8 maybe more. Unheard of.

[@m.a.maliawojciechowskichat6729]

🌴 I lived in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Our winters were long and treacherous.💚 With wind factor it'll get -60°F below Zero at times. Being near Lake Ontario, the cold would go thru our bones.💙 Yes, we had wet snow too.💛 I'm too old for cold. I came home and live in the tropics now.💜Be safe... keep warm❤️

[@mycocoaone]

I live in Steamboat with 360" and that is overwhelming so I can't even believe what you are doing daily. Great job.

[@helenchalker318]

I know your tired, you sound like I pray 🙏 you’ll all get through this. Praying for you all ❤

[@sylviawelsh9518]

I live in Reno at 5k elavation and have shoveled the most in my life at 62. 🤪😵😉

[@ctruthtoday]

Considering all, you have a great attitude!

[@christinecortese9973]

This is as much a test of nerves as it is a test of muscle. One thing I've learned from living with even a foot of snow is that I get panicked when I'm trapped. I cannot imagine how people are feeling up there. Patience is the key of course because everything changes eventually. I'm praying to everything I can think of that these storms stop dumping snow on you. One thing you can count on: Feeling intense relief when it's all over. And we all have a better understanding of what the Donner party must have gone through. Thank God for supermarkets that stay open and truckers with mad driving skills.

[@imawakeareyou4388]

Praying for you! You are such a hard worker!

[@tedk2166]

You stated the belts last forever. But when you receive three lifetime’s worth of forever snow, that changes the dynamics some. Best of luck to you, love the videos into the winter wonderland!

[@saintracheljarodm.holy-kay2560]

That's good news it was just a belt. Keep the faith, and the other good news is California is no longer in a drought, the bad news is mid July before you can see your yard.

[@jamesatthewatercooler5463]

The most beautiful area in our country. My dream is to live there some day

[@blueboats7530]

Watching and hearing your driveway snow-blower struggle . . . . eeek!

[@terised]

This is what we called Sierra cement back in the day. Can't say I miss shoveling it but certainly miss the mountains.

[@mikewinkelman7015]

I have a feeling roofers are going to be in great demand this summer .

[@Brian_yeah_that_brian_Strang]

Well let’s hope spring takes its time. Good luck and stay safe friend

[@kellykonoske91]

Well, the snow CAN be trucked to the pit outside of town, but apparantly, only the "preferred" contractors can do it. ( see "Plow Bros. )

[@alexontheedge]

Check out the rope method of clearing roof here on KZbin. You need 2 people a role long enough to reach nearly to the ground on the other side of the house via the width of a peaked roof, and a weight to tie to one end. Clever without risky climbing about on the roof or shoveling or even cutting up blocks. Several videos on KZbin.

[@gammayin3245]

Oh! Don't you hate it when the plow dumps snow all over where you have to shovel?! I moved back to California after retiring from State service in Northern Nevada - and the first things I got rid of when I was moving were my snow shovels. My heart goes out to you all!

[@williamwalker187]

I live in Deadwood, South Dakota, and I am used to seeing a lot of snow, but this is crazy.

[@leyley1970]

oh my.. i have never seen it that bad anywhere.. stay safe..

[@bernieallison981]

I feel for you Bud. And yes - saying prayers for you and for your whole community, well whole State. I have watched your Video and appreciate you putting it out to us, because it sure helps even seeing from your vantage point what is happening all around you. Take Care and I hope you are able to fix this, as more is on the way. Take Care 🙋🏼‍♀️

[@DavidBedell654]

Damn. Feel for you. All you can do is keep at it. Enjoy the videos. You have amazing fortitude. Not much solace, but thanks for the great videos.

[@johnlimke9313]

It would be interesting to watch and it will, watch the progression of your spring melt, hang in there brother

[@peppercat8718]

Prayers to all 🙏

[@Sushi2735]

“Human kindness, understanding…..and I think it’s going to rain.”

[@michaelsmith5583]

Buffalo here, Goodluck, just stay on top of it. I am jealous, I love a good snow storm. Stay safe and get it off your roof. New sub

[@leanneadams2549]

What a work out that is hey !! I remember winters in the Upper Penninsula of Michigan and you sleep good after being out in the cold working heavy wet snow !!!!

[@imbigal007]

That's the kind of snow we get in the Mid-Atlantic...it will wear you out quickly. Moving small amounts at a time will help a bit if you have to do it by hand. Keep the great content coming!

[@Liam2019s]

New subscriber... love the videos! Can't get over the amount of snow Mammoth has. Had to giggle at the 'holy mackerel' exasperation... not many use that term. People get on me when I say it... lol My dad always used it so I guess that's where I picked it up from. 😊 It's fitting for sure! Stay safe!

[@lightwalker4558]

Nice recap. Thanks and good luck clearing the pending snow. Be sure to pickup some spare belts and shear pins at the store. No snow here in central CT. 😥

[@dianaleal5183]

I watch your video since this storm happened that snow is extreme I can’t imagine me going out there doing what you do daily. This storm was really scary I would be very lost but not you your so positive and you keep going. Your dog is beautiful he is so calm he loves his walks in the snow. Stay safe. I’m from Colorado it’s been a light winter except in the high country. 😊🐈‍⬛

[@veronicabergantine2717]

Wow 🙏🏻🙏🏻 sent you get new belt! Its like a snow apocalypse there! Damn! Im overwhelmed just looking at it😱. My heart goes out to everyone affected🥺. Enough is Enough! Mother nature stuck in groundhog day mode! Same day over n over! You folks need a break. I was hoping the rain would clear the snow but made it way worse! Prayers sent🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@libbyworkman3459]

You worked the Beast so hard you killed it.

[@alexnieto6864]

Sorry to see your belt had better days. I did had the opportunity to do work on small power equipment, including snow blowers. I hope you are keeping a spare parts list handy to be able to bring back your essential equipment back into working condition yourself. Hope this super river storm does not cause any structural nor physical damage to anyone in your area and/ or all affected areas. I'd recently moved from Sacramento to Tucson Arizona, even here in the desert, the mountain's have snow, but no effect from the current storm you are in now. Be safe, God bless.

[@gusbruner4145]

Nicely Done and best of luck with your living conditions and snow removals.

[@teknion1]

I cant even imagine this. We had 13 feet of snow back in 2015 but nothing like that. I think you need a bigger snow blower ;)

[@noraleestone2859]

06:53 It took me a minute... 🤣🤣 A few days after subscribing to your channel, I found Mammoth Mountain Life, and subscribed to theirs. So, yeah, I know about Rock & Dirt. 😁 You guys are fun to watch. 🥰 I moved a bit of snow myself today - off of, & around my car - to get to the grocery store. At my age (70), a few inches of wet snow is a huge workout. 😝😰 No cardiac arrest today. 🤣🤣 Sending hugs and pats for Rin. Take care. 😁👍

[@olivi3339]

Wow. That's heavy snow coming in.....

[@vancejohnson4395]

Lucky guy. I'd much rather have the snow than the rain we always get.

[@selvappriyaabhavaanee117]

Nice video of snow plough in action! We await another on of at least 24 hour lingth.

[@archielynn3663]

bless ya man thats a lot wet heavy snow at some point thats enough rain melt for water

[@kellwood1404]

Wow, I was amazed that you could get that snow blower through the berm. Good luck on finding a new belt. Hope the incoming snow storms drop lighter snow.

[@noraleestone2859]

He didn't do the berm with his snowblower. Rock & Dirt came with their Skid Steer and did it, and the whole driveway. 😁

[@fianorian]

Clearing snow is almost a full time job for you. I hope the blower fix goes well. Also...the final comment about the clocks cracked me up.

[@siriosstar4789]

Absolutely insane !! i grew up in california in the late forties and fifties and remember big snow storms but THIS is waay beyond what i've ever seen .

[@wendyphillips5002]

I grew up in northeastern wisconsin and shoveled a double wide driveway nearing 100 ft long in a few heave snow storms. Next the huge city plow would push a very heavy berm onto the bottom of our driveway. We again had to shovel this huge berm off our driveway. That is the way it was and is. That is why I don't miss living 7/24 for weeks and months in heavy snow country. However, it is truly amazing and wonderful living in the heavy snows of winter. The nearly totally quiet only the wind in the trees is wonderful during and after a heavy snow storm.

[@davidschloeder5344]

Mammoth because you need to be one to live there !🥶

[@Gods_Harbinger_2_The_12_Tribes]

We are praying for you.❤

[@sharonmorgan256]

Hang on, when it starts to leave you better watch out! Your roads will be river, trees will fall, and you stay safe!

[@profitwyse300]

I agree with Heart Mind. Anyone thinking about retiring to Mammoth needs to watch your videos. We were there in mid February to ski and everyday started with digging out our vehicle, cleaning off the roof, hood and windshield, before going anywhere. Crazy winter, but amazing skiing up there right now if you can tolerate some wind and cold.

[@dethray1000]

mammoth is not the place to retire--40 miles down the road in bishop is a lot better

[@cr4180]

Subaru Owner: Put chains on front wheels where your weight is at. AWD or not.

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

Chains front and back if there’s enough suspension clearance.

[@photographyofmanitoulinisl1402]

Hello, I recently subscribed to your channel, I found it interesting, love your video bud, where I'm from in Ontario Canada we get hardly anything like what we guys get for snow there, that is insane, so today I'm sending my prayers and thought to you and your community, stay safe out there

[@MS-Fin1917]

Here in Finland we are used to deal with snow, but not that kind of amounts! You need to have very strong roofs and still keep cleaning them often.

[@sueh1091]

wow, I'm worried for you for the melt. that will be ALOT of water... it's so beautiful, and if it is was only that but it's not... wow, you guys are really going through this!

[@ladyluck2607]

all this just to go to work! wow!!! ok, I won't bitch about the wind today where I live!

[@Pstruwing]

WOW now that is snow!!! I think investing in a 3 stage blower with the biggest motor would be a great investment.

[@HolmScott]

Amazing how fast the snow blower fired up

[@richardmckinnon8791]

Bro stay safe be careful of heart attack 🙏

[@KarlDahlquist]

That looks like Sierra Cement!

[@vjr5261]

Oh the damn burm!!!! Where we live in Idaho we would have to shovel the burm before taking kids to the bus stop.

[@reddottx]

Unreal! My heart goes out to you and your family. 🤞🏽on the Honda. Maybe a tensioner?

[@glenyoung1809]

FYI: for those interested Google "Weight of Snow • Snow Weight Chart" there is a great chart of snow loading by type of snow.(can link as YT auto deletes the comment). The kind of snow depicted in this video, wet snow weighs 21lbs/cubic foot or 1.75 lbs of weight per sq foot per inch of wet snow. A 500 sq ft deck would gain 875 lbs per inch of wet snow or 10,500 lbs per foot depth, this goes for a roof as well but usually roofs are much more well built than decks or garage roofs. No wonder why those snowblowers tend to give up the ghost with wet snow. I can image the pressure of the roofs of supermarkets and business after all this is done.

[@mreagle7194]

You are one tough dude

[@roxannedulin1673]

You have been doing a tremendous job keeping up with the snow on your property. Today you ate getting Ohio snow wet and heavy and hard to shovel. We have had compacted ice and snow. Which is really hard to move. Not a place for the elderly to be alone. I am 72 and I could not do it. Sorry about your Honda I hope it can be repaired!

[@pierre-andrechabot3036]

good honda

[@JuanRodriguez-mr1sv]

Hope you got that fixed, walked into Home Depot yesterday and saw snowblower for sale and didn’t think of it at all as how there a lot of people in your area in need of one.

[@judyrobinson9556]

What a tough time for you folks! Prayers for all of you.

[@yxngbt387]

Crazy to me that even when you’re standing on the second floor porch the snow is still higher than you. Craziness

[@thomasharhen2168]

That's heavy stuff compared to all the previous 6 feet ya'll had!!!

[@coldspring624]

Crazy loads on those houses.

[@Mady-lo6qb]

I am vaguely remined of the book "The Long Winter" by Laura Ingalls wilder. The snow was such that the trains couldn't get through. And they had to clear it using manpower they couldn't keep up.

[@astrogeo1]

Very interesting and rather dramatic documentary of this cold winter incident in California. 🌨️🌨️ Got two feet myself last week, and it was green lawns ( or brown ) on March 1st ! So winter did suddenly return with a vengeance ! I am located near the west coast of southern Norway, in the lowlands of a valley just 40 m asl. This is the deepest snow of the winter. In 2010 we had 4 feet+ (1.25 meter) in March, but this is still a very cold & snowy March. I'm pretty sure the very cold situatiation we have in northern Europe now is related to the cold snap of (western) USA 🤔

[@shAnn0n1]

I had no idea that the snow the plows push up against your driveway was called a "burm" (hope I spelled it correctly)! Conshohocken PA here again, 10 miles from Philly, and we haven't seen ANY SNOW YET this winter, and so I'm living vicariously through you and your family!!!

[@DavesW]

Are you an acquaintance of Ben from Mammoth Mountain Life/ Plow Brothers?! They’ve got a solid channel as well

[@anneparsons3462]

Wow

[@tallll70]

i made few times snowman in summer south Louisiana in attics out of frozen coils😂, but nothing like your crazy snow levels

[@DouglasKubler]

It's important for the ran and melt water to have an exit. I've used a hose connected to the hot water to cut through snow and ice. You can cut a clean channel down to the roof surface.

[@kenp8704]

I've been praying for all that are being effected by this insane winter weather. Stay strong and keep fighting the good fight.

[@selfemployed1338]

Weather has always been erratic and unpredictable and extreme, only thing new is how many people are exposed to it.

[@RKisBlue]

The fight died with the snow blower demise

[@H43339]

​@@selfemployed1338 And Social Media, Weather has been changing world wide sense the beginning of time. Nothing New Here

[@SagebrushRambles]

This is kind of normal for the Sierras.

[@TheHonestPeanut]

@@selfemployed1338 And frequency of extreme events caused by industrial activity.

[@troyledbetter6597]

Just can’t believe the amount of snow! See if you can locate a Kevlar reinforced belt instead of a normal rubber one. Good luck !

[@jangrueter]

Praying it is just the belt!!!

[@logjam88]

You're doing a great job. Lesson for today: replace the drive belts every fall and keep a few spares handy.

[@thereadinesschannel7610]

My thoughts exactly

[@matthewtaylor1697]

ya that looks heavy had 10 inches of that last week here in michigan. Can't imagine 10 feet 😢

[@ruckinehround6965]

Looks like you had a little bit of snow……. I remember storms where you could see drifts almost as high as the power lines in late 70s 80s fun times

[@DavesW]

Good ole Sierra concrete! Haha

[@terised]

Yep Sierra Cement is what we used to call it up at Tahoe many years back.