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

Good Morning Lake Tahoe Skiers & Riders…

Partly Cloudy to Clearing Skies with a Wind Advisory Posted… All Upper Mountain Lifts will operate Wind & Weather Permitting… Wind Holds reported at Heavenly, Mt Rose, Squaw & Mammoth Mountain… Call Ahead… Have Fun & Be Safe!

Today’s Weather: Mostly Cloudy Skies in the morning then clearing. Highs: 44F-49F (34F-39F on the Slopes). Southwest winds 10-15 mph with gusts up to 35 mph increasing to south 25-35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph in the afternoon. Ridge Gusts up to 75 mph increasing to 110 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight: Mostly Clear with isolated showers in the evening, then partly cloudy with isolated snow showers after midnight. Lows 23 to 33. Southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 60 mph decreasing to 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph after midnight. Ridge gusts up to 100 mph decreasing to 60 mph after midnight.

WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 8 PM PST FRIDAY…

The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a Wind Advisory, which is in effect from 10 AM to 8 PM PST Friday. The High Wind Watch is no longer in effect.

* Timing: Friday morning through Friday evening.

* Winds: Widespread south winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 50 mph. Gusts to 65 mph in wind prone areas. Sierra ridges will likely see gusts over 100 mph.

* Impacts: Winds will cause travel impacts for high profile vehicles in addition to turbulence, wind shear and mountain wave activity for aviation. Winds may be strong enough to cause damage and blow high profile vehicles over, especially along the Highway 395 and I-580 corridor. In addition, dangerous conditions are likely on Lake Tahoe and other area lakes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…Now is the time to secure loose outdoor items such as patio furniture, holiday decorations, and trash cans before winds increase which could blow these items away. The best thing to do is prepare ahead of time by making sure you have extra food and water on hand, flashlights with spare batteries and/or candles in the event of a power outage.

WHAT TO WEAR: Dress, in layers with your Jacket or Shell. Take good gloves, a hat or beanie, and wear a Helmet for Safety. Also wear good Sunglasses or Goggles. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen (when the sun is out) & stay hydrated at altitude!

SURFACE CONDITIONS: Surface Conditions are Machine Groomed. Machine Groomed & Skier-Rider Packed Powder/Snow. Watch for marked & unmarked obstacles.

SAFETY MESSAGE: Stay on designated Opened Trails only. Keep an eye out for marked and unmarked obstacles. 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.

If you venture into the back country, “KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!” For more info: https://www.sierraavalanchecenter.org/advisory

Low Avalanche Danger is expected throughout the forecast region today. Normal caution is advised.

SOUTH SHORE LAKE TAHOE & SURROUNDING AREAS

*HEAVENLY MOUNTAIN RESORT: Reports a base of 20”. 16 Lifts are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, including Mtn. access from the Heavenly Gondola & 4 Lifts turning including (Tamarack Express on WIND HOLD); California Base with 7 Lifts including Gunbarrel, Tram, Powderbowl & (Sky Express-WIND HOLD); And, Stagecoach on the Nevada Side with Comet, Dipper & Olympic Express. 42 Trails are open including Milky Way Bowl (20MG). (MG & SKRPP / 29F / PCldy / Mod-Strong Winds). Gondola Site Seeing (8:30-4) is open today / Ridge Rider Coaster is open (11-4). Free Parking at Cal Base Lodge & Boulder Base with Free Shuttle Buses running every 15 minutes. (Hwy 207:): 1-800-HEAVENLY / www.skiheavenly.com

*SIERRA AT TAHOE:(Hwy 50:) Reports a base of 37-47”. 8 Lifts & Tows will operate (9-4)-WWP, including Grandview to the top, West Bowl, Nob Hill & Easy Rider. Plus, Easy Street Slider Carpet, Wild Mtn Carpet & Short Stuff open to the back side. 45 Trail are open (30MG). 4 Terrain Parks open with a total of 47 features. (MG & SKRPP / 25F / PCldy / Lt-Mod Winds). Snow Play area & Blizzard Mtn. Tubing Hill are open today. Unlimited Season Pass on sale for $479. For more info call: 530-659-7475 / 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 planning to open soon!For more info: 530-721-2015 / www.hopevalleyoutdoors.com

*KIRKWOOD MOUNTAIN RESORT:(Hwy 88:) Reports a base of 35”. 11 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with 5 Lifts out of the Village including Chair #1, Chair #5, Chair #11, Chair #6 & Chair #10. Plus, 3 Lifts, Chairs #2, Chair #3 & #4 to the Back Side… 2 Lifts will turn, Chairs #7 & #9 out of Timber Creek Lodge. 85 Trails are open (32MG). XC Center is open with 10-15 km of trails. (MG & SKRPP / 38F / PCldy / Mod-Strong Winds). For updates: 877-KIRKWOOD / www.kirkwood.com

NEVADA & EAST SHORE RESORTS

*DIAMOND PEAK:(Hwy 28:) Is Open for the season. They have a base depth of 24-36”. 4 Lifts are scheduled to operate today (9-4) including Schoolhouse, Lodgepole, Lakeview and Crystal Express to the top. 14 Trails are open (8MG). (MGPP & SKRPP / 33F / PCldy / Lt Winds). Full Adult Season Pass available for $479… with 72 Bonus Tickets at partner Resorts including Boreal & Homewood… For more info, call: 775-831-1177 / www.diamondpeak.com

*MT. ROSE SKI TAHOE: (Hwy 431:) Reports a base of 16-30”. 6 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4), with Lakeview, Galena, Wizard, Magic East; And NW Magnum 6 to the top of the Rose Side. (Blazing Zephyr (8:30am) on WIND HOLD) the Slide Bowl Side. 36 Trails are open (27MG). Plus, Mystic T-Park open with 4 Features. The Chutes remain Closed. (MG & SKRPP / 29F / MCldy / Mod-Strong Winds). Santa Ski Day this Saturday… Call Ahead for updates. 800-SKIROSE / www.mtrose.com

TRUCKEE AREA RESORTS

*NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA: (Hwy 267:) Reports a base of 18-27”. 11 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (8:30-4), including Big Springs Gondola, Vista, Comstock & Arrow Express; Plus, Backside Express & Tahoe Zephyr. 69 Trails are open (29MG) + 4 T-Parks with 34 total features. 3 Glades are open. (MG & SKRPP / 30F/ MCldy / Lt-Mod Winds). Village Ice Rink is open (12-9pm). XC & Telemark Center open (8:30-4:30) For updates call: 530-562-1330 / www.northstarcalifornia.com

*TAHOE DONNER SKI AREA: Is open. They report a base of 18”. 4 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to turn (9-4) including Eagle Rock & the new Snowbird Chair. 3 Trails are open (3MG). (MGPP / 37F / PCldy / Lt Winds). For information call 530-587-9444 or visit www.skitahoedonner.com

*TAHOE DONNER XC: Is open (8:30-5). They report a base of 6”. They have 33 Trails open, offering 35+km of groomed trails for XC Skiing & Snow Shoeing. No Dogs or Fat Tire bikes allowed until more snow… (32F / PCldy / 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 56”. 6 Lifts & Tow will operate… The Castle Peak Lift from (9am-9pm). Cedar Ridge & 49er Chair (9-3) And, Accelerator Express (10-6pm). 22 Trails are open (22MG). Big Blue T-Park open with 14 features. (MG & SKRPP / 30F / PCldy / Lt-Mod Winds). Boreal Unlimited Season Pass $349. 530-426-3666 / www.rideboreal.com

*SODA SPRINGS WINTER RESORT:is open Thursdays thru Mondays (10-4). They are Open Today… They report a base of 56”. 5 lifts & tows will operate (10-4) with Lions Head & Crystal Bowl Chairs turning… 18 Trail are open (18MG). Planet Kids open for Family Fun (10am-4pm) with Tube Carousel & Sleigh Rides. (MGPP/ 28F / MClear / Lt-Mod Winds). Their Unlimited Season Pass is only $229. 530-426-3901 www.skisodasprings.com

*SUGAR BOWL SKI RESORT:(Hwy 40: from I-80: / Hwy 40 from Truckee:) Is open. They report a base of 20-42”. 9 Lifts are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, including Christmas Tree, Nob Hill, White Pine, Judah & Jerome Hill. Plus, Disney & Lincoln Express turning… 92 Trails open (37MG). (MG & SKRPP / 36F / PCldy / Lt-Mod Winds). Access is from the Gondola to the Village and the Judah Portal. Friday, Dec. 14, they are Hosting Camp Fire Benefit Day & Toys for Tots Drive. For more info: 530-426-1111 / www.sugarbowl.com

*ROYAL GORGE XC:Operated by Sugar Bowl, is Open (8:30-4). They report a base of 18”. 67 Trails are open and groomed… offering 71.7 km of groomed trails for classic XC striding and skating. Dog Trails open. (32F / PCldy / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info: 530-426-3871 / www.royalgorge.com

DONNER SKI RANCH:(Hwy 40:) Is open weekends. CLOSED today… 5 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4) with Chairs #1, #4 & #6. Plus, Tubing Hill will be open. 6 trails will be open (6MG). Snow Tubing open (10am-4pm). (MGPP / 27F / MClear / Lt Winds). Open daily starting Dec. 20. 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:/ Hwy 89:) Is open. They report a base of 10-35”. 4 Lifts & Tows will operate (9-4) including the Madden Chair & Old Homewood Express for top to bottom skiing & Riding… Magic Carpet & Happy Platter operating… 50 Trails are open (15MG). (MG & SKRPP / 25F / MClear / Lt Winds). Their Ultimate Pass is available for $669 including lift tickets to partner resorts. For more info: 530-525-2900 / www.skihomewood.com

GRANLIBAKKEN RESORT:(Hwy 89:) Ski Hill is getting ready for the season. Sledding will open daily starting today. The Ski Hill needs more snow to open. Call Ahead: 530-581-7533 / www.granlibakken.com

*TAHOE XC CENTER:(Hwy 28:) Is open (8:30-5) for XC Skiing & Snow Shoeing. 9 Trails are open, including 4 Green Trails & 5 Yellow Trails with 15km of groomed trails open, including Dog Trails… (39F / Clear / Lt Winds). For more info, Call: 530-583-5475 or www.tahoexc.org

*TAHOE CITY WINTER SPORTS PARK. The Ice Rink is open daily (10am-8pm). Café Zenon open, more snow needed for sledding for XC trails… For more info: 530-583-5475 / www.tahoexc.org

*SQUAW VALLEY:(Hwy 89:) Is open and reports a base of 24-40”. 19 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-wwp, with 11 Lifts & Tows from the bottom, including (The Aerial Tram-WIND HOLD) & Funitel, plus Red Dog, Squaw Creek, Far East & KT22. 5 beginner tows will operate in the SnoVentures/Squaw Kids area (9-4). 8 Lifts are scheduled for the upper mountain including Gold Coast & Shirley Lake. (Bailey’s Beach, Belmont, Mtn Meadow, Big Blue, Siberia & Headwall-WIND HOLD). 94 Trails are open (31MG). (MG & SKRPP / 40F / MCldy / Mod-Strong Winds). Snow Tubing offered (10-4). 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 26-38”. 10 Lifts are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, including Kangaroo, Hot Wheels, Roundhouse & Summit Express. Scott & Sherwood also turning to the back side. 71 Trails are open (21MG). (MG & SKRPP / 44F / MCldy / Lt-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:) Is open and reports a base of 30-55”. 27 Lifts & Tow are scheduled to operate (8:30-4)-WWP, with 12 Lifts out of the Main Lodge including the lower & upper Panorama Gondola (Chairs 12/13/14 on WIND HOLD). 11 Lifts out of Canyon Lodge (High 5 on WIND HOLD). And, 4 Lifts out of Eagle Lodge (Cloud 9 on WIND HOLD). 154 Trails are to open (72MG); Plus, 6 T-Parks open. (MG & SKRPP / 34F / PCldy / Mod-Strong Winds). For more info, Call Ahead: 888-766-9778 / www.mammothmountain.com

JUNE MOUNTAIN:(Hwy 395:) Is opening December 15. They have a base of 12-24”. 5 Lifts are scheduled to operate (9-4) with 14 Trails open. For more info call: 760-934-2224 / www.junemountain.com

YOSEMITE SKI & SNOWBOARD AREA:Is getting ready for the season. They scheduled December 14 to open, but with lack of snow they have now pushed back open till Thursday, December 20. For more info Call: 209-372-1000 #5 / http://www.travelyosemite.com/winter/yosemite-ski-snowboard-area/downhill-skiing-snowboarding/

*DODGE RIDGE: Is Open. They report a base of 21-30”. 4 Lifts & Tows will operate (9-4). 50 Trails are open (26MG). (MG & SKRPP / 39F / MCldy / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info: 209-536-5300 / www.dodgeridge.com

BEAR VALLEY MOUNTAIN RESORT: Is CLOSED Today… open weekends only, until Dec. 15… They report a base of 34”. 7 Lifts and Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4), accessing both the front & backside of the mountain. 28 Trails are open (12MG). (MG & SKRPP / 34F / PCldy / Lt Winds).Snow Tubing open (10-4).Call: 209-753-2301 #2 / www.bearvalley.com

*BEAR VALLEY XC CENTER:Is open (9-4:30). They report a base of 30”. 16 trails are open = 15 km of groomed XC trails available. (25F / MClear / Lt Winds). For more info: 209-753-2834 / www.bearvalleyxc.com

CURENT ROAD CONDITIONS:

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):

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