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 February 14.

HAPPY ST. VALENTINE’S DAY AND LAKE TAHOE DISCOVERY DAY! ON THIS DAY IN 1844, JOHN C. FREMONT ALONG WITH SCOUT KIT CARSON DISCOVERED A BIG MOUNTAIN LAKE FROM THE TOP OF A PEAK NEAR CARSON PASS…

GET OUT AND DISCOVER RUNS THAT HAVEN’T BEEN ACCESSIBLE FOR A FEW YEARS WITH THIS YEAR’S GREAT SNOWPACK. OFF-PISTE & TREE SKIING ROUTES ARE OPEN. SKI & RIDE WITH A BUDDY. HAVE FUN AND BE SAFE!

TODAY’S WEATHER (NWS GREATER LAKE TAHOE AREA): Expect Partly Cloudy Skies in the morning then becoming Sunny. Highs: 42F-47F (32F-37F on the Slopes) and Light Winds.
TONIGHT: Partly Cloudy. Lows: 14F to 24F. Light Winds.
WEDNESDAY: Partly Cloudy in the morning then becoming Mostly Cloudy. Highs: 47F to 52F. Southwest Winds 10-15 mph.
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT:
Active Weather Pattern Returns Thursday…
A series of weak to moderate storms is expected to impact the region beginning Thursday and potentially lasting through the middle of next week. There is potential for strong winds across the Sierra Front Range and along the Highway 395 and Interstate 580 corridor late Wednesday night into Thursday morning. Additional rain and snow will create periods of difficult travel conditions in the Sierra.

Current projections don’t indicate any strong storms. However, with very wet antecedent conditions in lower elevations and exceptionally deep snowpack at higher elevations, even small amounts of precipitation could create renewed flooding concerns.

The main flooding concerns will continue to be along smaller streams, areas of poor drainage, and main stem rivers in northeast California such as the Pit, Susan and Middle Fork Feather, which have already seen flooding this past week.
Our recommendations are to utilize the next two dry weather days to clear snow, mud and debris from storm drains and poor drainage areas, and to keep flood mitigation measures in place.

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

SURFACE CONDITIONS: Surface Conditions are Machine Groomed & Skier-Rider Packed Powder.

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”. 23 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4) with Mtn. Access from all 4 Base Facilities, including the Gondola, California Base, Stagecoach & Boulder Lodges… with 11 Lifts & Tows in California including Gunbarrel, Powderbowl, Canyon & Sky. 12 Lifts will turn in Nevada, including Comet & Dipper, Olympic & Mott Canyon. 92 Trails are open (52MG) + Killebrew & Mott Canyon. Groove & High Roller T-Parks open. (MG & SKRPP/ 24F / MClear / Lt-Mod Winds). Tubing open (11-4). Epic Race 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: Closed @ Pollock Pines) Is reporting n a base depth of 112-178”. 8 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4) including Grandview to the top of the Front Side, Short Stuff on the Back Side and the West Bowl open. 46 runs open with (30MG). 6 Freestyle T-Parks open. (MG & SKRPP / 31F / Clear / Lt-Mod Winds). Blizzard Mountain with Snow Shoe Trails, Tubing Hill & Snow Play Area are open (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 open and reports a base of 48-100”. The Yurt is open (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:) is reporting a base depth of 132-168”. 11 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4) including, Chairs #1. #5, #6, #11 & #10 on the Front Side out of the Village; Chairs #2, Vista Tow, #3 & #4 to the Back Side; Plus Chair #7 & #9 at Timber Creek Lodge to opened. 86 runs are scheduled to open (31MG). Bandit T-Park Open. (MG & SKRPP / 27F / Clear / Lt Winds). Kirkwood XC Center is Open with 35KM of trails. 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”. 4 Lifts & Tow are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, including Crystal Express to the top, Lakeview, Lodgepole & Schoolhouse Lifts. 31 runs are open (19MG). Terrain Park open. (MG & SKRPP / 32F / Clear / Lt Winds). For more info call: 775-831-1177 / www.diamondpeak.com

*MT. ROSE SKI TAHOE: (Hwy 431:) Is reporting a base of 198”… 7 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to turn (9-4), including Northwest 6 to the top of Rose Side & Blazing Zephyr to top of Slide side. Chuter Lift & Chutes are open. 50 Runs are open (38MG). Badlands Terrain Park being rebuilt (MG & SKRPP/ MClear / 26F / Lt Winds). Two Fer Tuesday… Two Lift Tickets for the Price of One… Call Ahead for updates: 800-SKIROSE / www.skirose.com

TRUCKEE AREA RESORTS

*NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA: (Hwy 267:) is reporting n a base depth of 89-180”. 16 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (8:30-4) on the Front Side, Back Side & Look Out Mtn. 97 Runs are open. (59MG), Plus all Glades are open. 4 T-Parks open with 94 Features; 18’ Half Pipe & Mini Pipe open, Plus, 3 Kid’s Adventure Parks with 100 features open. (MG & SKRPP / 24F / MClear / Lt Winds). XC Center is scheduled to open (8:30-4) with 23 trails = 32.1 km of groomed tracks. Tubing Center is open (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 reporting a base depth of 150-170”. 5 Lifts & Tow will turn (9-4) with 16 runs open (10MG). Mini T-Park open. (MG & SKRPP / PCldy / 21F / Lt Winds).

*TAHOE DONNER XC: is OPEN (8:30-5:00) is reporting a base of 65”. 44 Trails are open for XC Skiing & Snowshoeing. Fat tire biking & Dog trails open. (PCldy / 21F / Lt Winds). For more info Call: 530-587-9484 / www.skitahoedonner.com

DONNER SUMMIT RESORTS

*BOREAL MOUNTAIN RESORT: (I-80:) Is reporting a base depth of 250”. 6 Lifts are scheduled to operate (9-4) Including Accelerator to the Top on & Castle Peak open till 9:00pm, Plus 49er, Cedar Ridge & Flying Dutchman on the backside scheduled to turn. 31 Runs open (7MG). T-Parks open. (MG & SKRPP / MClear / 22F / Lt 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… They are reporting a base of 100”. 6 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate including Lion’s Head Chair & Crystal Bowl (10-4) with 13 Trails open (5MG). Plus, Planet Kids, Tube Carousel & Tube Town are open. (MG & SKRPP / MClear / 20F / Lt Winds). Mini Snowmobiles & Sleigh Rides are open. Call Ahead. 530-426-3901 www.skisodasprings.com

*ROYAL GORGE XC: (I-80: to Hwy 40:) Is open (8:30-4). They have a base of 60”. 52 Tracks = 71 Km of groomed trails open. (MCldy / 24F / Lt 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:) Is reporting n a base of 105-186”. 5 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)- with Lincoln, Christmas Tree, Disney, Nob Hill & Jerome Hill. 80 Runs are open (37MG) (MG & SKRPP / MClear / 28F / Lt 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:) They report a base of 110-130”. 6 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4). 35 Runs are open (20MG). (MG & SKRPP / MClear / 23F / Lt 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: / Emerald Bay Road: open) is reporting a base depth of 88-191”. 7 Lifts & tows are scheduled to turn (9-4)-WWP, including Madden Chair, Quail Chair, Old Homewood Express & Ellis Chair. 58 runs are open (24MG). T-Parks Closed. (MG & SKRPP / Clear / 30F / Lt 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… They have a base of 50”. 2 Beginner Tows and terrain are open. Their XC Trails, Sledding & Snow Play are open daily. (9-4:30). (PCldy / 27F / Lt Winds) Call Ahead: 530-581-7533 / www.granlibakken.com

*TAHOE XC CENTER: (Hwy 28:) Is open and reports a base of 70”. They have 65km of grooming Trails for Classic XC, Ski Skating & Snowshoeing. Call Ahead. Plus, 3 Dog Trails and 3 warming huts open. (MClear / 26F / Lt 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 110-197”. 13 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to turn (9-4), including Roundhouse, Sherwood, Alpine Bowl & Summit Six. 78 Runs are open (38MG). (MG & SKRPP / 19F / Clear / Lt-Mod 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 105-196”. 26 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4). 13 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate from the Base including KT22, Red Dog, Squaw Creek & Far East. Funitel & Aerial Tram open. 11 Lifts scheduled on the Upper Mtn. including Gold Coast, Siberia, Headwall, Granite Chief & Shirley Lake. 89 Trails open (44MG). (MG & SKRPP/ 25F / Clear / Lt-Mod Winds). Snow Tubing & mini Snowmobiles open (11-4). For more info: 530-452-4335 / www.squaw.com

CENTRAL SIERRA RESORTS

*MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN: (Hwy 395) Is reporting a base ranging from 178-340”. 24 Lifts & Tows scheduled to operate (8:30-4) with 13 Lifts out of the Main Lodge, Plus, Village Gondola & 8 Lifts turning out of Canyon Lodge, and 3 lifts out of Eagle Lodge. 160 Trails are open (45MG), Plus 7 Terrain Parks open. (MG & SKRPP / 26F / MClear / Lt-Mod Winds). Call Ahead… 888-766-9778 / www.mammothmountain.com

*JUNE MOUNTAIN: (Hwy 395:) Is reporting a base of 48-120”. 6 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4). 41 trails open. (MG & SKRPP / 12F / PCldy / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info call: 760-934-2224 / www.junemountain.com

*DODGE RIDGE: (Hwy 108:) is reporting a base of 72-108”. 10 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to turn (9-4)-WWP. 68 Trails are open (37MG) + T-Park open. (MG & SKRPP / MClear / 31F / Lt Winds). For more info call: 209-536-5300 / www.dodgeridge.com

*BEAR VALLEY MOUNTAIN RESORT: (Hwy 4:) – (Ebbetts Pass from Markleeville is Closed) is reporting a base depth of 138”. 8 Lifts & Tow are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, on the Front Side and Backside with Lower Mtn. 46 Trails open (24MG) + 2 T-Park open. (MG & SKRPP / Clear / 25F / Lt Winds). For more info: 209-753-2301 #2 / www.bearvalley.com

*BEAR VALLEY XC CENTER: (Hwy 4:) is reporting a base depth of 96-108”. 31 trails are open = 47km of groomed track & Skating lanes. Sledding & Tubing Areas are open (9-4). (MClear / 28F / 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 list below and Closed Roadways:
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 50 from Sly Park. HWY 50 Closed near Logan Creek Drive
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 an biking in Lake Tahoe, visit www.bikeandskitahoe.com.