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

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

Today is Thursday, February 9.

WINTER STORM WARNING IN AFFECT FROM 10:00AM THRU 1:00AM SATURDAY. RAIN & STRONG GUSTY WINDS REPORTED AT RESORTS WITH MOST ALL RESORTS CLOSED. CALL AHEAD…

OPEN RESORTS:
HEAVENLY: CALIFORNIA BASE SIDE OPEN UP TO TOP OF POWDER BOWL.
SIERRA AT TAHOE: LOWER FRONT SIDE LIFTS TURNING UP TO TOP OF NOB HILL
DIAMOND PEAK: LOWER LIFTS & TOWS TURNING
NORTHSTAR: STARTING WITH FRONT SIDE LIFTS
SUGAR BOWL: LOWER LIFTS TURNING
SQUAW VALLEY: LOWER LIFTS TURNING W/RED DOG, SQUAW CREEK & FAR EAST SCHEDULED
ALPINE MEADOWS: 2 SURFACE LIFTS TURNING
MAMMOTH MTN: 4 LIFTS OUT OF CANYON & EAGLE LODGES
ALL OTHE RESORTS ARE CLOSED FOR THE DAY…
WEAR YOUR GORE-TEX OUTERWEAR WITH A HOOD AND TAKE A SKIGEE OR CLOTH TO WIPE GOGGLES… BE SAFE AND SKI & RIDE WITH A BUDDY IF YOU GO OFF-PISTE.
SURFACE CONDITIONS ARE WET SNOW ON LOWER ELEVATION SLOPES, MACHINE GROOMED AND SKIER/RIDER WET PACKED SNOW. STAY OUT OF THE BACKCOUNTRY TODAY…

TODAY’S WEATHER (NWS GREATER LAKE TAHOE AREA): Slight chance of rain and snow in the morning, then rain and heavy snow in the afternoon. Snow level 8000 to 8500 feet. Snow accumulation of 4 to 8 inches above 8000 feet. Highs: 48F to 53F. Southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 60 mph increasing to 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 75 mph in the afternoon. Ridge gusts up to 145 mph.
TONIGHT: Heavy rain and heavy snow. Snow level 7500 to 8000 feet. Snow accumulation of 6 to 12 inches above 7500 feet. Lows: 29F to 34F. Southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. Ridge gusts up to 135 mph decreasing to 120 mph after midnight.
FRIDAY: Snow and rain likely in the morning, then chance of snow and rain in the afternoon. Snow accumulation of 2 to 5 inches…with 3 to 6 inches above 7000 feet. Highs: 38F to 43F. Southwest winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. Ridge gusts up to 85 mph..
WINTER STORM WARNING
REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 1 AM PST SATURDAY…
Timing: High elevation snow will develop this morning and continue through this evening. A second wave of snowfall and lower snow levels is expected Friday afternoon and evening.
Snow Levels: 8000 to 8500 feet this afternoon falling to near 6000 feet by Friday afternoon.
Snow Accumulations: 1 to 2 feet above 8000 feet with up to 3 feet along the crest. 6 to 12 inches between 7000 to 8000 feet. Rain will turn to snow Friday morning at lake level with 2 to 5 inches possible by Friday evening.
Strong Winds Today: Strong and gusty winds 60 to 70 mph in the valleys by daybreak. Wind across the ridges may reach near 150 mph. Winds will diminish tonight.
Waves on Lake Tahoe Today: 3 to 7 feet with highest waves from mid-lake to north and east shores.
Travel Impacts: High elevation passes such as Mt Rose and Carson Pass may see accumulating snow and chain controls by early this afternoon. Other lower Sierra passes such as Donner Summit, Spooner, Echo Summit will change over to snowfall tonight.
Wind Impacts: Periods of white out conditions possible in areas of blowing snow. Trees weakened by recent heavy rain and snow are prone to falling in high winds. Power outages and property damage such as downed fences are also possible. Plan for hazardous travel conditions for high profile vehicles. Consider delaying or rerouting travel around wind prone areas. Strong turbulence and wind shear will impact aviation interests in the region possibly resulting in delays or cancellations.
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 with a Hood. Take a hat or beanie and wear a Helmet for Safety. Also wear Good Yellow, Orange or Rose Tinted Goggles and gore-tex lined gloves. Take a SkiGee or Lens Cloth to wipe goggles… Don’t forget to use Sunscreen & Chapstick when the sun is out and Stay Hydrated at altitude!

SURFACE CONDITIONS: Surface Conditions are Wet Machine Groomed & Skier-Rider Packed Snow with areas of Wet 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 a base of 131-183”. 8 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with Mtn. Access from 1 Base Facilities, including (The Gondola on WIND HOLD); California Base; (Stagecoach & Boulder on WIND HOLD). 8 Lifts in California, including, Gunbarrel, Powderbowl, (Canyon & Sky ON HOLD). ALL Lifts in Nevada, including Stagecoach & Boulder, Plus, Tamarack, Dipper, Comet, Olympic & Northbowl, Mott Canyon…91 Trails are open (46MG) + Killebrew & Mott Canyon. Groove & High Roller T-Parks CLOSED. (, MG & SKRPkd Snow/ 35F / Mixed Precip / Mod-Strong Winds). Tubing on HOLD (11-4). Alpine Coaster is CLOSED. Epic Race Closed. 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:) Is reporting a base depth of 105-166”. 5 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4) -WWP, with including Easy Rider, Rock Gardne & Nob Hill… (Grandview to the top of the Front Side, El Dorado & Short Stuff on the Back Side and the West Bowl all CLOSED. 16 runs open with (12MG). 2 T-Parks open. (Wet MG & SKRPkd Snow / 38F / Rain / Mod Winds). Blizzard Mountain Closed with Snowshoe Trails & Snow Play Area Closed (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: Luther Pass – Pickett’s Junction:) is CLOSEDTODAY and reports a base of 48-100”. The Yurt is closed (10-4) at Pickett’s Junction for XC & Snowshoe rentals. 10 miles of Groomed XC & Snowshoe trails available and over 30km of Skier-Packed trails including 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: Closed at Spur) is CLOSED TODAY… reporting a base depth of 132-168”. 11 Lifts & Tows are starting off on HOLD (9-4), including, Chairs #6 & #10 on HOLD on the Front Side out of the Village; Chairs #2, #3 & #4 to the Back Side & Vista Tow are on HOLD; Plus Chair #7 & #9 at Timber Creek Lodge on HOLD. 0 runs are open (0MG). T-Parks Closed. (Wet MG & SKRPkd Snow/ 33F / Mixed Precip / Mod-Strong Winds). Kirkwood XC Center is Open with 40KM including Schneider Camp. Call Ahead for updates: 877-KIRKWOOD / www.kirkwood.com

NEVADA & EAST SHORE RESORTS

*DIAMOND PEAK: (Hwy 28:) Is reporting a base depth of 62-106”. 3 Lifts & Tow are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, including (Crystal Express to the top COSED), Lakeview, Lodgepole & Schoolhouse Lifts. 17 runs are open (12MG). Terrain Park CLOSED. (Wet, MG & SKRPkd / 54F / Rain / Lt-Strong Winds). For more info call: 775-831-1177 / www.diamondpeak.com

*MT. ROSE SKI TAHOE: (Hwy 431: R1) Is CLOSED TODAY… reporting a base of 172”… 0 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to turn (9-4)- WWP, (Chuter Lift & Chutes CLOSED). 0 Runs are open (0MG). Badlands Terrain Parks CLOSED. (Wet, MG & SKRPP/ Mixed Precip / 40F / Mod-Strong Winds). Call Ahead for updates: 800-SKIROSE / www.skirose.com

TRUCKEE AREA RESORTS

*NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA: (Hwy 267:) is reporting n a base depth of 77-150”. 14 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (8:30-4)-WWP, on the Front Side, Back Side & Look Out Mtn. Starting with Lifts on the Front Side… 71 Runs are open. (43MG), Plus all Glades are open. 5 T-Parks open with 102 Features; 18’ Half Pipe open, Plus, 3 Kid’s Adventure Parks open. (Wet MG & SKRPkd / 46F / Mixed Precip / Mod Winds). XC Center is scheduled to open (9-4) with 23 trails = 32.1 km of groomed tracks. Tubing Center Closed (10-3). The Village Ice Rink is scheduled to open (12-9). Call Ahead for updates: 530-562-1330 / www.northstarcalifornia.com

*TAHOE DONNER SKI AREA: is CLOSED TODAY… reporting a base depth of 150-170”. 0 Lifts & Tow will turn on Delayed opening (9-4)-WWP, with 0 runs open (0MG). Mini T-Park Closed with 5 features. (Wet MG & SKRPkd Snow / Rain / 43F / Lt-Mod Winds).

*TAHOE DONNER XC: is OPEN (8:30-5:00) is CLOSED TODAY… reporting a base of 65”. 0 Trails are open-WWP, = 0 Km for XC Skiing & Snowshoeing. Fat tire biking on Hold… Dog trails open before 9:45am and after 3:00pm. (Rain / 43F / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info Call: 530-587-9484 / www.skitahoedonner.com

DONNER SUMMIT RESORTS

*BOREAL MOUNTAIN RESORT: (I-80:) Is CLOSED TODAY… reporting a base depth of 247”. 0 Lifts are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, Including Accelerator to the Top on HOLD, Castle Peak open till 3:00pm. 0Runs open (0MG). 4 T-Parks CLOSED… (Wet, MG & SKRPkd /Rain / 41F / Mod Winds). Woodward Tahoe training open daily. For more info: 530-426-3666 / www.rideboreal.com

*SODA SPRINGS WINTER RESORT: (I-80: to Hwy 40:) Is open Thurs-Mondays. CLOSED TODAY… Reporting a base of 100”. 0 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate including Lion’s Head Chair & Crystal Bowl (10-4)-WWP, with 0 Trails open (0MG). Plus, Planet Kids, Tube Carousel & Tube Town are CLOSED. (Wet MG & SKRPPkd Snow / Rain / 40F / Lt-Mod Winds). Mini Snowmobiles & Sleigh Rides are Closed. Call Ahead. 530-426-3901 www.skisodasprings.com

*ROYAL GORGE XC: (I-80: to Hwy 40:) Is CLOSED TODAY (8:30-4). They have a base of 60”. 0 Tracks = 0 Km of groomed trails open. (Rain / 40F / 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: to Hwy 40: – Hwy 40 from Truckee: CLOSED) Is reporting a base of 125-207”. 4 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with Christmas Tree, Disney, Nob Hill & Jerome Hill. (Lincoln scheduled on HOLD). 52 Runs are open (28MG) (Wet MG & SKRPkd / Mixed Precip / 36F / Mod Winds). Access will be from the Judah Portal & Gondola. For more info: 530-426-1111 / www.sugarbowl.com

*DONNER SKI RANCH: (Hwy 40: from I-80: / from Truckee: CLOSED) is CLOSED TODAY. They report a base of 110-130”. 0 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP. 35 Runs are closed (20MG). (Wet Heavy PWDR, MG & SKRFP / Mixed Precip / 35F / Mod-Strong Winds). Old School Days Tues-Thurs with $40 Lift Tickets. Tubing Hill is closed (10-4). For more info: 530-426-3635 / www.donnerskiranch.com

WEST SHORE / NORTHLAKE TAHOE RESORTS

*HOMEWOOD MOUNTAIN RESORT: (Hwy 89: / Emerald Bay Road: CLOSED) is CLOSED TODAY. They report a base depth of 80-164”. 0 Lifts & tows are scheduled to turn (9-4)-WWP, including Madden Chair, Quail Chair, Old Homewood Express & Ellis Chair. 0 runs are open (0MG). T-Parks Closed. (Wet MG & SKRPkd / Rain / 49F / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info: Guest services: 530-525-2992. Snow Phone: 530-525-2900 / www.skihomewood.com

*GRANLIBAKKEN RESORT: (Hwy 89:) Ski & Snowboard Hill is open (9-4:30) Fridays thru Mondays (Closed today)… They have 2” of new on a base of 50”. 0 Beginner Tows and terrain are open. Their XC Trails, Sledding & Snow Play are open daily. (9-4:30). (Rain / 43F / Lt-Mod Winds) Call Ahead: 530-581-7533 / www.granlibakken.com

*TAHOE XC CENTER: (Hwy 28:) Is CLOSED TODAY. They report a base of 70”. They are grooming Trails for Classic XC, Ski Skating & Snowshoeing. Call Ahead. Plus, 3 Dog Trails and 3 warming huts open. (Rain / 38F / Lt-Mod Winds).

*TAHOE CITY WINTER SPORTS PARK: (Hwy 28: 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:) is reporting a base of 167”, and is planning to open… 2 Lifts Surface Lifts are scheduled to turn (9-4)-WWP. All other Lifts on WIND HOLD. Call Ahead. ? Runs are open (?MG). (Wet, MG & SKRPkd / 38F / Rain / Mod-Strong Winds). Squaw-Alpine Express Shuttle Running between resorts offered. For more info: 530-581-8374 / www.skialpine.com

*SQUAW VALLEY: (Hwy 89:) is reporting a base of 178”. Is planning to open… Call Ahead. 9 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, from the Base including Red Dog, Squaw Creek & Far East.. 0 Lifts scheduled on the Upper Mtn. with all CLOSED. 11 Trails open (6MG). (Wet MG & SKRPkd / 35F / Rain / Mod-Strong Winds). For more info: 530-452-4335 / www.squaw.com

CENTRAL SIERRA RESORTS

*MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN: (Hwy 395:) Is reporting a base ranging from 165-310”. 4 Lifts & Tows scheduled to operate (8:30-4)-WWP, with All Lifts out of the Main Lodge on HOLD or CLOSED, Plus, Village Gondola & 2 Lifts turning out of Canyon Lodge, and 1 lifts out of Eagle Lodge. 39 Trails are open (27MG), Plus 6 Terrain Parks Closed. (MG & SKRPkd / 37F / Mixed Precip / Mod-Strong Winds). Call Ahead… 888-766-9778 / www.mammothmountain.com

*JUNE MOUNTAIN: (Hwy 395:) Is CLOSED TODAY… reporting a base of 48-120”. 0 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4). 0 trails open. (Wet, MG & SKRPP/ 40F / Rain / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info call: 760-934-2224 / www.junemountain.com

*DODGE RIDGE: (Hwy 108:) is reporting a base of 121-141”. 6 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to turn (9-4)-WWP. 68 Trails are open (30MG) + 2 T-Parks. (Wet, MG & SKRPkd / Rain / 37F / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info call: 209-536-5300 / www.dodgeridge.com

*BEAR VALLEY MOUNTAIN RESORT: (Hwy 4:) – (Ebbetts Pass from Markleeville is Closed) is CLOSED TODAY… reporting a base depth of 135”. 0 Lifts & Tow are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, on the Front Side and Backside with Lower Mtn CLOSED. 0 Trails open (0MG) + 2 T-Parks are Closed. (Wet MG & SKRPkd / Rain / 43F / Mod-Strong Winds). For more info: 209-753-2301 #2 / www.bearvalley.com

*BEAR VALLEY XC CENTER: (Hwy 4:) Is CLOSED TODAY… reporting a base depth of 96-102”. 0 trails are open = 0km of groomed track & Skating lanes. Sledding & Tubing Areas are Closed today (9-4). ( Rain / 40F / Lt-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 controls:
Carry Tire Chains. 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:
CLOSED: Hwy 89 Emerald Bay Road; Hwy 50 CLOSED between Cave Rock & Glenbrook due to rock slides
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.