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

Good Morning Lake Tahoe Skiers & Riders…

Blizzard Warning has Expired but the Winter Storm Warning remains in effect thru Friday Morning… Feet+ of Snow Reported at Resorts… Not exactly Powder but Fresh Wet Snow… Respect all Patrol Rope lines & Area Closures… Road Controls Posted all around the Lake… Hwy 88 Closed for Avy Controls on both sides of Kirkwood… Mt Rose Hwy & Resort Closed – Emerald Bay Road Closed… Power Outages reported at Diamond Peak & Alpine Meadows… All Lifts on Delayed Opening or on Wind & Snow Holds – Call Ahead… Stay Out of the Backcounty… Avalanche Danger is HIGH! Get After it! Have Fun & Be Safe!

TODAY’S WEATHER: Expect Snow Showers. Snow accumulation of 7-13” with 11-19” above 7000 ft. Highs: 31F-41F. (21F-31F on the Slopes). Southwest Winds 15-25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. Ridge Gusts up to 105 mph increasing to 120 mph in the afternoon.

TONIGHT: Snow showers in the evening, then chance of snow showers after midnight. Snow accumulation of 2-6” with 3-7” above 7000 feet. Lows: 18F to 28F. Southwest winds 15-25 mph decreasing to 10-15 mph after midnight. Gusts up to 45 mph. Ridge gusts up to 115 mph decreasing to 90 mph after midnight.

WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM PST FRIDAY…

BLIZZARD WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 7 AM PST THIS MORNING ABOVE 7000 FEET…

* CHANGES…Blizzard Warning expired. No other changes.

* WHAT…Very heavy total snow accumulations of 3 to 6 feet above 7000 feet. An Avalanche Warning is also in effect through Friday morning. Between 6000 and 7000 feet, 1 to 3 feet is expected through tonight. Winds gusting as high 100 mph.

* WHERE…Greater Lake Tahoe Area.

* WHEN…For the Winter Storm Warning, until 4 AM PST Friday. For the Blizzard Warning, until 7 AM PST Thursday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Travel could be very difficult to impossible with periods of road closures expected. Winds along with heavy, wet snow could cause areas of tree damage.

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.

This is a life-threatening situation, especially in the higher elevations. 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. The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

WHAT TO WEAR: Dress warm, in layers with your Gore-Tex Jacket or Shell. Take warm gloves, a hat or beanie, and wear a Helmet for Safety. You might want to take along a face gaiter or scarf. Also wear good Sunglasses or Yellow or Rose tinted Goggles. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen (when the sun is out) & stay hydrated at altitude!

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

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. 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

HIGH avalanche danger exists at all elevations. Widespread, large destructive natural avalanche activity is likely and human-triggered avalanches are very likely. Very dangerous and complex avalanche conditions continue due to a mix of wind slabs, storm slabs, and deep persistent slabs. Travel in, below, or near avalanche terrain is not recommended.

BACKCOUNTRY AVALANCHE WARNING

The Sierra Avalanche Center in Truckee has issued a BACKCOUNTRY AVALANCHE WARNING for the following areas:

GREATER LAKE TAHOE

* TIMING…In effect from Wed 16:00 PST to Fri 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…Blizzard conditions and existing weak layers in the snowpack have created very dangerous and complex avalanche conditions. Expect widespread, large, and destructive avalanche activity in the mountains. Natural avalanches are likely and human-triggered avalanches are very likely.

* PRECAUTIONARY / PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…Travel in 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.

SOUTH SHORE LAKE TAHOE & SURROUNDING AREAS

*HEAVENLY MOUNTAIN RESORT: Reports 12” of new on a mid- elevation base of 46”. 25 Lifts are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, including Mtn. access from the (Heavenly Gondola & 6 Lifts & Tows including Tamarack Express & Big Easy on WIND HOLD); California Base with 11 Lifts including the Tram, Gunbarrel, Powderbowl, Canyon Express & (Sky Express-WIND HOLD); And, 9 Lifts & Tows on the Nevada Side with Stagecoach & Boulder Access. Comet, Dipper, (Northbowl on WIND HOLD), Olympic, Galaxy & Mott Canyon. 89 Trails to open (43MG). Mott & Killebrew Canyon Gates open. Comet & Groove T-Parks open with 25 features. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 18F / Snow / Mod-Strong Winds). Gondola Site Seeing is HOLD (9-4)-WWP. Tubing HOLD) & Ridge Rider Coaster Closed (11-4). Guided UTV Tours are 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 22” of new on a base of 54-102”. 5 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (8:30-4), to Start the day with Grandview to Delayed opening, Nob Hill & Easy Rider. Short Stuff to the back side & West Bowl on Delayed opening. 17 Trail are open (14MG). 5 Terrain Parks Closed. Huckleberry Canyon Closed. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 28F / Snow / Lt-Mod Winds). (Snow Play & Snowshoe trails adventures open. Snow Tubing Hill Open. CLOSED) Learn to Ski & Ride Month on Jan 18 & 25, Adult Beginner Lesson, Rentals & Limited Lift Ticket for $79. 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: 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 open (10-4). They have 12” of new on a base of 18-30” from Picketts Junction to Red Lake. 14 miles of Groomed Trails + 10 miles of marked & skier packed XC & Snowshoe trails. XC & Snowshoe rentals available. $10 Donations for trails use is requested… For more info: 530-721-2015 /www.hopevalleyoutdoors.com

*KIRKWOOD MOUNTAIN RESORT:(Hwy 88: CLOSED AVLCH controls – R2) Reports 16” of new on a base of 65”. 12 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with ALL LIFTS ON HOLD… Including 4 Lifts out of the Village including Chair #1, Chair #5, Chair #6, Chair #11 & #10; Plus, 3 Lifts, Chairs #2, Chair #3 & #4 to the Back Side- CLOSED). 2 Lifts & Tows on HOLD, including Chairs #7 & #9 out of Timber Creek Lodge. 85 Trails are open (35MG). Outlaw & Bandit T-Parks to open. (MG & SKRPP / 25F / Snow / Strong Winds). XC Center is open with 30km of trails for XC & Snowshoeing. For updates: 877-KIRKWOOD / Twitter: @KWConditions / www.kirkwood.com

NEVADA & EAST SHORE RESORTS

*DIAMOND PEAK:(Hwy 28:) Reports 12” of new on a base depth of 32-46”. @7am Power was out in Incline Village and may not be restored until mid-day… Call Ahead. If power is restored they plan to have 4 Lifts scheduled to operate today (-4), including Schoolhouse, Lodgepole, Lakeview and Crystal Express to the top. 31 Trails to open (18MG). 3 T-Parks Closed. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 29F / Cldy / 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: CLOSED – R2) CLOSED TODAY due to Mt Rose Highway being Closed… They Reports 20-24” of new on a base of 66-92”. (Storm Total: 36-44”) No Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with Wizard, (Galena, Lakeview & NW Magnum 6 to the top of the Rose Side; Plus- Blazing Zephyr – CLOSED on the Slide Bowl Side. Chuter serving the Chutes is CLOSED. No Trails to open (28MG). Plus, 4 T-Parks Closed. (MG & SKRPP / 23F / Snow / Mod-Strong Winds). Call Ahead for updates. 800-SKIROSE / www.mtrose.com9

TRUCKEE AREA RESORTS

*NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA: (Hwy 267: R2) Reports 9-26” of new on a base of 43-81”. 15 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (8:30-4) on Delayed openings, accessing the Front Side, Back Side & Look Out Mountain… 100 Trails to open (53MG) + 6 T-Parks open with 64 total features including 18’ Pipe. All 7 Glades are open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 24F / Snow / Lt-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 11” of new on a base of 60”. 3 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to turn (9-4) including Eagle Rock & the new Snowbird Chair. 16 Trails are open (12MG). Mini Size T-Park open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 27F / 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 10” of new on a base of 20”. They have 50 XC Trails open + 9 Snowshoe Trails = offering 55+km of groomed trails for XC Skiing & Snow Shoeing. Dogs allow today but no Fat Tire bikes allowed. (27F / 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 18” of new on a base of 134”. 5 Lifts & Tows will operate with Accelerator Express & Castle Peak Lift from (9am-9pm); (Cedar Ridge & 49er Chair Closed: 9-3); California Cruiser Lift (9-6); (Dutchman (11-3) WIND HOLD). 27 Trails are open (27MG). 4 T-Parks open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 21F / Snow / Lt -Mod Winds). Playland Tubing Park open. Boreal Unlimited Season Pass $349. 530-426-3666 / www.rideboreal.com

SODA SPRINGS WINTER RESORT:(HWY 40: R2) is planning to open today. They are open Thursday-Mondays… They report 30” of new on a base of 164”. 3 lifts & tows are scheduled operate (9:30-4), 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. (MG & SKRPP/ 34F / Snow / Lt 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 17-21” of new on a base of 81-118”. 10 Lifts are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, including Christmas Tree, Judah & Jerome Hill. Plus, Disney & Lincoln Express. 69 Trails open (25MG). 2 T-Parks Closed. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 26F / Snow/ Lt-Mod Winds). Access is from the Gondola to the Village and the Judah Portal. For more info: 530-426-1111 / www.sugarbowl.com

*ROYAL GORGE XC:Operated by Sugar Bowl, is Closed (8:30-4). They report 17” of new on a base of 30”. They are Grooming out trails and have No Trails open, offering No km of groomed trails for classic XC striding and skating. Dog Trails open. (26F / Snow / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info: 530-426-3871 / www.royalgorge.com

*DONNER SKI RANCH:(Hwy 40:) Is CLOSED today, Reopening Friday. They have 20” of new on a base of 44-60”. No Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4), with Chairs #1, #3, #4 & #6 Turning. No trails open (MG). Snow Tubing open (10am-4pm). (MG & SKRPP / 28F / Cldy / 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: R1) Is open and reports 1-10” of new on a base of 12-58”. 7 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 & Happy Platter operating… 60 Trails are open (15MG). (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 29F / 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: R1) Ski Hill & Sledding is Closed today, open Friday thru Monday (9-4). They Report 18” of new on a base of 12”. No Lifts… The Poma Lift & Bunny Rope Tow will operate (9-4) for skiing & riding. (MGPP / 33F / Snow / Lt-Mod Winds). XC Trails, Sledding & Snow Play area open with low snow coverage. Call Ahead: 530-581-7533 / www.granlibakken.com

*TAHOE XC CENTER:(Hwy 28: R1) Is open (8:30-5) for XC Skiing & Snow Shoeing. They have 5” of new on a base of 20”. 7 Trails are open, including 5 Green Trails & 2 Yellow Trails with 10km of groomed trails open, including Dog Trails open with restrictions. (30F / Snow / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info, Call: 530-583-5475 or www.tahoexc.org

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

*SQUAW VALLEY:(Hwy 89:) Is open and reports 23” of new on a base of 60-134”. 9 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (8:30-4)-WWP, with 9 Lifts & Tows from the bottom scheduled to turn, including (The Aerial Tram & Funitel on HOLD); Plus, Red Dog, Far East, Squaw Creek & KT22 scheduled. 5 beginner tows will operate in the SnoVentures / Squaw Kids area (8:30-4). NO Lifts scheduled for the upper mountain, including Gold Coast, Big Blue, Shirley Lake, Siberia, Headwall & Granite Chief. 37 Trails to open (8MG). 2 T-Parks Closed. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 32F / Snow / Mod-Storng Winds). Snow Tubing Closed (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 9-13” of new on a base of 76-95”. Power Outage this morning… so only 2 Lifts are scheduled to operate (8:30-4)-WWP, including Big Carpet & Little Carpet… All other lifts on WIND HOLD Including Hot Wheels & Meadow. Summit Express & Roundhouse, Lakeview, Scott & Sherwood. 84 Trails to open (10MG). Terrain Park Clsoed (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 30F / Snow / 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 18-30” of new on a base of 70-90”. 18 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (8:30-4)-WWP, with 13 Lifts out of the Main Lodge with Lower Panorama Gondola (Upper Gondola, Chairs 3, 5, 12, 13, 14, 23 on HOLD). 9 Lifts out of Canyon Lodge including the Village Gondola… And, 2 Lifts out of Eagle Lodge. 153 Trails are to open (59MG); Plus, 6 T-Parks open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 28F / Snow / Strong Winds). For more info, Call Ahead: 888-766-9778 / www.mammothmountain.com

*JUNE MOUNTAIN:(Hwy 395:) Is open… They report a storm total of 25-60” on a base of 12-36”. 4 Lifts are scheduled to operate-WWP, including J1, J2, J3 & J7, are scheduled to operate (9-4), with 30 Trails open (30MG). Mambo T-Park open. (MG & SKRPP / 33F / Snow / Mod-Strong Winds). For more info call: 760-934-2224 / www.junemountain.com

*YOSEMITE SKI & SNOWBOARD AREA:Is CLOSED today. They report a base of 36”. No Lifts will turn (9-4) with up to No runs open (MGPP / 27F / 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 Open and reports 20” of new on a base of 34-60”. 6 Lifts & Tows will operate (9-4)-WWP. 68 Trails are open (36MG). T-Park open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 30F / Snow / Mod Winds). For more info: 209-536-5300 / www.dodgeridge.com

*BEAR VALLEY MOUNTAIN RESORT: Is open… They report 22” of new on a base of 95”. 4 Lifts and Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, accessing both the front & backside of the mountain. 35 Trails are open (18MG). (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 24F / Snow / 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 14” of new on a base of 60”. 38 trails are open = 60 km of groomed XC trails available. (33F / Snow / Mod Winds). Sledding & Snow Tubing open (9-4). For more info: 209-753-2834 / www.bearvalleyxc.com

CURENT 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): R2

Hwy 89 (Luther Pass): R2

Hwy 88 (Carson Pass): CLOSED – R2

Hwy 88 (Woodfords to Picketts): R2

Hwy 88 (Gville-CA State Line):

Hwy 207 (Kingsbury Grade): R2

Roadwork Expect delays M-F, 7am-3:30pm thru Jan. 31, 2019

Hwy 89 (Emerald Bay Rd): Closed

Hwy 89 (West Shore): R2-R1

Hwy 89 (Tahoe City-Truckee): R1

Hwy 28 (North Shore-Incline): R1

Hwy 28 (East Shore): R1

Interstate 80 (Donner Summit-Truckee): R2

Hwy 267 (Brockway Summit): R1

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