Lake Tahoe ski, snowboard, road and weather news - Mountain Resort Report©

Good Morning Lake Tahoe Skiers & Riders…

More Fresh Powder to the People reported at all Resorts for your Presidents Weekend Sunday Funday… Expect delays in lift openings… Winter Storm Warning in effect for continued snow showers and light to moderate winds thru 7 pm tonight. Road Controls – Chain Restrictions posted on All Roadways in and around Lake Tahoe. Stay out of the Backcountry! Avalanche Danger is High! Ski or Ride with a Buddy if go off-piste… Have Fun & Be Safe!

TODAY’S WEATHER: Snow likely in the morning, then snow in the afternoon. Snow accumulation 3-5” with 3-6” above 7000 Feet. Highs: 23F-28F. (13F-18F on the slopes) Northwest Winds 10-15 mph.

TONIGHT: Mostly Cloudy. Chance of Snow showers in the evening, then a slight chance of snow after midnight. Lows: 4F-14F. Northeast winds 10-15 mph.

WINTER STORM WARNING:

WINTER STORM WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM PST THIS EVENING…

* CHANGES: Updated to extend the duration of the Winter Storm Warning through this evening. Increase in snow amounts a few inches mainly southern Tahoe Basin and Carson Range.

* WHAT: Heavy snow. Additional snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches, except 5 to 10 inches above 7000 feet. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph across Sierra ridges, decreasing to 40 mph.

* WHERE: Greater Lake Tahoe Area. * WHEN: Until 7 PM PST this evening.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS: Periods of moderate to heavy snowfall expected today. Blowing snow may produce whiteout conditions. Long travel delays are occurring with periodic road closures possible.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS Avoid travel if possible, you could be stuck in your vehicle for many hours. If you must travel, prepare for long delays and carry an emergency kit with extra food, water, and clothing. If you stay home, have a backup plan in case of power outages. The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

Avalanche Warning
The following message is transmitted at the request of the Forest Service Sierra Avalanche Center. The Sierra Avalanche Center in Truckee has continued a BACKCOUNTRY AVALANCHE WARNING for the following areas: NWS Reno NV – NVZ002 (Greater Lake Tahoe)… CAZ072 (Greater Lake Tahoe (CA)

* TIMING: In effect until Sun 07:00 PST.

* AFFECTED AREA: Central Sierra Nevada mountains between Yuba Pass (Hwy 49) on the north and Ebbetts Pass (Hwy 4) on the south, including the greater Lake Tahoe area.

* AVALANCHE DANGER: HIGH avalanche danger exists in the mountains.

* REASON/IMPACTS: Heavy snow and gale force winds will create dangerous avalanche conditions. Expect a mix of wind slab and storm slab avalanche problems affecting all elevations. Natural, avalanches and human-triggered avalanches are expected. Some avalanches may be large and destructive.

* PRECAUTIONARY / PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS: Travel in, near, or below avalanche terrain is not recommended. Consult: https://www.sierraavalanchecenter.org / or www.avalanche.org for more detailed information. Similar avalanche danger may exist at locations outside the coverage area of this or any avalanche center.

WHAT TO WEAR: Dress Warm, in layers with your Gore-Tex Jacket or Shell. Take good gloves, a hat or beanie, and wear a Helmet for Safety. Also, wear good (100% UV protection) Goggles (yellow-bronze-rose tinted). Don’t forget to stay hydrated at altitude!

SURFACE CONDITIONS: Surface Conditions are primarily Powder with Machine Groomed Packed Powder…

SAFETY MESSAGE: Stay on designated Opened Trails only. Respect all rope lines & area closures. Ski or Ride with a Buddy if you decide to go Off Piste – Trees or opened trails. Keep an eye out for marked and unmarked obstacles. Stay away from Tree Wells… Slow Down and observe safety signs on trails with a high concentration of skiers and riders… Know the Code! Always stay in control. Be able to avoid objects and people in your Path! Please stop to the side of the run where it is safe and always check uphill for skiers and riders before restarting downhill.

BACKCOUNTRY ACCESS… “KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!” For more info: https://www.sierraavalanchecenter.org/advisory

CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger will exist today due to wind slab and storm slab avalanche problems. Human triggered avalanches are likely today with naturally triggered avalanches possible. Dangerous avalanche conditions exist.

SOUTH SHORE LAKE TAHOE & SURROUNDING AREAS

*HEAVENLY MOUNTAIN RESORT: Reports 15” of new snow and a mid-elevation base of 122”. 27 Lifts are scheduled to operate (8:30-4)-WWP, including Mtn. access from the Heavenly Gondola & 4 Lifts & Tows including Tamarack Express & Big Easy; California Base with 11 Lifts including the Tram, Gunbarrel, Powderbowl, Canyon Express & (Sky Express on SNOW HOLD); And, 9 Lifts & Tows on the Nevada Side with Stagecoach & Boulder Access. Comet, Dipper, Northbowl, (Galaxy Snow Hold) & Mott Canyon. 97 Trails to open (54MG). Mott & Killebrew Canyon Gates scheduled to open. Re-Mix & Groove T-Parks open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 20F / Snow / Mod Winds). Gondola Site Seeing is open (8:30-4). Tubing & Mini Tubing open (11-4) & Ridge Rider Coaster Closed (10-4). Guided UTV Tours Closed (11-4). Free Parking at Stagecoach Lodge, Cal Base Lodge & Boulder Base with Free Shuttle Buses running every 15 minutes. (Hwy 207: R2): Call Ahead: 1-800-HEAVENLY / Twitter: @HVConditions / www.skiheavenly.com

*SIERRA AT TAHOE:(Hwy 50: R2) Reports 20” of new snow on a base of 113-196”. 9 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (8:30-4)-WWP, with Grandview, Nob Hill & Easy Rider. Short Stuff to the back side & West Bowl Express. 42 Trail are open (25MG). Terrain Parks Closed. Huckleberry Canyon not likely to open today. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 10F / Snow/ Lt-Mod Winds). Snow Play & Snowshoe trails adventures open. Snow Tubing Hill delayed. Free Shuttle Buses are running from South Shore & from West Slope: Bus info: 530-659-7453. For more info call: 530-659-7475 / or Text: “conditions” to 29222 www.sierraattahoe.com

CAMP RICHARDSON MOUNTAIN SPORTS CENTER: (Hwy 89: R2 / Emerald Bay Road: Closed) Offers XC & Snow Shoe Rentals and Miles of Trails… Open Daily, Conditions permitting (9am-4pm). For more info: 530-542-6584. http://www.camprichardson.com/recreation/winterspring-recreation

HOPE VALLEY OUTDOORS / CROSS COUNTRY:(Hwy 88/89- Luther Pass: R2 / Pickett’s Junction: R2) Is planning to open (10-4). Call Ahead. They have 10” of new on a base of 48-60” from Picketts Junction to Red Lake. 10 miles of marked & skier packed XC & Snowshoe trails. Burnside Lake Trail open. XC & Snowshoe rentals available cash or check please as they are off the grid. $10 Donations for trails use is requested… Hosting Presentation… “Daily Flow for Avalanche Risk Management” has been rescheduled. For more info: 530-721-2015 / www.hopevalleyoutdoors.com

*KIRKWOOD MOUNTAIN RESORT:(Hwy 88: R2) Reports 22” of new on a base of 136”. 11 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, Including 5 Lifts out of the Village including Chair #1, Chair #5, Chair #6, Chair #11 & #10; (3 Lifts, Chairs #2, Chair #3 & #4 to the Back Side scheduled on Delayed opening). 2 Lifts & Tows, including Chairs #7 & #9 out of Timber Creek Lodge. 85 Trails are open (28MG). Outlaw & Bandit T-Parks CLOSED. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 12F / Snow / Mod Winds). XC Center is open with 40km of trails for XC & Snowshoeing. For updates: 877-KIRKWOOD / Twitter: @KWConditions / www.kirkwood.com

NEVADA & EAST SHORE RESORTS

*DIAMOND PEAK:(Hwy 28: R1) Reports 8” of new on a base depth of 80-104”. 6 Lifts are scheduled to operate today (9-4)-WWP, including Schoolhouse, Lodgepole, Lakeview and Crystal Express to the top. 31 Trails to open (22MG). 3 T-Parks scheduled to open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 22F / Snow / Lt-Mod Winds). Bring Your Other Pass and get a lift ticket for $69, midweek, $79 weekends… For more info, call: 775-831-1177 / www.diamondpeak.com

*MT. ROSE SKI TAHOE: (Hwy 431: R2) Is open! They Reports 5-6” of new on a base of 115-158”. 7 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with Wizard, Galena, Lakeview & NW Magnum 6 to the top of the Rose Side; Blazing Zephyr on the Slide Bowl Side (& Chuter Lift serving the Chutes CLOSED). 49 Trails to open (33MG). 5 T-Parks open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 8F / Snow/ Mod Winds). Call Ahead for updates. 800-SKIROSE / www.mtrose.com

TRUCKEE AREA RESORTS

*NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA: (Hwy 267: R2) Reports 12-19” of new on a base of 97-177”. 18 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (8:30-4)-WWP, accessing the Front Side, Back Side & Look Out Mountain… 100 Trails to open (55MG) + 6 T-Parks open with 92 features, Pipe Closed. All 7 Glades are open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 11F / Snow / Lt-Mod Winds). XC & Snowshoe Center open (9-4). Tubing Center Closed (10-4). Village Ice Rink is Closed (12-9pm). For updates call: 530-562-1330 / www.northstarcalifornia.com

*TAHOE DONNER SKI AREA: Is open. They report 20” of new on a base of 145”. 4 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to turn (9-4) on delayed opening… including Eagle Rock & the new Snowbird Chair. 16 Trails are open (6MG). Mini Size T-Park Closed. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 30F / Snow / Lt -Mod Winds). For information call 530-587-9444 or visit http://www.tahoedonner.com/amenities/amenities/downhill-ski/

TAHOE DONNER XC: Is open (8:30-5). They report 8” of new on a base of 85”. They have 28 XC Trails + 2 Snowshoe Trails open, offering 30+km of trails for XC Skiing & Snow Shoeing. Dogs allow today but no Fat Tire bikes allowed. (24F / Snow / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info: 530-587-9484 / www.skitahoedonner.com

DONNER SUMMIT RESORTS

*BOREAL MOUNTAIN RESORT: (I-80: R2) Is open… They report 12” of new on a base of 196”. 8 Lifts & Tows will operate with Accelerator Express & Castle Peak Lift from (9am-9pm); Cedar Ridge (9-3); California Cruiser Lift (9-6); Dutchman & 49er (11-3). 19 Trails are open (19MG). 4 T-Parks open (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 15F / Snow / Lt-Mod Winds). Playland Tubing Park closed. 530-426-3666 / www.rideboreal.com

*SODA SPRINGS WINTER RESORT:(HWY 40: R2) is open Thursday-Mondays… They report 12” of new on a base of 182”. 4 lifts & tows are scheduled to operate (9:30-4)-WWP, with Lions Head & Crystal Bowl Chairs turning… 18 Trails are open (18MG). Planet Kids open for Family Fun (9:30am-4pm) with Tube Carousel & Sleigh Rides. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP/ 20F / Snow/ Lt-Mod Winds). Open Thursdays-Mondays in January. 530-426-3901 www.skisodasprings.com

*SUGAR BOWL SKI RESORT:(Hwy 40 from I-80: R2/ Hwy 40 from Truckee: CLOSED) Is open. They report 14-15” of new on a base of 124-210”. 8 Lifts are scheduled to operate (9-4) on delayed openings-WWP, including Christmas Tree, Judah & Jerome Hill. Plus, Gondola. 76 Trails open (38MG). 2 T-Parks closed. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 18F / Snow/ Mod Winds). Access is from the Gondola to the Village & the Judah Portal. For more info: 530-426-1111 / www.sugarbowl.com

*ROYAL GORGE XC: Operated by Sugar Bowl, is opening (8:30-4). They report 17” of new on a base of 80”. They have 12 Trails open, offering 8.5 km of groomed trails and continue to groom more trails for classic XC striding and skating. Dog Trails open. (11F / Snow / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info: 530-426-3871 / www.royalgorge.com

*DONNER SKI RANCH:(Hwy 40: R2) Is reopening… They have 15” of new on a base of 130-180”. 5 Lifts & tows (9-4), including Chairs #1, #2, 3, #4 & #6. 30 trails to open (20MG). Snow Tubing (10am-4pm). (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 16F / Snow / Lt-Mod Winds). Old School pricing Tues-Thurs with $40 Lift Tickets. The Old 40 Bar & Grill is open daily from 11am-9pm. For more info: 530-426-3635 / www.donnerskiranch.com

WEST SHORE / NORTHLAKE TAHOE RESORTS

*HOMEWOOD MOUNTAIN RESORT:(Emerald Bay Rd: Closed / Hwy 89: R2) Is open and report 10-30” of new on a base of 60-150”. 8 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, including the Madden Chair, Ellis Chair, Quail Chair & Old Homewood Express for top to bottom skiing & riding… Magic Carpet, South Carpet operating… 60 Trails are open (25MG). T-Parks to open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 25F / Snow / Lt-Mod Winds). $69 First Time Learn to Ski or Board package offered. For more info: 530-525-2900 /www.skihomewood.com

*GRANLIBAKKEN RESORT:(Hwy 89: R2) Ski Hill & Sledding is open Friday thru Monday (9-4). They are scheduled to open today and report 10” of new on a base of 32”. 2 Lifts… The Poma Lift & Bunny Rope Tow are scheduled to open (9-4) for skiing & riding. (PWDR, MGPP / 22F / Snow / Lt-Mod Winds). XC Trails, Sledding & Snow Play area open daily. Call Ahead: 530-581-7533 / www.granlibakken.com

*TAHOE XC CENTER:(Hwy 28: R2) Is scheduled to open today. (8:30-5) for XC Skiing & Snow Shoeing. They have 5” of new on a base of 40”. Grooming out trails this morning. 23 Green Trails & 1 Yellow Trails open offering 62km of groomed XC & Snowshoe trails open, including Dog Trails open with restrictions. (17F / Snow / Lt-Mod Winds). No access to trails other than on XC Skis & Snowshoes… For more info, Call: 530-583-5475 or www.tahoexc.org

*TAHOE CITY WINTER SPORTS PARK. Located in Tahoe City: Due to Current Conditions & Weather, they are CLOSED today. The Ice Rink is Closed (10am-8pm). Café Zenon open. Sledding, XC & Snowshoeing trails Closed. Fat Tire Bikes Allowed, conditions permitting. For more info: 530-583-5475 / https://wintersportspark.com

*SQUAW VALLEY:(Hwy 89: R2) Is open and reports 20-30” of new on a base of 140-223”. 24 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, ALL LIFTS ON ANTICIPATED WEATHER IMPACT OR CLOSED… Lifts & Tows from the bottom scheduled to turn, including (The Aerial Tram & Funitel on anticipated weather impacts); Plus, Far East, Red Dog, Squaw Creek scheduled with AWI. 6 beginner tows will operate in the SnoVentures / Squaw Kids area (9-4). All Lifts on the upper mountain, Closed or anticipated weather impacts. 2 Trails to open (2MG). T-Parks Closed. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 20F / Snow / Mod Winds). Squaw-Alpine Shuttle Bus is operating (8-4pm). For more info: 530-452-4335 / www.squawalpine.com

*ALPINE MEADOWS:(Hwy 89: R2) Is open… They report 22-25” of new on a base of 142-195”. 12 Lifts are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, ALL LIFTS ON ANTICIPATED WEATHER IMPACT… including Big Carpet, Little Carpet & Subway… Hot Wheels & Meadow, Roundhouse, Yellow, Kangaroo. Summit, Lakeview, Scott & Sherwood. 37 Trails to open (23MG). Terrain Park Closed. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 17F / Snow / Mod Winds). Squaw-Alpine shuttle bus is operating (8:30-4pm). For more info: 530-581-8374 / www.squawalpine.com

CENTRAL SIERRA RESORTS

*MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN:(Hwy 395: R1) Is open and reports 10-16” of new on a base of 150-225”. 21 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (8:30-4)-WWP, with 10 Lifts out of the Main Lodge including the Lower Gondola. 9 Lifts out of Canyon Lodge including the Village Gondola… And, 2 Lifts out of Eagle Lodge. 75 Trails are to open (33MG); Plus, 7 T-Parks open + 13FT Pipe. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 7F / Snow / Mod Winds). For more info, Call Ahead: 888-766-9778 / www.mammothmountain.com

*JUNE MOUNTAIN:(Hwy 395: R1) Is open… They report 10” of new on a base of 60-120”. 6 Lifts are scheduled to operate, including J1, J2, J3, J4, J6 & J7, (9-4)-WWP, with 38 Trails open (MG). (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 13F / Snow / Mod Winds). For more info call: 760-934-2224 / www.junemountain.com

*YOSEMITE SKI & SNOWBOARD AREA:Is scheduled to open today. Call Ahead… They report 6-12” of new on a base of 36”. 4 Lifts are scheduled to turn (9-4)-WWP, with 10 runs open (PWDR, MGPP / 12F / Snow/ Lt-Mod Winds). XC Skiing & Snowshoeing offered as well as backcountry ski tours to Glacier Point. Snow tubing offered. Ice Skating open. For more info Call: 209-372-1000 / http://www.travelyosemite.com/winter/yosemite-ski-snowboard-area/downhill-skiing-snowboarding/

*DODGE RIDGE: Is planning to open and reports 11” of new on a base of 96-115”. 10 Lifts & Tows will operate (9-4)-WWP. 67 Trails are open (30MG). T-Park to open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 21F / Snow / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info: 209-536-5300 / www.dodgeridge.com

*BEAR VALLEY MOUNTAIN RESORT: Is open… They report 12” of new on a base of 161”. 5 Lifts and Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, accessing both the front & backside of the mountain. 39 Trails are open (22MG). (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 21F / Snow / Lt-Mod Winds).Snow Tubing open weekends (10-4).Call: 209-753-2301 #2 / www.bearvalley.com

*BEAR VALLEY XC CENTER:Is reopening today (9-4:30). They report 18” of new on a base of 124”. 25 trails are open = 33 km of groomed XC trails available. (24F / Snow / Lt-Mod Winds). Sledding & Snow Tubing Closed (9-4). For more info: 209-753-2834 / www.bearvalleyxc.com

CURRENT ROAD CONDITIONS: (as of 8:45 am)

All Roadways in and around Lake Tahoe are open and Free of Controls with the exception of roadways listed below:

US Hwy 50 (Echo Summit): R2

Hwy 89 (Luther Pass): R2

Hwy 88 (Carson Pass): R2

Hwy 88 (Woodfords to Picketts): R2

Hwy 88 (Gville-CA State Line): R1

Hwy 207 (Kingsbury Grade): R2

Hwy 89 (Emerald Bay Rd): Closed

Hwy 89 (West Shore): R2

Hwy 89 (Tahoe City-Truckee): R2

Hwy 28 (North Shore-Incline): R2

Hwy 28 (East Shore): R2

Interstate 80 (Donner Summit-Truckee): R2

Hwy 267 (Brockway Summit): R2

Hwy 431 (Mt Rose Summit): CLOSED – R2

Hwy 50 (Stateline-Spooner): R2

Hwy 50 (Spooner-Carson City): R2

Hwy 395 (GVille-Bridgeport): R1

For road construction delays, go to: www.tahoeroads.com

Call Ahead for updates. Or log on to www.nvroads.com

R1= Chains or Snow Tires Required

R2= Chains Mandatory with exception of 4WD with 4 Snow Tires

Buckle Up and Drive Safely… Always Carry Tire Chains unless you drive a 4WD or AWD Vehicle with Snow Tires. You can call 5-11 for updates or directly to both Caltrans and NDOT or source updated information at their websites.

CALIFORNIA: 800-427-7623 / www.dot.ca.gov

NEVADA: 877-NV-ROADS or 5-1-1 / www.nvroads.com

For more on biking and skiing in Lake Tahoe, visit http://www.bikeandskitahoe.com