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

Good Morning Lake Tahoe Skiers & Riders…

A Challenging Monday for Resorts… All expecting Winter Storm Warning to kick in this morning and thru Thursday morning… 4 to 8 feet predicted to fall above 7000 feet! Winds are impacting lifts at Heavenly, Kirkwood, Donner Ski Ranch, Squaw & Alpine… Mt Rose is Closed today… Ski & Ride with Care & Be Safe!

TODAY’S WEATHER: Expect Partly Cloudy in the morning, then becoming Mostly Cloudy. Chance of snow. Highs: 34F-44F. (24F-34F on the slopes) Southwest Winds 25-35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. Ridge Gusts up to 110 mph.

TONIGHT: Snow. Snow accumulation of 6-12” with 10-18” above 7000 feet. Lows: 24F to 29F. Southwest winds 25-35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. Ridge Gusts up to 110 mph.

WINTER STORM WARNING

IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM MONDAY TO 4 AM PST THURSDAY…

* CHANGES… Upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning. Increased expected snow amounts.

* WHAT… Heavy snow expected. 3-Day storm total snow accumulation of 2 to 4 feet, except 4 to 8 feet above 7000 feet expected. Winds gusting as high as 60 mph with gusts over 140 mph for the Sierra ridges. Periods of white-out conditions are likely.

* WHERE… Greater Lake Tahoe Area.

* WHEN… From 10 AM Monday to 4 AM PST Thursday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS… Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. Very strong winds could cause extensive tree damage and periods of white-out conditions.

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.

WHAT TO WEAR: Dress 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 Goggles (Yellow/Bronze/Rose) or Sunglasses (100% UV protection). Don’t forget to use sunscreen if the sun pops out and stay hydrated at altitude!

SURFACE CONDITIONS: Surface Conditions are primarily Machine Groomed & Skier-Rider 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 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 side of the run where it is safe and always check uphill for skiers and riders before restarting downhill.

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

MODERATE avalanche danger will exist in near and above treeline terrain due to a wind slab avalanche problem. Human triggered wind slab avalanches remain possible. Low avalanche danger will continue in protected below treeline terrain. Avalanche danger is expected to dramatically increase this evening. This forecast is good for 12 hours and will be updated by 7pm.

The Sierra Avalanche Center in Truckee has issued a BACK COUNTRY AVALANCHE WATCH for the following areas:

Greater Lake Tahoe

* TIMING… In effect from 5 PM Monday to 7 AM Thursday.

* 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… Periods of HIGH avalanche danger may occur from Monday evening through Thursday morning.

* REASON/IMPACTS… Forecast heavy snow and high wind may result in widespread avalanche activity in the mountains.

* PRECAUTIONARY / PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… Very dangerous avalanche conditions may occur. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended during HIGH avalanche danger. Large destructive avalanches could occur. Consult https://www.sierraavalanchecenter.org/ Or www.avalanche.orgfor more detailed information.

SOUTH SHORE LAKE TAHOE & SURROUNDING AREAS

*HEAVENLY MOUNTAIN RESORT: Reports a mid- elevation base of 138”. 26 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, including Mtn. access from the (Heavenly Gondola & 5 Lifts & Tows including Tamarack Express & Big Easy on WIND HOLD); California Base with 12 Lifts including the Tram, Gunbarrel, Powderbowl, Canyon Express & (Sky Express on WIND HOLD); And, 9 Lifts & Tows on the Nevada Side with Stagecoach & Boulder Access. (Boulder, Northbowl, Olympic, Comet, Dipper, Galaxy, Mott Canyon on WIND HOLD). 97 Trails to open (53MG). Mott & Killebrew Canyon Gates closed Groove & Re-Mix T-Parks open. (MG & SKRPP / 31F / PCldy / Mod-Strong Winds). Gondola Site Seeing is HOLD (8:30-4). Tubing & Mini Tubing HOLD (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:): Call Ahead: 1-800-HEAVENLY / Twitter: @HVConditions / www.skiheavenly.com

*SIERRA AT TAHOE: (Hwy 50:) Reports a base of 113-171”. 9 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4), with Grandview, Nob Hill & Easy Rider. Short Stuff to the back side & West Bowl Express. 42 Trail are open (27MG). 3 Terrain Parks open. Check with Patrol on Huckleberry Canyon. (MG & SKRPP / 20F / Cldy/ Lt-Mod Winds). Snow Play & Snowshoe trails adventures open. Snow Tubing Hill open. 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: / Emerald Bay Road:) 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:/ Pickett’s Junction:) Is open (10-4). They have a base of 48-72” from Picketts Junction to Red Lake. 10 miles of set track are open with 20 miles of marked & skier packed XC & Snowshoe trails accessible. 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. For more info: 530-721-2015 / www.hopevalleyoutdoors.com

*KIRKWOOD MOUNTAIN RESORT:(Hwy 88: R2) Reports a base of 115”. 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 WIND HOLD). 3 Lifts & Tows, including Chairs #7 & #9 out of Timber Creek Lodge. 84 Trails are open (33MG). Bandit & Outlaw T-Parks Open. (MG & SKRPP / 28F / PCldy / Mod-Strong 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:) Reports a base depth of 80-104”. 4 Lifts are scheduled to operate today (9-4), including Schoolhouse, Lodgepole, Lakeview and Crystal Express to the top. 31 Trails to open (22MG). 3 T-Parks scheduled to open. (MG & SKRPP / 34F / PCldy / Lt 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 CLOSED Today! They Report a base of 10.5-13.5 Feet. 0 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 all CLOSED. 49 Trails CLOSED (43MG). 5 T-Parks CLOSED. (MG & SKRPP / 15F / MCldy / Strong Winds). Call Ahead for updates. 800-SKIROSE / www.mtrose.com

TRUCKEE AREA RESORTS

*NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA: (Hwy 267:) Reports a base of 79-140”. 14 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (8:30-4), accessing the Front Side, Back Side & Look Out Mountain… 98 Trails to open (68MG) + 6 T-Parks open with 92 features + Cut Pipe open. All 7 Glades are open. ( MG & SKRPP / 27F / PCldy / Mod Winds). XC & Snowshoe Center open (8:30-4). Tubing Center open (10-4). Village Ice Rink is open (12-9pm). For updates call: 530-562-1330 / www.northstarcalifornia.com

*TAHOE DONNER SKI AREA: Is open. They report a base of 130”. 4 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to turn (9-4) on delayed opening… including Eagle Rock & the new Snowbird Chair. 17 Trails are open (15MG). Mini Size T-Park Closed. (MG & SKRPP / 30F / Cldy/ 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 a base of 125”. They have 48 XC Trails + 11 Snowshoe Trails open, offering 70+km of trails for XC Skiing & Snow Shoeing. Dogs allow today but no Fat Tire bikes allowed. (18F / Cldy / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info: 530-587-9484 / www.skitahoedonner.com

DONNER SUMMIT RESORTS

*BOREAL MOUNTAIN RESORT: (I-80:) Is open… They report a base of 106-196”. 7 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 (MG & SKRPP / 29F / PCldy / Lt-Mod Winds). Playland Tubing Park open. 530-426-3666 / www.rideboreal.com

*SODA SPRINGS WINTER RESORT:(HWY 40: R2) is open thru out this week… They report a base of 182”. 5 lifts & tows are scheduled operate (10-4), with Lions Head & Crystal Bowl Chairs turning… 18 Trails are open (18MG). Planet Kids open for Family Fun (10am-4pm) with Tube Carousel & Sleigh Rides. (MG & SKRPP/ 29F / PCldy / Lt-Mod Winds). Open Thursdays-Mondays in January. 530-426-3901 www.skisodasprings.com

*SUGAR BOWL SKI RESORT:(Hwy 40: R2 from I-80:/ Hwy 40 from Truckee: R2) Is open. They report 1-2” of new on a base of 120-193”. 11 Lifts are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, including Lincoln, Crow’s Peak, Disney, Christmas Tree, Judah & Jerome Hill. Plus, Gondola. 95 Trails open (47MG). 2 T-Parks open. (MG & SKRPP / 26F / PCldy / Mod-Strong 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 1” of new on a base of 80”. They have 87 Trails open, offering 92.8 km of groomed trails and continue to groom more trails for classic XC striding and skating. Dog Trails open. (24F / PCldy / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info: 530-426-3871 / www.royalgorge.com

*DONNER SKI RANCH:(Hwy 40: R2) Is open… They have a base of 140-180”. 4 Lifts & tows (9-4), including Chairs #6. (Chairs 1, 2, 3 on HOLD / Chair 5 Closed). 30 trails to open (20MG). Snow Tubing (10am-4pm). (MG & SKRPP / 29F / PCldy / 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 / NORTH LAKE TAHOE RESORTS

*HOMEWOOD MOUNTAIN RESORT:(Emerald Bay Rd: / Hwy 89:) Is open and report a base of 61-151”. 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… 62 Trails are open (31MG). T-Parks to open. (MG & SKRPP / 40F / PCldy / 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:) Ski Hill & Sledding is open Friday thru Monday (9-4). They are scheduled to open today and report a base of 40”. 2 Lifts… The Poma Lift & Bunny Rope Tow (9-4) are scheduled to open for skiing & riding. (MGPP / 24F / PCldy / Lt Winds). XC Trails, Sledding & Snow Play area open daily. Call Ahead: 530-581-7533 / www.granlibakken.com

*TAHOE XC CENTER:(Hwy 28:) Is scheduled to open today. (8:30-5) for XC Skiing & Snow Shoeing. They have 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. (37F / PCldy / Lt Winds). No access to trails other than on XC Skis & Snow shoes… Alpenglow 20K scheduled for Today. For more info, Call: 530-583-5475 or www.tahoexc.org

*TAHOE CITY WINTER SPORTS PARK. Located in Tahoe City is open. The Ice Rink is open (10am-8pm). Café Zenon open. Sledding, XC & Snowshoeing trails are accessible and dog friendly. Fat Tire Bikes Allowed, conditions permitting. For more info: 530-583-5475 / https://wintersportspark.com

*SQUAW VALLEY:(Hwy 89:) Is open and reports a base of 118-181”. 21 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, 8 Lifts & Tows from the bottom scheduled to turn, including (The Aerial Tram & Funitel WIND HOLD). (Plus, KT-22, Red Dog, Squaw Creek WIND HOLD). Exhibition & Far East Scheduled. 6 beginner tows will operate in the SnoVentures / Squaw Kids area (9-4). All upper Mtn lifts CLOSED or on WIND HOLD. 104 Trails to open (49MG). 3 T-Parks Open. (MG & SKRPP / 36F / PCldy / Mod-Strong Winds). Squaw-Alpine Shuttle Bus is operating (8-4pm). For more info: 530-452-4335 / www.squawalpine.com

*ALPINE MEADOWS:(Hwy 89:) Is open… They report a base of 126-179”. 13 Lifts are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, including Hot Wheels, Little Carpe, Subway & Meadow, (Big Carpet, Roundhouse, Yellow, Kangaroo, Summit & Alpine Bowl, Lakeview, Scott & Sherwood on WIND HOLD). 6 Trails to open (4MG). 4 Terrain Park open. (MG & SKRPP / 32F / MCldy / Mod-Strong 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:) Is open and reports a base of 150-225”. 24 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (8:30-4)-WWP, with 13 Lifts out of the Main Lodge including the Lower & Upper Gondola. 8 Lifts out of Canyon Lodge including the Village Gondola… And, 3 Lifts out of Eagle Lodge. 152 Trails are to open (48+MG); Plus, 9 T-Parks open + 22FT & 13FT Pipe. (MG & SKRPP / 24F / MClear / Mod Winds). For more info, Call Ahead: 888-766-9778 / www.mammothmountain.com

*JUNE MOUNTAIN:(Hwy 395:) Is open… They report a base of 72-132”. 6 Lifts are scheduled to operate, including J1, J2, J3, J4, J6 & J7, (9-4), with 38 Trails open (20MG). (MG & SKRPP / 31F / MClear / Lt-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 a base of 48”. 4 Lifts are scheduled to turn (9-4), with 10 runs open (MGPP / 26F / PCldy / Lt-Mod Winds). XC Skiing & Snowshoeing offered as well as back country 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 open and reports a base of 95-105”. 7 Lifts & Tows will operate (9-4). 67 Trails are open (38MG). T-Park to open. (MG & SKRPP / 27F / PCldy / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info: 209-536-5300 / www.dodgeridge.com

*BEAR VALLEY MOUNTAIN RESORT: Is open… They report a base of 159”. 8 Lifts and Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4), accessing both the front & backside of the mountain. 56 Trails are open (34MG). (MG & SKRPP / 37F / PCldy / Lt-Mod Winds).Snow Tubing open weekends (10-4).Call: 209-753-2301 #2 / www.bearvalley.com

*BEAR VALLEY XC CENTER:Is open (9-4:30). They report a base of 120”. 35 trails are open = 57 km of groomed XC trails available. (35F / PCldy / Lt Winds). Sledding & Snow Tubing open (9-4). For more info: 209-753-2834 / www.bearvalleyxc.com

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

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):

Hwy 89 (Luther Pass):

Hwy 88 (Carson Pass): R2

Hwy 88 (Woodfords to Picketts):

Hwy 88 (Gville-CA State Line):

Hwy 207 (Kingsbury Grade):

Hwy 89 (Emerald Bay Rd):

Hwy 89 (West Shore):

Hwy 89 (Tahoe City-Truckee):

Hwy 28 (North Shore-Incline):

Hwy 28 (East Shore):

Interstate 80 (Donner Summit-Truckee):

Hwy 267 (Brockway Summit):

Hwy 431 (Mt Rose Summit): R2

Hwy 50 (Stateline-Spooner):

Hwy 50 (Spooner-Carson City):

Hwy 395 (GVille-Bridgeport):

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