12 Mar 26 - Conditions Report: Mammoth Lakes Basin

Conditions Report: 

Current As Of: 12 March 2026*

Activity During Report: Hiking

Conditions: 

The plan was to snowshoe up the groomed trail along the Lakes Basin Road, but a few steps on the snow were sufficient to notice how hard-packed the snow was. Snowshoes were unnecessary.

After a quick turn around back to the vehicle to drop off the snowshoes, I was finally on my way. 

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Just walking in boots. Could even have worn running shoes.

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The trail is still in great shape, it seems to get groomed regularly. 

Along the trail, the tree wells in the forest indicated a snow depth of 1 ft to 2.5 ft, so there is still plenty of snow left for a few more weeks of winter fun. 

All the lakes are still completely covered, but the ice is getting very thin. We recommend not to try walking on any of the lakes! You will most likely break through and fall into the water. With the current weather forecast calling for unseasonably warm temperatures, we expect to see some open water on each lake within the next week.

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Thin ice on the lower one of the Twin Lakes

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After arriving at Horseshoe Lake, I took a left turn, and followed the route along the lake for a few hundred yards. Even away from the groomed trail, it was fine to just walk without snowshoes.

It was surprising to see that the south side of Mammoth Mountain and the Southwest slope of the Sherwins were completely barren. Not a single snowflake is left there! Spring has sprung...

Remember to only walk on the side that's not groomed for cross country skiers!

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Looking downhill: the skiers' trail is on the left, the hikers' trail on the right.