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

Good Morning Lake Tahoe Skiers & Riders…

Happy Valentine’s Day and Lake Tahoe Discovery Day! Fresh Snow reported at the highest elevations at all resorts… Wet Weather, Strong Winds and Threat of Lightning has most scheduled lifts on Hold… Many Resorts opting to CLOSE Today… Call Ahead! Winter Strom Warning in effect thru 10 pm Thursday with snow level expected to lower today. Backcountry Avalanche Danger is High! Stay Dry and Be Safe!

TODAY’S WEATHER: Expect Rain & Snow. Snow Level 8000 Ft., lowering to 6500 Ft. Snow accumulation of 2-6” with 9-15” above 7000 Ft. Highs: 37F-47F. (27F-37F on the slopes) Southwest Winds 25-35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. Ridge gusts up to 130 mph.

TONIGHT: Snow. Snow accumulation of 6-12”, with 9-15” above 7000 Ft. Lows: 20F-30F. Southwest winds 25-35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. Ridge gusts up to 125 mph.

WINTER STORM WARNING:

WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM PST THURSDAY ABOVE 7000 FEET…

* CHANGES…None.

* WHAT…Heavy snow above 7000 feet. Total snow accumulations of 5 to 10 inches expected between 7000-8000 feet, except 2 to 5 feet expected above 8000 feet including Mammoth Lakes. Winds could gust as high as 55 mph with ridge gusts possibly exceeding 150 mph.

* WHERE…Greater Lake Tahoe Area and Mono County.

* WHEN…From 10 PM Tuesday evening to 10 PM PST Thursday.

* SNOW LEVEL: Snow levels are rising and should reach 8000-8500 feet by this afternoon and evening. Snow levels will then fall back below 6000 feet Thursday afternoon and evening.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. Very strong winds could cause extensive 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.

The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

AVALANCHE WARNING:

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

The Forest Service Sierra Avalanche Center has continued a BACKCOUNTRY AVALANCHE WARNING for the Greater Lake Tahoe Area.

* TIMING…In effect through 7 AM Friday.

* 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…Rain on snow, heavy snow, and gale force winds will create complicated and dangerous avalanche conditions. Expect a mix of wind slab, storm slab, and loose wet avalanche problems at all elevations. Rain on snow could also cause dangerous roof-avalanches as roofs still holding snow unload. Natural avalanches are likely and human-triggered avalanches are very likely. Some avalanches may be large and destructive.

* PRECAUTIONARY / PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…Travel in, near, or below avalanche terrain is not recommended. Consult: https://www.sierraavalanchecenter.org/orwww.avalanche.org

For 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 waterproof gloves, a hat or beanie, and wear a Helmet for Safety. Also, wear good (100% UV protection) Goggles (yellow-bronze-rose tinted). Don’t forget to stay hydrated at altitude!

SURFACE CONDITIONS: Surface Conditions are primarily Machine Groomed & Skier-Rider Packed Powder… with fresh wet snow on top.

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 a 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 the side of the run where it is safe and always check uphill for skiers and riders before restarting downhill.

BACKCOUNTRY ACCESS… “KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!” For more info: https://www.sierraavalanchecenter.org/advisory

HIGH avalanche danger exists at all elevations. Dangerous and complex avalanche conditions exist. Natural avalanches are likely and human-triggered avalanches are very likely. Large destructive avalanches could occur. Travel in, near or below avalanche terrain is not recommended. Rain on snow could also cause dangerous roof-avalanches under roofs that have not already unloaded.

SOUTH SHORE LAKE TAHOE & SURROUNDING AREAS

*HEAVENLY MOUNTAIN RESORT: Reports 10” of new snow and a mid-elevation base of 98”. 25 Lifts are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, ALL LIFTS ON LIGHTNING HOLD including Mtn. access from the (Heavenly Gondola & 5 Lifts & Tows including Tamarack Express & Big Easy on WIND HOLD); California Base with 12 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 scheduled. 97 Trails to open (48MG). Mott & Killebrew Canyon Gates scheduled to open. Re-Mix & Groove T-Parks open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 29F / Rain-Snow / Mod-Strong Winds). Gondola Site Seeing is on HOLD (9-4). Tubing Closed (11-4) & Ridge Rider Coaster Closed (11-4). Guided UTV Tours Closed (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 4” of new snow on a base of 94-152”. 7 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with Grandview, Nob Hill & Easy Rider. Short Stuff to the back side & West Bowl. 43 Trails are open (26MG). Terrain Parks Closed. Huckleberry Canyon not likely to open today. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 35F / Rain / Lt-Mod Winds). Snow Play & Snowshoe trails adventures Closed. Snow Tubing Hill Closed. 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 48-60” from Picketts Junction to Red Lake. 10 miles of marked & skier packed XC & Snowshoe trails. Burnside Lake Trail open. XC & Snowshoe rentals available cash or check please as they are off the grid. $10 Donations for trails use is requested… Hosting Presentation… “Daily Flow for Avalanche Risk Management” this Friday, at 4:30 pm. For more info: 530-721-2015 / www.hopevalleyoutdoors.com

*KIRKWOOD MOUNTAIN RESORT:(Hwy 88: R2) Reports 9” of new on a base of 119”. 8 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, ALL LIFTS ON LIGHTNING HOLD… Including 5 Lifts out of the Village including Chair #1, Chair #5, Chair #6, Chair #11 & #10; 3 Lifts, (Chairs #2, Chair #3 & #4 to the Back Side on HOLD). 3 Lifts & Tows, including Chairs #7 & #9 out of Timber Creek Lodge. 84 Trails are open (35MG). Outlaw & Bandit T-Parks open. (MG & SKRPP / 33F / Snow / Mod-Strong 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 6” of new on a base depth of 68-90”. 4 Lifts are scheduled to operate today (9-4)-WWP, including Schoolhouse, Lodgepole, Lakeview and (Crystal Express on HOLD) to the top. 31 Trails to open (16MG). 3 T-Parks Closed. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 38F / Mixed Snow / 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: R2) Is CLOSED TODAY! They report 13-17” of new on a base of 102-140”. 0 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with Wizard, Galena, Lakeview & NW Magnum 6 to the top of the Rose Side; (Blazing Zephyr on the Slide Bowl Side & Chuter Lift serving the Chutes CLOSED). 0 Trails to open (0MG). Plus, 0 T-Parks open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 31F / Snow/ Mod-Strong Winds). Call Ahead for updates. 800-SKIROSE / www.mtrose.com

TRUCKEE AREA RESORTS

*NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA: (Hwy 267:) Reports 2-14” of new on a base of 71-140”. 13 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (8:30-4)-WWP, accessing the Front Side, Back Side & Look Out Mountain… 99 Trails to open (43MG) + 6 T-Parks open with 92 features, Pipe Closed. All 7 Glades are open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 33F / Snow / Mod Winds). XC & Snowshoe Center open (9-4). Tubing Center Closed (10-4). Village Ice Rink is Closed (12-9pm). For updates call: 530-562-1330 / www.northstarcalifornia.com

*TAHOE DONNER SKI AREA: Is open. They report 6” of new on a base of 115”. 3 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to turn (9-4) on delayed opening… including Eagle Rock & the new Snowbird Chair. 16 Trails are open (0MG). Mini Size T-Park Closed. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 30F / Rain-Snow / Lt 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 4” of new on a base of 85”. They have 17 XC Trails + 0 Snowshoe Trails open, offering 20+km of trails for XC Skiing & Snow Shoeing. Dogs allow today but no Fat Tire bikes allowed. (34F / Rain / 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 240”. 7 Lifts & Tows will operate with Accelerator Express & Castle Peak Lift from (9am-9pm); Cedar Ridge (9-3); California Cruiser Lift (9-6); Dutchman (11-3). 33 Trails are open (25MG). 4 T-Parks to open. (MG & SKRPP / 34F / Mixed-Snow / Mod Winds). Playland Tubing Park closed. 530-426-3666 / www.rideboreal.com

*SODA SPRINGS WINTER RESORT:(HWY 40:) is open Thursday-Mondays… They report 6” of new on a base of 240”. 5 lifts & tows are scheduled to operate (10-4)-WWP, with Lions Head & Crystal Bowl Chairs turning… 18 Trails are open (18MG). Planet Kids open for Family Fun (10am-4pm) with Tube Carousel & Sleigh Rides. (MG & SKRPP/ 25F / Mixed-Snow/ 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: Closed) Is open. They report 7-10” of new on a base of 110-168”. 7 Lifts are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, including Christmas Tree, Judah & Jerome Hill. (Plus, Gondola, Disney, Crow’s Peak & Lincoln Express on HOLD). 77 Trails open (43MG). 2 T-Parks closed. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 36F / Mixed-Snow/ Mod-Strong Winds). Access is from the Gondola to the Village & 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 are CLOSED Today! They report 3” of new on a base of 60”. They have 0 Trails open, offering 0 km of groomed trails for classic XC striding and skating. Dog Trails open. (32F / Mixed-Snow / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info: 530-426-3871 / www.royalgorge.com

*DONNER SKI RANCH:(Hwy 40:) Is CLOSED Today. They have a base of 130-180”. All Lifts & Tows are on HOLD (9-4), including Chairs #1, #2, 3, #4 & #6. 0 trails to open (0MG). Snow Tubing Closed (10am-4pm). (MG & SKRPP / 35F / Rain-Mixed / 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:) Is open and reports 2-5” of new on a base of 32-126”. 4 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, including the Madden Chair, (Ellis Chair, Quail Chair on HOLD) & Old Homewood Express for top to bottom skiing & Riding… Magic Carpet, South Carpet operating… 62 Trails are open (21MG). T-Park closed. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 33F / Mixed-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:) Ski Hill & Sledding is Friday thru Monday (9-4). They are Closed today… They Report 4” a base of 40”. 2 Lifts… The Poma Lift & Bunny Rope Tow closed (9-4) for skiing & riding. (MGPP / 32F / Snow / Lt-Mod Winds). XC Trails, Sledding & Snow Play area open daily. Call Ahead: 530-581-7533 / www.granlibakken.com

*TAHOE XC CENTER:(Hwy 28:) Is CLOSED today. (8:30-5) for XC Skiing & Snow Shoeing. They have a base of 20”. 0 Green Trails & 0 Yellow Trails open offering 0km of groomed XC & Snowshoe trails open, including Dog Trails open with restrictions. (36F / Rain / Lt-Mod Winds). No access to trails other than on XC Skis & Snowshoes… For more info, Call: 530-583-5475 or www.tahoexc.org

*TAHOE CITY WINTER SPORTS PARK. Located in Tahoe City: Due to Current Conditions & Weather, they are Closed today. The Ice Rink is Closed (10am-8pm). Café Zenon open. Sledding, XC & Snowshoeing trails Closed. Fat Tire Bikes Allowed, conditions permitting. For more info: 530-583-5475 / https://wintersportspark.com

*SQUAW VALLEY:(Hwy 89:) Is open and reports 0-12” of new on a base of 110-179”. 10 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with Lifts & Tows from the bottom scheduled to turn, including (The Aerial Tram on HOLD & Funitel on Lightning HOLD); Plus, (Red Dog, Far East, Squaw Creek on Lightning HOLD). (5 beginner tows will operate in the SnoVentures / Squaw Kids area on Lightning HOLD) (9-4). All Lifts on the upper mountain, including Gold Coast, Big Blue, Shirley Lake, Emigrant & Siberia are CLOSED), (Silvarado & Broken Arrow & Granite Chief CLOSED). 10 Trails to open (9MG). No T-Parks open. (MG & SKRPP / 42F / Mixed / Mod-Strong Winds). 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 5” of new on a base of 111-153”. 8 Lifts are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, including Big Carpet, Little Carpet & Subway… (Hot Wheels & Meadow, Roundhouse, Yellow, Kangaroo on WIND HOLD). (Summit & Alpine Bowl Closed), (Lakeview, Scott & Sherwood Closed). 0 Trails to open (0MG). 1 Terrain Park open. (MG & SKRPP / 39F / Cldy / 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: R1) Is open and reports 6” of new on a base of 140-210”. 17 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (8:30-4)-WWP, with 6 Lifts out of the Main Lodge including the Lower Gondola on WEATHER HOLD. 9 Lifts out of Canyon Lodge including the Village Gondola ON WEATHER HOLD… And, 2 Lifts out of Eagle Lodge ON WEATHER HOLD. 27 Trails are to open (57MG); Plus, 7 T-Parks open & 13 ft Pipe. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 31F / Snow / Mod-Strong Winds). For more info, Call Ahead: 888-766-9778 / www.mammothmountain.com

*JUNE MOUNTAIN:(Hwy 395: R1) Is open… They report 4-6” of new on a base of 60-120”. ALL Lifts are CLOSED, including J1, J2, J3 & J7, (9-4)-WWP, with 27 Trails open (0MG). (MG & SKRPP / 38F / Mixed-Snow / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info call: 760-934-2224 / www.junemountain.com

*YOSEMITE SKI & SNOWBOARD AREA: Is scheduled to open today. Call Ahead… They report a base of 36”. 4 Lifts are scheduled to turn (9-4)-WWP, with 10 runs open (MGPP / 34F / Rain / 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 CLOSED Today! and reports 2-4” of new on a base of 44-66”. 0 Lifts & Tows will operate (9-4)-WWP. 0 Trails are open (0MG). T-Park open. (MG & SKRPP / 34F / Mixed / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info: 209-536-5300 / www.dodgeridge.com

*BEAR VALLEY MOUNTAIN RESORT: Is CLOSED today… They report 6” of new on a base of 150”. 0 Lifts and Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, accessing both the front & backside of the mountain. 0 Trails are open (0MG). (MG & SKRPP / 35F / Mixed-Snow / Lt-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 100”. 26 trails are open = 33 km of groomed XC trails available. (34F / Rain / Lt-Mod Winds). Sledding & Snow Tubing Closed (9-4). For more info: 209-753-2834 / www.bearvalleyxc.com

CURRENT ROAD CONDITIONS: (as of 8:45 am)

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): R2

Hwy 88 (Woodfords to Picketts):

Hwy 88 (Gville-CA State Line):

Hwy 207 (Kingsbury Grade):

Hwy 89 (Emerald Bay Rd): Closed

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): R2

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