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

All Resorts are open and near full operations for your Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Observance Day… Snain & Mixed Precip reported at Resort this morning… WIND HOLDS reported at Resorts… Respect All Patrol Closures… Avalanche Watch Posted… More Snow coming with a Winter Storm Warning posted for 10am thru 4am, Monday… Get After It. Have Fun & Be Safe!

TODAY’S WEATHER: Expect Rain & Snow. A Slight chance of Thunder Showers in the afternoon. Snow Level 7000 feet. Snow accumulations of 3-9”. Highs: 38F-43F. (28F-33F on the Slopes). Southwest Winds 10-20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph increasing to 20-30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph in the afternoon. Ridge Gusts up to 85 mph.

TONIGHT: Snow, rain and slight chance of thunderstorms in the evening, then snow after midnight. Snow accumulation of 4-10“ with 10-16” inches above 7000 feet. Lows: 17F to 27F. Southwest winds 20-30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. Ridge gusts up to 90 mph decreasing to 65 mph after midnight.

WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM SUNDAY TO 4 AM PST MONDAY…

* CHANGES… upgraded to Winter Storm Warning.

* WHAT… Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 8 inches, except 8 to 16 inches above 7000 feet expected. Some locations along the Sierra Crest could see over 2 feet of snow. Winds gusting as high as 80 mph over ridges with gusts up to 40 mph elsewhere.

* WHERE… Greater Lake Tahoe Area.

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

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS… Travel could be very difficult at times. Snow levels will be around 7000 feet, affecting mountain passes during the daytime. Snow levels will then crash down to Lake Tahoe level after sunset. This will create widespread difficult travel conditions for Sunday evening. Strong winds could cause damage to snow laden trees.

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 Watch

The following message is transmitted at the request of the U.S. Forest Service Sierra Avalanche Center.

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

Greater Lake Tahoe

* TIMING… In effect from Sun 12:00 PST to Mon 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… Periods of HIGH avalanche danger from Sunday afternoon through Monday morning.

* REASON/IMPACTS… Forecast snow and 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. Large destructive avalanches could occur.

Consult https://www.sierraavalanchecenter.org/ or www.avalanche.orgfor more detailed information.

Similar avalanche danger may exist at locations outside the coverage area of this or any avalanche center.

WHAT TO WEAR: Dress 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 primarily 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

MODERATE avalanche danger exists at all elevations due to lingering wind slab and deep slab avalanche problems. Large destructive slab avalanches remain possible in isolated areas. Small loose wet avalanches may occur today in steep terrain.

SOUTH SHORE LAKE TAHOE & SURROUNDING AREAS

*HEAVENLY MOUNTAIN RESORT: Reports a mid- elevation base of 55”. 26 Lifts are scheduled to operate (8:30-4)-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 on WIND HOLD); And, 9 Lifts & Tows on the Nevada Side with Stagecoach & Boulder Access. (Comet, Dipper, Northbowl, on WIND HOLD), Olympic, Galaxy & Mott Canyon. 94 Trails to open (52MG). Mott & Killebrew Canyon Gates open-WWP. Comet & Groove T-Parks open with 25 features. (MG & SKRPP / 25F / Cldy / Mod-Strong Winds). Gondola Site Seeing is open (8:30-4)-WWP. Tubing scheduled to open & Ridge Rider Coaster Closed (11-4). Guided UTV Tours are open (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 51-98”. 12 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (8:30-4), with Grandview, Nob Hill & Easy Rider. Short Stuff to the back side & West Bowl. 44 Trail are open (30MG). 4 Terrain Parks open. Huckleberry Canyon Closed. (MG & SKRPP / 31F / PCldy / Lt-Mod Winds). Snow Play & Snowshoe trails adventures open. Snow Tubing Hill Open. Learn to Ski & Ride Month on Jan 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: / Pickett’s Junction:) Is open (10-4). They have a base of 20-36” 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:) Reports a base of 72”. 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; Plus, 3 Lifts, Chairs #2, Chair #3 & #4 to the Back Side. 3 Lifts & Tows, including Chairs #7 & #9 out of Timber Creek Lodge. 85 Trails are open (38MG). Outlaw & Bandit T-Parks open. (MG & SKRPP / 31F / Cldy / 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:) Reports a base depth of 32-46”. 6 Lifts are scheduled to operate today (9-4), including Schoolhouse, Lodgepole, Lakeview, Ridge and Crystal Express to the top. 31 Trails to open (20MG). 3 T-Parks open. (MG & SKRPP / 37F / MCldy / 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:) They Reports a base of 65-91”. 7 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 on the Slide Bowl Side. Chuter serving the Chutes is CLOSED. 48 Trails to open (35MG). Plus, 3 T-Parks open. (MG & SKRPP / 27F / MCldy / Mod Winds). Call Ahead for updates. 800-SKIROSE / www.mtrose.com9

TRUCKEE AREA RESORTS

*NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA: (Hwy 267:) Reports a base of 37-90”. 20 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (8:30-4), accessing the Front Side, Back Side & Look Out Mountain… 99 Trails to open (59MG) + 5 T-Parks open with 64 features, including 18’ Pipe. All 7 Glades are open. (MG & SKRPP / 22F / Cldy / 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 a base of 65”. 5 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to turn (9-4) including Eagle Rock & the new Snowbird Chair. 16 Trails are open (8MG). Mini Size T-Park open. (MG & SKRPP / 27F / Cldy-Rain / 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 24”. They have 43 XC Trails open + Grooming Snowshoe Trails = offering 50+km of groomed trails for XC Skiing & Snow Shoeing. Dogs allow today but no Fat Tire bikes allowed. (27F / Mixed Precip / 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 182”. 8 Lifts & Tows will operate with Accelerator Express & Castle Peak Lift from (9am-9pm); Cedar Ridge & 49er Chair (9-3); California Cruiser Lift (9-6); Dutchman (11-3). 27 Trails are open (27MG). 4 T-Parks to open. (MG & SKRPP / 28F / Cldy / Lt -Mod Winds). Playland Tubing Park open. Boreal Unlimited Season Pass $349. 530-426-3666 / www.rideboreal.com

SODA SPRINGS WINTER RESORT:(HWY 40:) is planning to open today. They are open Thursday-Mondays… They report a base of 182”. 5 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/ 28F / Cldy / Lt Winds). Open Thursdays-Mondays in January. 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 79-116”. 12 Lifts are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, including Christmas Tree, Judah & Jerome Hill. Plus, Disney & Lincoln Express. 92 Trails open (47MG). 2 T-Parks Closed. (MG & SKRPP / 32F / Cldy-Mixed Precip / Lt-Mod Winds). Access is from the (Gondola to the Village on Weather Hold) the Judah Portal. 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 36”. They are Grooming 74 trails and will have Trails open, offering 92.7 km of groomed trails for classic XC striding and skating. Dog Trails open. (32F / Cldy-Mixed / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info: 530-426-3871 / www.royalgorge.com

*DONNER SKI RANCH:(Hwy 40:) Is open. They have on a base of 54-74”. 6 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4), with Chairs #1, #3, #4 & #6 Turning. 41 trails open (20MG). Snow Tubing open (10am-4pm). (MG & SKRPP / 36F / 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: / Hwy 89:) Is open and reports a base of 13-61”. 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 & Happy Platter operating… 60 Trails are open (31MG). (MG & SKRPP / 41F / Cldy / 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:) Ski Hill & Sledding is open Friday thru Monday (9-4). They Report a base of 16”. 2 Lifts… The Poma Lift & Bunny Rope Tow will operate (9-4) for skiing & riding. (MGPP / 41F / Cldy / Lt-Mod Winds). XC Trails, Sledding & Snow Play area open. Call Ahead: 530-581-7533 / www.granlibakken.com

*TAHOE XC CENTER:(Hwy 28:) Is open (8:30-5) for XC Skiing & Snow Shoeing. They have a base of 20”. 19 Trails are open, including 17 Green Trails & 2 Yellow Trails with 55km of groomed trails open, including Dog Trails open with restrictions. (36F / Cldy / 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 scheduled to open (10am-8pm). Café Zenon open. Sledding, XC & Snowshoeing trails open. 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 64-129”. 17 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (8:30-4)-WWP, with 12 Lifts & Tows from the bottom scheduled to turn, including The Aerial Tram & Funitel; Plus, Red Dog, Far East, Squaw Creek & KT22 scheduled. 6 beginner tows will operate in the SnoVentures / Squaw Kids area (8:30-4). 5 Lifts are scheduled for the upper mountain, including Gold Coast, Big Blue, Shirley Lake, Siberia, (All other Lifts on WIND HOLD). 88 Trails to open (44MG). T-Parks Closed. (MG & SKRPP / 40F / Snow Showers / Mod 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 a base of 71-103”. 9 Lifts are scheduled to operate (8:30-4)-WWP, including Hot Wheels & Meadow. (Summit Express & Alpine Bowl on WIND HOLD), Roundhouse, (Lakeview, Scott on WIND HOLD) & Sherwood. 82 Trails to open (36MG). Terrain Park open. (MG & SKRPP / 37F / Mixed Precip / 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 87-120”. 24 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (8:30-4)-WWP, with 13 Lifts out of the Main Lodge including the Lower & Upper Gondola. 9 Lifts out of Canyon Lodge including the Village Gondola… And, 3 Lifts out of Eagle Lodge. 151 Trails are to open (56MG); Plus, 6 T-Parks open. (MG & SKRPP / 29F / Cldy / Mod Winds). For more info, Call Ahead: 888-766-9778 / www.mammothmountain.com

*JUNE MOUNTAIN:(Hwy 395:) Is open… They report a base of 12-48”. 6 Lifts are scheduled to operate-WWP, including J1, J2, J3, J4, J6 & J7, are scheduled to operate (9-4), with 38 Trails open (30MG). (MG & SKRPP / 38F / Cldy / Mod Winds). For more info call: 760-934-2224 / www.junemountain.com

*YOSEMITE SKI & SNOWBOARD AREA:Is open today. They report a base of 36”. 4 Lifts will turn (9-4) with 10 runs open (MGPP / 32F / Cldy / 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 a base of 48-63”. 10 Lifts & Tows will operate (9-4). 67 Trails are open (43MG). T-Park open. (MG & SKRPP / 36F / Cldy / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info: 209-536-5300 / www.dodgeridge.com

*BEAR VALLEY MOUNTAIN RESORT: Is open… They report a base of 87”. 8 Lifts and Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, accessing both the front & backside of the mountain. 50 Trails are open (31MG). (MG & SKRPP / 36F / Cldy/ 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 60”. 34 trails are open = 54 km of groomed XC trails available. (34F / Cldy / 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):

Hwy 89 (Luther Pass):

Hwy 88 (Carson Pass):

Hwy 88 (Woodfords to Picketts):

Hwy 88 (Gville-CA State Line):

Hwy 207 (Kingsbury Grade):

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

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):

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