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

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

Today is February 20.

RAIN & SNOW WILL DAMPEN YOUR PRESIDENT’S DAY WITH A WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT THRU TUESDAY AFTERNOON. FRESH HEAVY SNOW REPORTED AT RESORTS CAUSING DELAYS IN LIFT OPERATIONS AFTER SNOW SAFETY PROCEDURES AND STRONG GUSTY WINDS AFFECTING OPERATION OF UPPER MOUNTAIN LIFTS.

DRESS FOR STORM CONDITIONS WITH YOUR GORE-TEX JACKET, WEAR ORANGE, YELLOW OR ROSE TINTED GOGGLES. TAKE A SKIGEE OR CLOTH TO CLEAR LENSES. SKI WITH A BUDDY OF YOU GO OFF-PISTE; HAVE FUN AND BE SAFE!

CARRY TIRE CHAINS AS ROAD CONTROLS ARE POSTED ON MOST HIGHWAYS IN AND AROUND THE LAKE AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE THRU-OUT THE DAY.

SURFACE CONDITIONS ARE WET POWDER IN LOWER ELEVATIONS RUNS AND HEAVY POWDER ON UPPER MOUNTAIN RUNS WITH MACHINE GROOMED AND SKIER-RIDER PACKED SNOW.

TODAY’S WEATHER (NWS GREATER LAKE TAHOE AREA): Heavy rain and heavy snow. Snow level 7500 feet. Snow accumulation of 8 to 24 inches above 7000 feet. Highs: 38F to 43F. Southwest winds 10 to 20 mph increasing to 20 to 30 mph in the late morning and afternoon. Gusts up to 55 mph. Ridge gusts up to 130 mph.
TONIGHT: Heavy rain and heavy snow. Snow level 7000 to 7500 feet lowering to near 6500 feet after midnight. Snow accumulation up to 8 inches above 6500 feet… with 8 to 20 inches above 7000 feet. Lows: 27F to 32F. Southwest winds 20 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph. Ridge gusts up to 155 mph.
TUESDAY: Snow and rain in the morning, then snow in the afternoon. Snow accumulation 3 to 8 inches… with 5 to 10 inches above 7000 feet. Highs: 33F to 38F. Southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. Ridge gusts up to 130 mph decreasing to 115 mph in the afternoon.

WINTER STORM WARNING
WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM PST TUESDAY…
Timing: Moderate to heavy snow and rain will continue through Tuesday with the heaviest snow expected this afternoon and evening.
Snow Accumulations: Above 7500 feet… 2 to 5 feet; Between 6500 and 7500 feet… 8 to 24 inches. Heaviest snow will be west of Highway 89 and along the Sierra crest. Below 6500 feet… Up to 8 inches mainly on Tuesday.
Winds: South to Southwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 55 mph. Sierra ridge gusts over 100 mph, with peak gusts up to 150 mph tonight. Wave Heights on Lake Tahoe: 2 to 5 feet with highest waves expected tonight from mid lake to the north and east shores.
Snow Levels: Between 7000 and 7500 feet through this evening, possibly lowering to near 6500 feet at times during periods of heavy precipitation. Snow levels will then fall to near 6500 feet by early Tuesday morning and below 6000 feet by Tuesday afternoon.
Impacts: Heavy snow will create dangerous conditions, with travel being severely impacted over the Sierra passes. Snowfall rates will exceed 2 inches per hour at times, producing whiteout conditions over the passes and in the backcountry.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Avoid travel today through Tuesday, 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 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 & Heavy Powder, Machine Groomed & Skier-Rider Packed Powder with some areas of Firm Packed snow.

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 9” of new on a base of 131-183”. 25 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (8:30-4)-WWP, with Mtn. Access from all 4 Base Facilities, including the Gondola, California Base, Stagecoach & Boulder Lodges… 12 Lifts & Tows in California including Gunbarrel, Powderbowl, Canyon (& Sky Express on WIND HOLD). 13 Lifts will turn in Nevada-WWP, including Comet, Tamarack & Dipper, Olympic & Mott Canyon. 91 Trails are open (62MG) + Killebrew & Mott Canyon. Groove T-Park open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP/ 25F / Snow / Mod-Strong Winds). Tubing open (11-4)-WWP. 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: R2) Is reporting 5” of new on a base depth of 110-178”. 11 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, including Grandview to the top of the Front Side, Short Stuff & El Dorado on the Back Side and the West Bowl open. Expect Delayed openings after Snow Safety. 44 runs open with (33MG). 6 Freestyle T-Parks open. (PWDR, MG & SKR PP / 32F /MCldy /Lt-Mod Winds). Blizzard Mountain with Snow Shoe Trails, Snow Play Area open & Tubing Hill 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 R2 – Pickett’s Junction: R2) is open and reports 4” of new on a base of 40-80”. 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 / Closed from Jackson) is reporting 7” of new on a base depth of 132-168”. 11 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP and After Snow Safety… including, Chairs #1. #5, # 11, #6 & #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 Closed. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 25F / 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 12” of new on a base depth of 62-106”. 6 Lifts & Tow are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, including Crystal Express to the top, Lakeview, Lodgepole, Red Fox, Ridge & Schoolhouse Lifts. 31 runs are open (21MG). Terrain Park open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 38F / Snow / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info call: 775-831-1177 / www.diamondpeak.com

*MT. ROSE SKI TAHOE: (Hwy 431: R1) Is reporting 3-8” of new on a base of 196”. CLOSED TODAY… 0 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; Plus, Lakeview, Galena, Wizard & Flying Jenny Scheduled… Chuter Lift & Chutes Gates are CLOSED. 50 Runs are CLOSED (40MG). 2 Terrain Parks are CLOSED. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP/ Snow / 26F / Mod-Strong Winds). Call Ahead for updates: 800-SKIROSE / www.skirose.com

TRUCKEE AREA RESORTS

*NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA: (Hwy 267: R2) is reporting 2” of new on a base depth of 88-168”. 20 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (8:30-4)-WWP, with access to the Front Side, Back Side & Look Out Mtn. 99 Runs are open. (66MG), Plus all 7 Glades Areas are open. 5 T-Parks open with 101 Features; 18’ Half Pipe & Mini Pipe open, Plus, 3 Kid’s Adventure Parks open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 28F / Mixed Precip / 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 (10-4). 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. (MG & SKRPP / Mixed Precip / 33F / Lt-Mod Winds).

*TAHOE DONNER XC: is OPEN (8:30-5:00) is reporting a base of 65”. 33 Trails are open for XC Skiing & Snowshoeing. Fat tire biking on Hold & Dog trails open. (Mix Precip / 33F / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info Call: 530-587-9484 / www.skitahoedonner.com

DONNER SUMMIT RESORTS

*BOREAL MOUNTAIN RESORT: (I-80: R2) Is reporting 5” of new on a base depth of 257”. 6 Lifts are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, Including Accelerator to the Top on & Castle Peak open till 9:00pm… Plus 49er, Cedar Ridge & Flying Dutchman turning. 33 Runs open (8MG). T-Parks open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / Snow / 32F / 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 and scheduled to open today… They are reporting 5” of new on a base of 135”. 6 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (10-4) including Lion’s Head Chair & Crystal Bowl. 13 Trails open (5MG). Plus, Planet Kids, Tube Carousel & Tube Town are schedule to open. (MG & SKRPP / Snow / 32F / Lt-Mod Winds). Mini Snowmobiles & Sleigh Rides are scheduled to open. Call Ahead. 530-426-3901 www.skisodasprings.com

*ROYAL GORGE XC: (I-80: R2to Hwy 40: R2) Is open (8:30-4). They have 8” of new on a base of 60”. 25 Tracks = 36 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 9-12” of new on a base of 117-202”. 10 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)- WWP, with Lincoln, Christmas Tree, Disney, Nob Hill, Disney, Judah & Jerome Hill. Plus, (Crows Peak & Summit Chair on HOLD). 88 Runs are open (47MG) (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / Snow / 32F / Mod-Strong 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) Is Open reporting 12” of new on a base of 118-135”. 6 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4). 35 Runs are open (20MG). (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / Snow / 32F / Mod Winds). Old School Days Tues-Thurs with $40 Lift Tickets. Tubing Hill is Closed today (10-4). For more info: 530-426-3635 / www.donnerskiranch.com

WEST SHORE / NORTHLAKE TAHOE RESORTS

*HOMEWOOD MOUNTAIN RESORT: (Hwy 89:/ Emerald Bay Road:) is reporting 8” of new on a base depth of 89-192”. 7 Lifts & tows are scheduled to turn (9-4)-WWP, including Madden Chair, Quail Chair, Old Homewood Express & Ellis Chair. 61 runs are open (22MG). T-Parks Closed. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / Snow / 32F / 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… They have 1” of new on a base of 52”. 2 Beginner Tows and terrain are open. Their XC Trails, Sledding & Snow Play are open daily. (9-4:30). (Mixed Precip / 33F / Lt Winds) Call Ahead: 530-581-7533 / www.granlibakken.com

*TAHOE XC CENTER: (Hwy 28: R2) Is open and reports 1” of new on a base of 70”. They are grooming out 65km of trails open for Classic XC, Ski Skating & Snowshoeing. Call Ahead. Plus, 3 Dog Trails and 3 warming huts open. (Snow / 32F / Lt Winds).

*TAHOE CITY WINTER SPORTS PARK: (Hwy 28: R2 – 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 5-7” of new on a base of 125-192”. 7 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to turn (9-4)-WWP, including Roundhouse, Subway & Yellow. (Summit Six, Alpine Bowl, Sherwood, Scott, Lakeview, Kangaroo on WIND HOLD). 27 Runs are open (16MG). (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 33F / Snow / 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 3-8” of new on a base of 105-208”. 30 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP. 12 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate from the Base including KT22, Red Dog, Squaw Creek & Far East. (Funitel & Aerial Tram on WIND HOLD). 13 Lifts scheduled on the Upper Mtn. All Upper Lifts on WIND HOLD). 35 Trails open (11MG). (PWDR, MG & SKRPP/ 32F / Snow / Mod-Strong Winds). Snow Tubing & mini Snowmobiles open (10-4). For more info: 530-452-4335 / www.squaw.com

CENTRAL SIERRA RESORTS

*MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN: (Hwy 395:) Is reporting 8” of new on a base ranging from 188-350”. 25 Lifts & Tows scheduled to operate (8:30-4)-WWP, with 13 Lifts out of the Main Lodge, Plus, 9 Lifts turning out of Canyon Lodge, and 3 lifts out of Eagle Lodge. 128 Trails are open (80MG), Plus 7 Terrain Parks open. Plus, 22’ & 13’ Half Pipes open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 26F / Snow / Mod-Strong Winds). Call Ahead… 888-766-9778 / www.mammothmountain.com

*JUNE MOUNTAIN: (Hwy 395:) Is reporting 6-8” of new on a base of 48-120”. 6 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP. 39 trails open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 32F / Snow / Mod Winds). For more info call: 760-934-2224 / www.junemountain.com

*DODGE RIDGE: (Hwy 108: R2) is reporting 1-7” of new on a base of 76-132”. 10 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to turn (9-4)-WWP. 69 Trails are open (43MG) + T-Park open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / Snow / 31F / Lt-Mod 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 6” of new on a base depth of 150”. 8 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, on the Front Side and Backside with Lower Mtn accessible. 53 Trails open (31MG) + 2 T-Park open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / Snow / 32F / Mod Winds). For more info: 209-753-2301 #2 / www.bearvalley.com

*BEAR VALLEY XC CENTER: (Hwy 4: R2) is reporting 7” of new on a base depth of 96-108”. 14 trails are open = 17km of groomed track & Skating lanes. Sledding & Tubing Areas are open (9-4). (Snow / 31F / 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 Exception to roadways listed below:
Carry Tire Chains. Call Ahead for updates. Or log on to www.nvroads.com
R1= Chains or Snow Tires Required: Hwy 207-Kingsbury; Hwy 431-Mt Rose; Hwy 50 Spooner Summit; Hwy 28 East Shore;
R2= Chains Mandatory with exception of 4WD with 4 Snow Tires: Hwy 50 Echo Summit; Interstate 80; Hwy 88 Carson Pass (Closed past Kirkwood); Hwy 28 Tahoe City to Crystal Bay; 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, visit www.bikeandskitahoe.com.