Temporary ski resort closures or terrain suspensions aren’t uncommon, particularly in the Sierra Nevada, where storms can produce feet of snow all at once. Ski resorts need time to mitigate avalanche danger, which spikes when large amounts of snow fall. High winds can make it unsafe to operate chairlifts, too.

Much of California on Monday was preparing to be hit by a powerful winter storm carrying treacherous thunderstorms, high winds and heavy snow in mountain areas.

Whiteout conditions and hazardous roads were making it tough for travelers to make it up to the slopes.