Lake Tahoe area ski and weather news: The Mountain Resort Report©

Good morning skiers and riders. If you are visiting, welcome to Lake Tahoe!

Today is January 10, 2017.

A BLIZZARD WARNING IS IN EFFECT TODAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING FOLLOWED BY A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR WEDNESDAY THRU THURSDAY MORNING… WHITE OUT CONDITIONS WITH STRONG GUSTY WINDS WILL HAMPER THE OPERATION OF UPPER MOUNTAIN LIFTS, SO ALL LIFTS WILL OPERATE WIND & WEATHER PERMITTING.

AT THIS TIME MOST ALL RESORTS ARE CLOSED FOR THE DAY WITH EXCEPTION TO DIAMOND PEAK, NORTHSTAR, HOMEWOOD, SIERRA AT TAHOE & KIRKWOOD, THAT ARE ATTEMPTING TO OPEN SOME LOWER MTN LIFTS, BUT ALL SUBJECT TO DELAYS AND POSSIBLE RESORT CLOSURE DUE TO WIND & WEATHER… CALL AHEAD. AVALANCHE WARNING POSTED FOR BACK COUNTRY.

STAY ON DESIGNATED OPEN RUNS ONLY AND BE SAFE. STAY OUT OF THE BACK COUNTRY TODAY…
HWY 89 EMERALD BAY ROAD REMAINS CLOSED / HWY 431 MT ROSE IS CLOSED… R1 & R2 CHAIN CONTROLS POSTED FOR ALL HIGHWAYS AROUND LAKE TAHOE. BUCKLE UP AND CARRY TIRE CHAINS AND BE PREPARED FOR WINTER DRIVING CONDITIONS…

TODAY’S WEATHER (NWS GREATER LAKE TAHOE AREA): Very windy with heavy snow. Snow accumulation 1 to 3 feet. Highs: 30F to 40F. Southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 70 mph. Ridge gusts up to 135 mph.
TONIGHT: Very windy with heavy snow. Snow accumulation 1 to 3 feet. Lows: 21F to 26F. Southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. Ridge gusts up to 145 mph.
WEDNESDAY: Snow. Snow accumulation of 3 to 8 inches. Highs: 30F to 35F. Southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. Ridge gusts up to 100 mph decreasing to 85 mph in the afternoon.

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENTS:
BLIZZARD WARNING:
BLIZZARD WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM PST WEDNESDAY…
WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM WEDNESDAY TO 4 AM PST THURSDAY…
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN RENO HAS ISSUED A BLIZZARD WARNING, WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM PST WEDNESDAY. THE WINTER STORM WARNING IS NOW IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM WEDNESDAY TO 4 AM PST THURSDAY.
TIMING: DANGEROUS BLIZZARD CONDITIONS DUE TO HEAVY SNOW AND STRONG WINDS WILL CONTINUE TODAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING. PERIODS OF MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOW WILL CONTINUE THROUGH WEDNESDAY NIGHT.
SNOW ACCUMULATIONS THROUGH THURSDAY MORNING: 5 TO 10 FEET ABOVE 7000 FEET WITH 3 TO 7 FEET AT LAKE TAHOE LEVEL.
WINDS: SOUTHWEST 20 TO 30 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 60 MPH THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING. SIERRA RIDGE GUSTS OVER 100 MPH.
SNOW LEVELS: BELOW LAKE LEVEL…MAY BRIEFLY RISE TO 6500 FEET THIS AFTERNOON BEFORE FALLING AGAIN.
IMPACTS: DANGEROUS LIFE THREATENING BLIZZARD CONDITIONS WITH NEAR ZERO VISIBILITY WILL EXIST FOR TRAVEL AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES WITH HEAVY SNOW ACCUMULATION ON ALL SIERRA ROADS.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
THIS IS A LIFE THREATENING SITUATION. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO TRAVEL! ROAD CREWS AND FIRST RESPONDERS MAY NOT BE ABLE TO RESCUE YOU.
STAY INDOORS UNTIL THE SNOW AND WIND SUBSIDE. EVEN A SHORT WALK COULD BE DEADLY IF YOU BECOME DISORIENTED.

AVALANCHE WARNING:
THE FOREST SERVICE SIERRA AVALANCHE CENTER HAS ISSUED A BACKCOUNTRY AVALANCHE WARNING.
TIMING… IN EFFECT FROM 8 PM MONDAY EVENING THROUGH 7 AM WEDNESDAY MORNING.
AFFECTED AREA…FOR THE SIERRA NEVADA MOUNTAINS OF CALIFORNIA AND NEVADA, FROM YUBA PASS TO EBBETTS PASS, INCLUDING THE GREATER LAKE TAHOE AREA.
AVALANCHE DANGER: HIGH.
REASON/IMPACTS…NATURAL AND HUMAN-TRIGGERED AVALANCHES WILL BECOME LIKELY AS ANOTHER WINTER STORM IMPACTS THE AREA WITH STRONG WINDS AND ADDITIONAL SNOWFALL TONIGHT. WIND SLABS, STORM SLABS, AND DEEP SLAB AVALANCHES WILL BECOME LIKELY OVERNIGHT.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
AVALANCHES MAY RUN LONG DISTANCES, INTO FLAT AREAS, AND CAN RUN INTO MATURE FORESTS.
TRAVEL IN AVALANCHE TERRAIN IS NOT RECOMMENDED.
CONSULT 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. THE AVALANCHE WARNING APPLIES ONLY TO THE BACKCOUNTRY AREAS OUTSIDE SKI AREA BOUNDARIES AND HIGHWAY CORRIDORS WHERE AVALANCHE MITIGATION PROGRAMS EXIST.
FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH THURSDAY.

WHAT TO WEAR: Dress with your Gore-Tex Storm Jacket with Hood. Take a hat or beanie and wear a Helmet for Safety. Also wear Rose or Orange tinted Goggles and warm gore-tex lined gloves. Don’t forget to use Sunscreen & Chapstick when the sun is out and Stay Hydrated at altitude!

SURFACE CONDITIONS: Surface Conditions are Variable with Wet Snow over Machine Groomed & Skier-Rider Packed Snow.

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! Do not Ski or Ride above your ability level… 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 down hill. IF YOU VENTURE IN TO THE BACK COUNTRY “KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!” For more info: http://sierraavalanchecenter.org

SOUTH SHORE LAKE TAHOE & SURROUNDING AREAS

HEAVENLY MOUNTAIN RESORT: Is Starting the Day with ALL LIFTS ON HOLD… CALL AHEAD… They are reporting 24-48” of new on a base of a base of 77-124”. 19 Lifts & Tows are on HOLD (8:30-4)-WWP, with Mtn. Access from California Base (Gondola, Tamarack, Dipper & Sky are CLOSED); Plus Stagecoach & Boulder Lodge on the Nevada Side are on HOLD. 10 Lifts & Tows are on HOLD on the California Side & 9 Lifts & Tows in Nevada are on HOLD. 90 Trails are CLOSED (36MG)… Plus, Groove T-Park open. EpicMix Racing Course CLOSED. (PWDR, MG / 23F / Snow/ Strong Winds-100mph). Tubing & Alpine Coaster are CLOSED today at top of Gondola. Complimentary Shuttles running to all open base facilities. (Hwy 207: CLOSED) Call Ahead for updates: 1-800-HEAVENLY / www.skiheavenly.com

*SIERRA AT TAHOE: (Hwy 50: R2) Is Attempting to get some lower mountain lifts operating, but expect delays and CALL AHEAD… reporting 20-26” of new on a base depth of 65-99”. Some Lifts & Tows are planned to operate (9-4)-WWP. (PWDR, MG / 24F / Snow / Mod-Strong Winds). Blizzard Mtn., Snow Tubing & Snow Play Area CLOSED. Complimentary Shuttles are not running from So Shore… For more info call: 530-659-7475 / www.sierraattahoe.com

*HOPE VALLEY OUTDOORS / CROSS COUNTRY: (Hwy 88/89: R2 – Luther Pass – Pickett’s Junction:) The Yurt will be CLOSED TODAY (10-4) at Pickett’s Junction for XC, Snowshoe rentals with limited XC & Snowshoe trails available with more trails at Red Lake & Carson Pass areas. There are no fees to access trails in Hope Valley, but donations are gladly accepted… For more info call: 530-721-2015 / www.hopevalleyoutdoors.com

*KIRKWOOD MOUNTAIN RESORT: (Hwy 88: R2) is Attempting to open on limited bases and still subject to Delays and Closures due to weather. CALL AHEAD. They are reporting 23” of new on a base depth of 57-94”. 4 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, including Chair #5, Chair #11 & Chair #7 at Timber Creek Lodge. 9 runs open (5MG). Outlaw & Bandit T-Parks Closed. (PWDR, MG / 25F / Snowing / Mod-Strong Winds). Kirkwood XC Center is also CLOSED Due to Flooding. Call Ahead for updates: 877-KIRKWOOD / www.kirkwood.com

NEVADA & EAST SHORE RESORTS

*DIAMOND PEAK: (Hwy 28: R1) Is OPEN TODAY, reporting 16” of new on a base depth of 30-72”. 5 Lifts & Tow are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, including Crystal Express to the top, Lakeview, Lodgepole, Red Fox & Schoolhouse. 30 Runs are open (15MG), plus T-Park Closed. (PWDR & MG / 29F / Snow / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info call: 775-831-1177 / www.diamondpeak.com

*MT. ROSE SKI TAHOE: (Hwy 431: CLOSED) Is CLOSED TODAY and reports 34-38” of new, on a base of 112”. 7 Lifts & Tows are CLOSED (9-4) including NW 6, Lakeview, Galena, Flying Jenny & Wizard CLOSED on the Rose Side & Blazing Zephyr CLOSED on the Slide Bowl Side. Chuter Lift & Chute Gates are CLOSED. 51 runs are CLOSED (29+MG). Badlands T-Park CLOSED. (PWDR & MG/ Snowing / 19F / Strong Winds). Call Ahead for updates: 800-SKIROSE / www.mtrose.com

TRUCKEE AREA RESORTS

*NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA: (Hwy 267: R2-R1) is Attempting to get some lifts operating TODAY and reporting 33-36” of new on a base depth of 41-95”. 14 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (8:30-4)-WWP, with Front Side, Back Side & Lookout Mtn CLOSED. 83 Runs are open (47MG) Plus, Glade Skiing & 5 T-Parks open with 67 features. (PWDR & MG / 23F / Snow / Mod-Strong Winds). XC Center is CLOSED (8:30-4) with 8 trails = 10 km of groomed trails. Tubing Center CLOSED (10-3). The Village Ice Rink is CLOSED (12-9). Call Ahead for updates: 530-562-1330 / www.northstarcalifornia.com

*TAHOE DONNER SKI AREA: is CLOSED TODAY and reports a base depth of 45-60”. 4 Lifts & Tow are CLOSED (9-4) with 12 runs CLOSED (9MG). (MG & PWDR / Snow / 29F / Lt-Mod Winds).

*TAHOE DONNER XC: is CLOSED TODAY (8:30-5:00) reporting a base of 12-24”. 23 Trails XC Skiing & Snowshoeing CLOSED. Fat tire biking on Hold. Dogs allowed today. (Snow / 29F / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info Call: 530-587-9484 / www.skitahoedonner.com

DONNER SUMMIT RESORTS

*BOREAL MOUNTAIN RESORT: (I-80: R2) Is CLOSED TODAY… reports 6” of new on a base depth of 96”. 3 Lifts are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, Nugget Chair, Castle Peak & Accelerator to the top open till 4:00pm. They have 33 runs open (7MG) & 4 T-Parks open. (MG & PWDR / Snow / 29F / Mod-Strong Winds). Playland Tubing Park Closed (10-4). Woodward Tahoe training open daily. For more info: 530-426-3666 / www.rideboreal.com

*SODA SPRINGS WINTER RESORT: (I-80: R2 to Hwy 40: R2) Is CLOSED TODAY… reporting a base of 30”. 4 Lifts & Tows, Lion’s Head & Crystal Bowl CLOSED (10-4) with 13 Trails CLOSED (3MG). Plus, Planet Kids, Tube Carousel & Tube Town CLOSED. (MG & SKRPP/ Rain / 36F / Lt-Mod Winds). Mini Snowmobiles & Sleigh Rides also CLOSED. Call Ahead. 530-426-3901 www.skisodasprings.com

*ROYAL GORGE XC: (I-80: R2 to Hwy 40: R2) Is CLOSED TODAY (8:30-4). They report a base of 20-30”. 27 Tracks are CLOSED = 34Km of groomed trails. (Snow / 31F / Lt-Mod Winds). They are North America’s Largest Cross Country Skiing Resort offering 8 distinct Trail Systems, 9 different Warming Huts over 6000 Acres of terrain. 530-426-3871 / www.royalgorge.com

*SUGAR BOWL SKI RESORT: (I-80: R2 to Hwy 40 R2: – Hwy 40 from Truckee Closed) Is CLOSED TODAY… on a base of 56-87”. 9 Lifts & Tows, plus Access Gondola are CLOSED (9-4) including Mt. Lincoln to the top, Disney, Christmas Tree, Nob Hill & Jerome Hill. 85 Runs are CLOSED(41MG). (MG & SKRPkd Wet Snow / Mixed Precip / 24F / Mod-Strong Winds). Access will be from the Judah Portal & Gondola. For more info: 530-426-1111 / www.sugarbowl.com

*DONNER SKI RANCH: (Hwy 40: R2 from I-80: R2 / Closed from Truckee) is CLOSED TODAY. They report 20” of new on a base of 72-85”. 6 Lifts & Tows are CLOSED (9-4). 35 Runs are CLOSED (20MG). (MG & PWDR / Snow / 26F / Mod Winds) Tubing Hill is Closed today. For more info: 530-426-3635 / www.donnerskiranch.com

WEST SHORE / NORTHLAKE TAHOE RESORTS

*HOMEWOOD MOUNTAIN RESORT: (Hwy 89: R1/ Emerald Bay Road CLOSED) is Attempting to open today with Delays… CALL AHEAD. They report 18-27” of new on a base depth of 37-95”. 4 Lifts & tows are scheduled to turn (9-4)-WWP, with the Madden Chair & Old Homewood Express turning. 26 runs open (12MG). (PWDR & MG / Snow / 28F / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info: Guest services: 530-525-2992. Snow Phone: 530-525-2900 / www.skihomewood.com

*GRANLIBAKKEN RESORT: (Hwy 89: R1) Ski & Snowboard Hill is CLOSED TODAY (9-4:30) they have a base of 20”. No Beginner Tow and limited terrain are open. Their XC Trails, Sledding & Snow Play are open Daily. (9-4:30). (Snow / 31F / Lt Winds) Call Ahead: 530-581-7533 / www.granlibakken.com

*TAHOE XC CENTER: (Hwy 28: R1) Is CLOSED TODAY. They report 12” of new on a base of 12-20”. 16 trails are CLOSED offering 0Km of groomed tracks. Dogs trails Closed. (Snow/ 31F / Lt-Mod Winds).

*TAHOE CITY WINTER SPORTS PARK: (Hwy 28: R1 – Tahoe City) Will continue to be operated by Tahoe XC with TCPUD. XC Trails, Snow Play are open as conditions permit. The new Ice Rink is CLOSED TODAY, Sunday-Thursdays (12-9pm) Friday-Saturday (10am-10pm). For more info: 530-583-1516 / www.wintersportspark.com

*ALPINE MEADOWS: (Hwy 89: R1) is CLOSED TODAY… Reports 23” of new on a base of 102”. All Lifts & Tows CLOSED (9-4) with Hot Wheels, Roundhouse, Scott, & Summit Six. All Runs are CLOSED (16MG). (PWDR & MG / 26F / Snow / Mod-Strong Winds). Squaw-Alpine Express Shuttle Running between resorts offered. For more info: 530-581-8374 / www.skialpine.com

*SQUAW VALLEY: (Hwy 89: R1) is CLOSED TODAY… reporting 27” of new on a base of 103”. No Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4) on the Lower Mountain, ALL LIFTS CLOSED including the Aerial Tram & The Funitel, Far East, Red Dog & Squaw Creek; Plus 2 tows in the SnoVentures- Squaw Kids Beginners Area open. 10 Lifts CLOSED on Upper Mountain including Gold Coast, Siberia & Shirley. 47 Trails CLOSED (32MG). Belmont & Gold Coast T-Parks Closed. (PWDR & MG / 24F / Snow / Mod-Strong Winds). For more info: 530-452-4335 / www.squaw.com

CENTRAL SIERRA RESORTS

*MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN: (Hwy 395: R1) Is open and reports 17” of new on a base ranging from 110-210”. 14 Lifts & Tows scheduled to operation (8:30-4)-WWP, with 8 Lifts out of the Main Lodge, Plus, Village Gondola & 4 Lifts turning out of Canyon Lodge, and 1 Lifts out of Eagle Lodge. 87 Trails are open (54MG), Plus 6 Terrain Parks open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 21F / Snow / Strong Winds). 888-766-9778 / www.mammothmountain.com

*JUNE MOUNTAIN: (Hwy 395: R1) Is open reporting 12-16” of new on a base of 36-50”. 6 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4). 29 trails open. (PWDR, MG / 27F / Snow / Mod-Stong Winds). For more info call: 760-934-2224 / www.junemountain.com

YOSEMITE SKI & SNOWBOARD AREA: is scheduled to open conditions permitting. Nordic Center is open for XC & Snowshoe Rentals. For more info Call: 209-372-1000 #5 / www.yosemitepark.com/dailysnowreport.aspx

*DODGE RIDGE: (Hwy 108: R2) is CLOSED TODAY. They report 16-23” of new on a base of 30-50”. 9 Lifts & Tows are CLOSED (9-4). 58 Trails are CLOSED (38MG) (MG & PWDR / Snow / 30F / Mod-Stong Winds). For more info call: 209-536-5300 / www.dodgeridge.com

*BEAR VALLEY MOUNTAIN RESORT: (Hwy 4: R2) – (Ebbetts Pass Closed) is CLOSED TODAY & TUESDAY AND WILL REOPEN ON WEDNESDAY… reporting 21” of new on a base depth of 71”. 7 Lifts & Tow are CLOSED (9-4) with 37 Trails CLOSED (21MG) + 2 T-Parks open. (MG & PWDR / Snow / 29F / Mod-Strong Winds). For more info: 209-753-2301 #2 / www.bearvalley.com

*BEAR VALLEY XC CENTER: (Hwy 4: R2) Is CLOSED TODAY THRU WEDNESDAY and reports 31” of new on a base depth of 54”. 23 trails are CLOSED = 28km of groomed track & Skating lanes. Sledding & Tubing Areas are CLOSED today (9-4). (Snow / 27F / Mod Winds). For more info: 209-753-2834 / www.bearvalleyxc.com

**CONDITIONS REPORTED AS OF 8:00AM AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO WIND AND WEATHER.
CURENT ROAD CONDITIONS:
All Roadways in and around Lake Tahoe are open with R1 or R2 Requirements
Carry Tire Chains. Call Ahead for updates. Or log on to www.nvroads.com
CLOSED: Hwy 89-Emerald Bay Road; Hwy 431 Mt Rose; Hwy 207 Kingsbury Grade
R1= Chains or Snow Tires Required:
Hwy 50 Stateline-Spooner Summit to Carson City, Hwy 28 East Shore; Hwy 28 North Shore; Hwy 89 DL Bliss to TC; Hwy 89 TC to Truckee
R2= Chains Mandatory with exception of 4WD with 4 Snow Tires:
I-80; Hwy 50-Echo Summit; Hwy 88/89-Luther Pass; Hwy 88-Carson Pass; Hwy 267-Brockway Summit
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 www.bikeandskitahoe.com.