China Peak has no detail snow data, but we estimate 300 inches snowfall, somewhat less than similarly situated western Sierra areas farther north. China Peak is forested to its 8,700 foot summit, so powder skiing can be good even on severe storm days. Average snow density of 12% is not the blower of the Rockies but easily managed on modern fat rockered skis.

Accumulation and Preservation

China Peak's early season accumulation is usually a bit more gradual than at Bear Valley and Dodge Ridge to the north. California droughts can be extreme, so even the snowiest areas are less than ¼ open at Christmas in the worst 15% of seasons. China Peak is about half north-facing but tops out at 8,700 feet, so overall snow preservation is about average for California.