Town of Mammoth Lakes Publishes 2022/23 Winter Storms After Action Report to Improve the Town’s Resilience and Preparedness for Similar Events

The 2022/23 Winter Season in the Town of Mammoth Lakes presented an unprecedented and compounding challenge for the community of Mammoth Lakes. Characterized by extraordinary, record-setting snowfall, the multi-layered incident resulted in the proclamation of a local emergency in the Town of Mammoth Lakes by the Town Manager.

The Town, alongside county, state, and federal partners along with several community-based organizations, encountered significant escalating operational challenges, including extensive road closures, building damage, propane explosions, and the overwhelming need for snow removal.

From December 2022 through May 2023, the Town of Mammoth Lakes experienced the snowiest season on record, with 715 inches of snow. 

The initial snowfall in December produced 212 inches of snow accumulation. A second round of snowfall in January and February brought another 261 inches of heavy, wet snow to the mountain. On March 3, the Town Manager proclaimed a local emergency in accordance with Section 2.48.060 of the Town of Mammoth Lakes Municipal Code. Consequently, both the State of California and Mono County declared States of Emergency due to the severity of the winter storms.

In summary, 850 structural inspections were performed by responding agencies, resulting in the displacement of approximately 77 residents from their homes. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported from the intense, season-long winter storms. The Mammoth Lakes Fire Protection District (MLFPD) reported 138 propane-related incidents with over 57,000 cubic yards of snow removed from Town roadways and Main Street (SR 203) in coordination with the California Office of Emergency Services and the Town’s Road Department.

To improve the Town’s resilience and preparedness for an event like this or similar events in the future, the Town contracted Constant Associates to produce an After Action Report (AAR). Constant Associates supported the development of the report, including leading the information/data collection process, assisting in stakeholder coordination, and developing the Reports content. The After-Action Report (AAR) evaluates the Town’s response to the escalating and compounding operational challenges, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of the operational strengths, identify areas needing improvement, and outlines key recommendations for future winter storm and all-hazards responses.

Rather than listing all activities conducted in response to the winter storms, the report focuses on major strengths and areas for improvement, organized by eight themes, and provides recommendations for strengthening emergency management capabilities. By implementing these recommendations, the Town can significantly enhance its capacity to respond to and recover from future winter storms, thus safeguarding the community and its infrastructure against similar challenges.

In conclusion, the 2022/23 Winter Storms After Action Report (AAR) serves as a call to action for the Town and its partners. It urges proactive measures to mitigate risks associated with heavy snow and ice accumulation, including adherence to safety standards and improved coordination with regulatory authorities. By taking these steps, the Town can strengthen its emergency response framework, ensuring its residents’ and visitors’ safety and well-being in the face of future winter storms.

The Town would like to extend its sincere gratitude to all personnel, partner agencies, and community-based partners who supported response operations during this multi-month and multi-hazard severe weather emergency.

Despite the complexity of the winter storms, response efforts highlight the unity and collaborative spirit required to help overcome the significant challenges experienced during the 2022/23 winter season. For this, the Town would like to thank everyone who contributed to this report’s development by completing the survey, participating in facilitated discussions, preparing incident documentation, and validating key input.

The 2022/23 Town of Mammoth Lakes Winter Storms After Action Reports (AAR) are available on the Town’s website in both English and Spanish.

News Staff