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

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

Today is Thursday, February 2.

HAPPY GROUND HOG DAY! PUNXATAWNEY PHIL SAW HIS SHADOW THIS MORNING SO THERE WILL BE 6 MORE WEEKS OF WINTER… STARTING WITH A WINTER STORM WARNING POSTED THRU EARLY SATURDAY. WINDS COULD AFFECT THE OPERATION OF UPPER MOUNTAIN LIFTS. SURFACE CONDITIONS CONTINUE TO BE MACHINE GROOMED AND SKIER/RIDER PACKED SNOW WITH FRESH POWDER ON TOP.

TODAY’S WEATHER (NWS GREATER LAKE TAHOE AREA): Snow and Rain. Snow level rising to 7000 feet. Snow accumulation up to 4” with 2” to 7” above 7000 feet. Highs: 34F to 44F. South winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. Ridge gusts up to 90 mph.
TONIGHT: Snow with Rain likely. Snow level 7000 feet. Snow accumulation up to 2” with 1” to 4” inches above 7000 feet. Lows: 25F to 30F. South winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. Ridge gusts up to 90 mph.

FRIDAY: Snow and Rain. Snow level 6500 feet. Snow accumulation 2” to 6” with 4” to 12” above 7000 feet. Highs: 32F to 42F. Southwest winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. Ridge gusts up to 100 mph.

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT:
WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM PST SATURDAY ABOVE 6500 FEET…
TIMING: MODERATE TO HEAVY THIS MORNING. SNOW WILL DECREASE SUBSTANTIALLY IN INTENSITY THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING BEFORE BECOMING MODERATE TO HEAVY AGAIN LATE TONIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY.
SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 1 TO 3 FEET ABOVE 7000 FEET… HIGHEST ALONG THE SIERRA CREST WITH 6 TO 12 INCHES FROM 6500 TO 7000 FEET AND UP TO 6 INCHES DOWN TO LAKE LEVEL.
WINDS: SOUTH TO SOUTHWEST 10 TO 20 WITH GUSTS TO 35 MPH. RIDGE GUSTS UP TO 100 MPH.
WAVE HEIGHTS ON LAKE TAHOE: 1 TO 3 FEET… WITH THE HIGHEST WAVES FROM MID LAKE TO NORTH AND NORTHEAST SHORES.
SNOW LEVELS: RISING TO AROUND 6000 FEET THIS ORNING TO AROUND 7000 FEET THIS AFTERNOON. SNOW LEVELS WILL FALL TO AROUND 6500 FEET FRIDAY, THEN POSSIBLY TO LAKE LEVEL FRIDAY NIGHT.
IMPACTS: SNOW COVERED ROADS AND LOW VISIBILITY WILL IMPACT TRAVEL ACROSS SIERRA PASSES…ESPECIALLY THIS MORNING TO EARLY AFTERNOON AND AGAIN LATE TONIGHT AND FRIDAY. AVALANCHE RISK MAY INCREASE WITH DANGEROUS CONDITIONS POSSIBLE FOR BACK COUNTRY ACTIVITIES..
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.

WHAT TO WEAR: Dress in layers with your Gore-Tex Jacket or outer Shell. Take a hat or beanie and wear a Helmet for Safety. Also wear Good Goggles and warm gloves. Don’t forget to use Sunscreen & Chapstick when the sun is out and Stay Hydrated at altitude!

SURFACE CONDITIONS: Surface Conditions are Fresh Powder, Machine Groomed & Skier-Rider Packed Powder with some areas of Firm 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 go off-piste, always ski & ride with a buddy!

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 reporting 1-3” of new on a base of 136-188”. 25 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with Mtn. Access from All 4 Base Facilities, including The Gondola, California Base; Stagecoach & Boulder Base Lodges. 17 Lifts in California, including: Gunbarrel, Powderbowl, Canyon & Sky. 8 Lifts in Nevada, including Dipper & Comet on top & Mott Canyon… 92 Trails are open (50MG) + Killebrew & Mott Canyon Access open. Groove & High Roller T-Parks open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 30F / Snowing / Mod-Strong Winds). Tubing Open (11-4). Alpine Coaster is CLOSED. Epic Race scheduled to open. Complimentary Shuttles running to all open base facilities. (Hwy 207) Call Ahead for updates: 1-800-HEAVENLY / www.skiheavenly.com

*SIERRA AT TAHOE: (Hwy 50: R2) Is reporting 1” of new on a base depth of 102-151”. 9 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4) – WWP, with Grandview to the top of the Front Side & Short Stuff on the Back Side and the West Bowl open. 45 runs open with (27MG). 4 T-Parks are open. (PWDR, MG & SKRFPkd / 35F / Snow / Lt-od Winds). Blizzard Mountain Open with Snowshoe Trails, Tubing Hill & Snow Play Area (10-4). Complimentary Shuttles are 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:) is open and reports a base of 48-60”. The Yurt is open (10-4) at Pickett’s Junction for XC, Snowshoe rentals with 5 miles of 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 reporting 3-5” of new on a base depth of 145-197”. 11 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, including, Chairs # 6 & #10 on the Front Side out of the Village; Chairs #2, #3 & #4 to the Back Side & Vista Tow; Plus Chair #7 & #9 at Timber Creek Lodge. 86 runs are open (32MG). Bandit T-Park open with 15 features (PWDR, MG & SKR PP / 31F / Snowing / Lt-Mod Winds). Kirkwood XC Center is Open with 60KM including Schneider Camp. Call Ahead for updates: 877-KIRKWOOD / www.kirkwood.com

NEVADA & EAST SHORE RESORTS

*DIAMOND PEAK: (Hwy 28: R1) Is reporting 1” of new on a base depth of 62-106”. 5 Lifts & Tow are scheduled to operate (9-4), including Crystal Express to the top, Lakeview, Lodgepole & Schoolhouse Lifts. 31 runs are open (21MG). Terrain Park Open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 39F / Snow / Lt Winds). For more info call: 775-831-1177 / www.diamondpeak.com

*MT. ROSE SKI TAHOE: (Hwy 431: R1) Is reporting 2-3” of new on a base of 157”. 7 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to turn (9-4)- WWP, including Northwest 6 to the Top of the Rose Side, Blazing Zephyr on the Slide Bowl Side, (Chuter Lift & Chutes on Delayed opening). 51 Runs are open (39MG). Badlands Terrain Parks with 13 Features. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP/ Snow / 25F / Lt-Mod Winds). Call Ahead for updates: 800-SKIROSE / www.mtrose.com

TRUCKEE AREA RESORTS

*NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA: (Hwy 267: R2) is reporting a base depth of 82-138”. 15 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (8:30-4)- on the Front Side, Back Side & Look Out Mtn. 100 Runs are open. (49MG), Plus all Glades are open. 5 T-Parks open with 82 features. Plus, 3 Kid’s Adventure Parks open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 31F / Snow / Lt-Mod Winds). XC Center is open (9-4) with 23 trails = 32.1 km of groomed tracks. Tubing Center open (10-3). The Village Ice Rink is open (12-9). Call Ahead for updates: 530-562-1330 / www.northstarcalifornia.com

*TAHOE DONNER SKI AREA: is reporting a base depth of 150-170”. 5 Lifts & Tow will turn (9-4) with 16 runs open (12MG). Mini T-Park open with 5 features. (PDWR, MG & SKRPP / Snow / 33F / Lt Winds).

*TAHOE DONNER XC: is OPEN (8:30-5:00) reporting a base of 65”. 60 Trails are open = 100Km for XC Skiing & Snowshoeing. Fat tire biking closed till after storm… Dogs trails open. (Snow / 33F / Lt Winds). For more info Call: 530-587-9484 / www.skitahoedonner.com

DONNER SUMMIT RESORTS

*BOREAL MOUNTAIN RESORT: (I-80: R2) Is reporting a base depth of 240”. 6 Lifts are scheduled to operate (9-4), Including Accelerator to the Top, Castle Peak open till 9:00pm. Plus, Nugget Chair, 49er, Cedar Ridge & Flying Dutchman. 33 Runs open (7MG). 4 T-Parks open… (MG & SKRPP / Snow / 35F / Lt-Mod Winds). 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 open Thurs-Mondays. Reporting a base of 100”. 3 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate including Lion’s Head Chair & Crystal Bowl (10-4)-WWP, with 13 Trails open (5MG). Plus, Planet Kids, Tube Carousel & Tube Town are open. (MG & SKRPP/ Snow / 24F / Lt Winds). Mini Snowmobiles & Sleigh Rides are open. Call Ahead. 530-426-3901 www.skisodasprings.com

*ROYAL GORGE XC: (I-80: R2 to Hwy 40: R2) Is open (8:30-4). They have a base of 60”. 20 Tracks = 27Km of groomed trails open. (Snow / 29F / 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: R2) Is reporting 1-3” of new on a base of 99-156”. 6 Lifts & Tows, plus Access Gondola are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with Disney, Christmas Tree, Nob Hill & Jerome Hill. Mt Lincoln to turn… 70 Runs are open (45MG) (PDWR, MG & SKRPP / Snowing / 30F / Lt-Mod 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 / from Truckee: R2) is open. They report 2” of new on a base of 105-125”. 5 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP. 35 Runs are open (20MG). (PDWR, MG & SKRPP / Snowing / 30F / Lt-Mod Winds). Old School Days Tues-Thurs with $40 Lift Tickets. Tubing Hill is open (10-4). For more info: 530-426-3635 / www.donnerskiranch.com

WEST SHORE / NORTHLAKE TAHOE RESORTS

*HOMEWOOD MOUNTAIN RESORT: (Hwy 89: R1 / Emerald Bay Road: R2) is open from the North Lodge. They report 1-3” of new on a base depth of 78-159”. 6 Lifts & tows are scheduled to turn (9-4)-WWP, including Madden Chair, Old Homewood Express & Ellis Chair. 47 runs are open (17MG). T-Parks Closed. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / Snowing / 30F / Lt 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 open (9-4:30) Fridays thru Mondays… They have a base of 54”. 2 Beginner Tows and terrain are open. Their XC Trails, Sledding & Snow Play are open daily. (9-4:30). (MCldy / 30F / Lt Winds) Call Ahead: 530-581-7533 / www.granlibakken.com

*TAHOE XC CENTER: (Hwy 28: R1) Is open. They report 2” of wet snow on a base of 65”. They have 65km of groomed Trails for Classic XC, Ski Skating & Snowshoeing open. Plus, 3 Dog Trails and 3 warming huts open. (Mixed Precip / 32F / Lt Winds).

*TAHOE CITY WINTER SPORTS PARK: (Hwy 28: R1- Tahoe City) Will continue to be operated by Tahoe XC with TCPUD. Open for Ice Skating, Sledding & Dining… XC Trails & Snowshoe Trails are open and Dogs trails are open. The Ice Rink is open, Sunday-Thursdays (12-9pm) Friday-Saturday (10am-10pm). For more info: 530-583-1516 / www.wintersportspark.com

*ALPINE MEADOWS: (Hwy 89: R1) is reporting 1” of new on a base of 149”. 13 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to turn (9-4)-WWP. Front Side & Back Side are open… Including Summit Six, Hot Wheels, Meadow, Roundhouse & Subway; Plus Sherwood to open. (Lakeview, Scott & Alpine Bowl on WIND HOLD). 77 Runs are open (29MG). (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 30F / Snow / Mod Winds). Squaw-Alpine Express Shuttle Running between resorts offered. For more info: 530-581-8374 / www.skialpine.com

*SQUAW VALLEY: (Hwy 89: R1) is reporting 1” of new on a base of 155”. 13 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with 11 Lift from the Base including (Aerial Tram on WIND HOLD) & Funitel, KT22, Far East, Red Dog & Squaw Creek. 2 Lifts are scheduled on the Upper Mtn, Including Gold Coast & Shirley… All other Upper Mtn Lifts are on WIND HOLD. 47 Trails open (25MG). (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 29F / Snow / Mod-Strong Winds). For more info: 530-452-4335 / www.squaw.com

CENTRAL SIERRA RESORTS

*MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN: (Hwy 395: R1) Is reporting 1-2” of new on a base ranging from 170-300”. 19 Lifts & Tows scheduled to operate (8:30-4)-WWP, with 9 Lifts out of the Main Lodge, Plus, Village Gondola & 7 Lifts turning out of Canyon Lodge, and 2 lifts out of Eagle Lodge. 158 Trails are open (93MG), Plus 6 Terrain Parks open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 27F / Snowing / Mod-Strong Winds). Hosting the US Freeski & Snowboard Grand Prix… Jan. 30 thru Feb 4. 888-766-9778 / www.mammothmountain.com

*JUNE MOUNTAIN: (Hwy 395: R1) Is reporting 2-6” of new on a base of 48-120”. 6 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4). 41 trails open. (PDWR, MG & SKRPP/ 27F / Snowing / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info call: 760-934-2224 / www.junemountain.com

*YOSEMITE SKI & SNOWBOARD AREA: is OPEN. They have a base of 60”. 4 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4) with 9 trails open (7MG) Nordic Center is open for XC & Snowshoe Rentals. (MG PP / Snow Showers / 31F / Lt Winds). Tubing hill closed. For more info Call: 209-372-1000 / www.yosemitepark.com/dailysnowreport.aspx

*DODGE RIDGE: (Hwy 108: R1-R2) is reporting 2-4” of new on a base of 121-141”. 8 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to turn (9-4)-WWP. 68 Trails are open (39MG) + 2 T-Parks. (MG & SKRPP / Snow / 32F / Lt Winds). For more info call: 209-536-5300 / www.dodgeridge.com

*BEAR VALLEY MOUNTAIN RESORT: (Hwy 4: R2) – (Ebbetts Pass from Markleeville is Closed) is reporting on a base depth of 128”. 8 Lifts & Tow are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, on the Front Side and Backside with 52 Trails open (29MG) + 2 T-Parks are open. (MG & SKRPP / Snow / 26F / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info: 209-753-2301 #2 / www.bearvalley.com

*BEAR VALLEY XC CENTER: (Hwy 4: R2) Is reporting 4” of new on a base depth of 94-96”. 38 trails are open = 68km of groomed track & Skating lanes. Sledding & Tubing Areas are open today (9-4). ( Snow / 29F / Lt 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 no controls with exception to those listed below…
Carry Tire Chains. Call Ahead for updates. Or log on to www.nvroads.com
Hwy 89-Emerald Bay Road is now open.
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 www.bikeandskitahoe.com.