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

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

Today is February 16.

A WET & WILD DAY AS A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS POSTED! STRONG WINDS ARE AFFECTING THE OPERATION OF UPPER MOUNTAIN LIFTS AT: HEAVENLY, MT ROSE, SIERRA AT TAHOE, KIRKWOOD, SQUAW, ALPINE, SUGAR BOWL, MAMMOTH… DONNER SKI RANCH CLOSED

TODAY’S WEATHER (NWS GREATER LAKE TAHOE AREA): Rain and snow in the morning, then showers in the afternoon. Snow level 6500 lowering to lake level. Snow accumulation up to 3 inches…with 4 to 10 inches above 6500. Highs: 40F to 45F. Southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. Ridge gusts up to 120 mph.

TONIGHT: Mostly Cloudy with a slight chance of snow showers in the evening, then partly cloudy after midnight. Lows: 20F to 25F. Southwest winds 10 to 20 mph. Gusts up to 45 mph in the evening. Ridge gusts up to 75 mph in the evening.

FRIDAY: Chance of snow in the morning, then snow in the afternoon. Snow accumulation 1 to 5 inches. Highs: 33F to 38F. Southeast winds 10 to 15 mph. Ridge gusts up to 50 mph increasing to 85 mph in the afternoon.

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT:
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM PST THIS AFTERNOON…
Timing: Snow, or a rain and snow mix below 7500 feet early this morning will continue through early this afternoon. The rain and snow below 7500 feet is expected to turn to all snow by late morning.
Snow Accumulations: 4 to 10 inches above 6500 feet, highest along and west of highway 89. Below 6500 feet, up to 3 inches.
Snow Levels: around 7500 feet early this morning falling to near 6000 feet by late morning.
Winds: South to southwest 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 45 mph. Sierra ridge gusts up to 120 mph.
Lake Tahoe waves: 2 to 4 feet…highest from mid lake to north and east shores.
Impacts: Watch for rapidly worsening conditions this morning with travel delays and chain controls over passes. Slushy roads are possible at lake level during periods of heavier snow. Dangerous boating conditions for small boats on Lake Tahoe. A few trees or tree limbs could fall, possibly causing power outages.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Even light snowfall causes major travel delays, especially during periods of high traffic volume. Be sure to allow extra time to reach your destination. If traveling in a high profile vehicle, be prepared for strong gusty winds, especially Thursday morning.
Active Weather Pattern Continues…
A series of storms will impact the region today through the middle of next week. The strongest storm in the series will impact the Sierra and western Nevada late Sunday night through Tuesday.
Strong gusty winds will continue in the Sierra and Sierra Front Range this morning through this afternoon. Expect snow and rapidly worsening conditions in the Sierra this morning with possible travel delays and chain controls over passes.
Friday will bring another round of mountain snow and valley rain. There will be a break Saturday afternoon through Sunday before a much stronger storm arrives late Sunday night and lasts into Tuesday. The system for early next week will bring significant precipitation amounts. Snow levels remain uncertain and will greatly affect the potential for runoff and flooding, especially for northeast California and the northern Sierra.
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 recommendation is to utilize the quieter periods to clear snow, mud and debris from storm drains and poor drainage areas, and to keep flood mitigation measures in place through next week.

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 with orange or rose tinted lenses, and warm water proof lined gloves. 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 Wet Snow with some areas of Firm Packed snow on Southern Exposures.

SAFETY MESSAGE: Stay on designated Opened Trails only. Do Not Duck Rope Closure Lines! 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 Strong Winds a base of 131-183”. 21 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with Mtn. Access from all 4 Base Facilities, including the Gondola, California Base, Stagecoach & Boulder Lodges… 11 Lifts & Tows in California including Gunbarrel, Powderbowl, Canyon & (Sky Express On WIND HOLD). 10 Lifts will turn in Nevada, including Comet (Tamarack & Dipper on WIND HOLD), Olympic & Mott Canyon. 91 Trails are open (55MG) + Killebrew & Mott Canyon. Groove & High Roller T-Parks open. (MG & SKRPP/ 30F / Snow / Mod-Strong Winds). Tubing open (11-4). Epic Race Closed. Complimentary Shuttles running to all open base facilities. (Hwy 207: R1) Call Ahead for updates: 1-800-HEAVENLY / www.skiheavenly.com

*SIERRA AT TAHOE: (Hwy 50: OPEN: R2) Is reporting n a base depth of 111-174”. 8 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, including (Grandview to the top of the Front Side on WIND HOLD), Short Stuff on the Back Side and the West Bowl on DELAY. 43 runs open with (28MG). 6 Freestyle T-Parks open. (MG & SKR FP / 42F / Snow Flurries / Mod-Strong Winds). Blizzard Mountain with Snow Shoe Trails & Snow Play Area are open (10-4) Snow Tubing Closed. 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: R2) is reporting a base depth of 132-168”. 11 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, including, Chairs #1. #5, # 11, (#6 & #10 = Possible WIND HOLD) on the Front Side out of the Village; Chairs (#2, Vista Tow, #3 & #4 to the Back Side possible on HOLD); Plus Chair #7 & #9 at Timber Creek Lodge to opened. 86 runs are scheduled to open (25MG). Bandit T-Park Open. (MG & SKRPP / 29F / Snow / Mod-Strong Winds). Kirkwood XC Center is Open with 60KM of trails. Call Ahead for updates: 877-KIRKWOOD / www.kirkwood.com

NEVADA & EAST SHORE RESORTS

*DIAMOND PEAK: (Hwy 28: R1) Is reporting a base depth of 62-106”. 4 Lifts & Tow are scheduled to operate (9-4), including Crystal Express to the top, Lakeview, Lodgepole & Schoolhouse Lifts. 31 runs are open (20MG). Terrain Park open. (Wet MG & SKRPP / 46F /Mixed Precip / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info call: 775-831-1177 / www.diamondpeak.com

*MT. ROSE SKI TAHOE: (Hwy 431: R1) Is reporting 4-5” of new on a base of 195”… 3 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to turn (9-4)-WWP, including (Northwest 6 to the top of Rose Side & Blazing Zephyr to top of Slide side on WIND HOLD). Lakeview, Galena, Wizard (& Flying Jenny & Chuter Lift & Chutes are CLOSED. 50 Runs are open (40MG). Badlands Terrain Park open with 13 features. (MG & SKRPP/ Snow / 30F / Mod-Strong Winds). Ladies Day with $29 Lift Tickets… Call Ahead for updates: 800-SKIROSE / www.skirose.com

TRUCKEE AREA RESORTS

*NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA: (Hwy 267: R2) is reporting n a base depth of 84-166”. 16 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (8:30-4)-WWP, with access to the Front Side, Back Side & Look Out Mtn. 95 Runs are open. (59MG), Plus all 7 Glades Areas 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 / 28F / Snow / Mod-Strong 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 (9MG). Mini T-Park open. (Wet MG & SKRPP / Snow / 32F / Lt-Mod 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. (Snow/ 32F / Lt-Mod 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 250”. 6 Lifts are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, Including Accelerator to the Top on & Castle Peak open till 9:00pm-WWP, Plus 49er, Cedar Ridge & Flying Dutchman on the backside scheduled to turn. 33 Runs open (8MG). T-Parks open. (MG & SKRPP / Snow / 31F / 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 and scheduled to open 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 (3MG). Plus, Planet Kids, Tube Carousel & Tube Town are open. (MG & SKRPP / Snow / 25F / Mod 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”. 24 Tracks = 34 Km of groomed trails open. (Snow / 32F / 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: Closed) Is reporting n a base of 100-180”. 4 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)- WWP, with (Lincoln on HOLD), Christmas Tree, Disney, Nob Hill & Jerome Hill. 73 Runs are open (38MG) (MG & SKRPP / Snow / 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: R2 / from Truckee: Closed) CLOSED TODAY DUE TO WINDS & LOW VISIBILITY: They report a base of 110-130”. 6 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4). 35 Runs are open (20MG). (MG & SKRPP / MClear / 30F / Mod-Strong 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 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 (26MG). T-Parks Closed. (Wet MG & SKRPP / Mixed Precip / 37F / Mod 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… CLOSED TODAY… 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). (Mixed Precip / 33F / Mod Winds) Call Ahead: 530-581-7533 / www.granlibakken.com

*TAHOE XC CENTER: (Hwy 28: R1) Is open and reports a base of 70”. They have 65km of trails open for Classic XC, Ski Skating & Snowshoeing. Call Ahead. Plus, 3 Dog Trails and 3 warming huts open. (Snow / 32F / Lt-Mod 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 a base of 110-183”. 13 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to turn (9-4)-WWP, 2 Surface Lifts with turn with (All LIFTS ON WIND HOLD, including Roundhouse, Sherwood, Alpine Bowl & Summit Six). 1 Runs are open (1MG). (MG & SKRPP / 33F / Snow / Mod-Strong 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 a base of 100-192”. 24 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP. 13 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate from the Base including KT22, Red Dog, Squaw Creek & Far East. (Funitel & Aerial Tram on WIND HOLD). (All 9 Lifts scheduled on the Upper Mtn. including Gold Coast, Siberia, Headwall & Shirley Lake on WIND HOLD). 33 Trails open (13MG). (MG & SKRPP/ 33F / Snow / Mod-Strong 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”. 18 Lifts & Tows scheduled to operate (8:30-4)-WWP, with 6 Lifts out of the Main Lodge, Plus, Village Gondola & 9 Lifts turning out of Canyon Lodge, and 3 lifts out of Eagle Lodge. 158 Trails are open (85MG), Plus 7 Terrain Parks open. (MG & SKRPP / 28F / Snow / Mod-Strong Winds). Call Ahead… 888-766-9778 / www.mammothmountain.com

*JUNE MOUNTAIN: (Hwy 395:) Is reporting a base of 48-120”. 3 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP,. 41 trails open. (MG & SKRPP / 39F / Mixed Precip/ 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 / PCldy / 35F / 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 1” of new on a base depth of 132”. 6 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, on the Front Side and Backside with Lower Mtn accessible. 46 Trails open (27MG) + 2 T-Park open. (MG & SKRPP / Snow / 32F / Mod-Strong Winds). For more info: 209-753-2301 #2 / www.bearvalley.com

*BEAR VALLEY XC CENTER: (Hwy 4: R2) is reporting a base depth of 90-96”. 31 trails are open = 47km of groomed track & Skating lanes. Sledding & Tubing Areas are open (9-4). (Snow / 32F / 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 CHAIN controls ;
Carry Tire Chains. Call Ahead for updates. Or log on to www.nvroads.com
R1= Chains or Snow Tires Required: Hwy 207-Kingsbury; Hwy 50-Spooner; Hwy 28 East Shore; Hwy 28 North Lake Tahoe; Hwy 431-Mt Rose; Hwy 89-DL Bliss to Tahoe City; Hwy 89-Tahoe City to Truckee;
R2= Chains Mandatory with exception of 4WD with 4 Snow Tires: Interstate 80; Hwy 50 Echo; Hwy 89 Emerald Bay Road; Hwy 267-Brockway Summit
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: www.bikeandskitahoe.com.