Watch: They’re still skiing in California in mid-July while reservoirs are brimming

The impact of some unusual weather patterns can be seen around California.

For one, massive snowmelt from an epic winter has created an excess of water in the state’s reservoirs, according to Accuweather: Shasta’s capacity is 123% of the historical average as of July 12, 2023; Oroville volume sits at 135%; and Folsom weighs in at 129%.

Those big reservoirs will be releasing water this summer, creating some high, rapid currents in Northern California rivers.

Meanwhile, there is a lot of snow remaining in the mountains.

Keep in mind, it’s mid-July. Skiers are still bombing down runs top to bottom at Mammoth Mountain.

The snow depth is between 1.5 feet and 7.5 feet, the ski resort reported, but there is no beginner terrain available for skiing or riding.

“They’ll probably be going til the end of the month,” weather analyst Ken Clark said in a video interview on the AccuWeather news station.

Powder magazine screamed in a July 13 headline: “Mammoth Park Rats Are Skiing Like It’s April.”

SnowBrains, which provides snowboard and skiing news, said the Mammoth Mountain snow pack is 333% of average.

“It’s finally T-Shirt weather,” SnowBrains wrote on its Instagram account for a reel showing expert skiers enjoying the slopes.

Conditions in rivers around the state are considered dangerous, Clark said, as water temperatures are extremely cold and currents are fast and high.

Still, meteorologists forecast that the remainder of the summer will bring above-normal temperatures to California, which could worsen the state’s remaining drought, The Sacramento Bee reported.

Northern California is gearing up to confront its second heat wave of the year, nearly two weeks from its first.

Still, meteorologists forecast that the remainder of the summer will bring above-normal temperatures to California, which could worsen the state’s remaining drought, The Sacramento Bee reported.

Northern California is gearing up to confront its second heat wave of the year, nearly two weeks from its first.

Northern California faces more dangerous heat. Where will it be hottest and for how long?

California drought update: Map shows latest conditions as state braces for dangerous heat