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 Tuesday, February 21.

A WINTER STORM WARNING IS IN EFFECT THRU WEDNESDAY MORNING.

24”- 40”+ OF FRESH POWDER IS REPORTED AT RESORTS CAUSING DELAYS IN LIFT OPERATIONS AFTER SNOW SAFETY PROCEDURES AND STRONG GUSTY WINDS AFFECTING OPERATION OF UPPER MOUNTAIN LIFTS.
CLOSED RESORTS: MT ROSE SKI TAHOE; DONNER SKI RANCH; ALPINE MEADOWS
ALL OTHER RESORTS REPORTING UPPER MOUNTAIN LIFTS ON HOLD AND DELAYED OPENINGS AFTER SNOW SAFETY… CALL AHEAD!
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 SEVERAL HIGHWAYS ARE CLOSED FOR AVALANCHE MITIGATION.
SURFACE CONDITIONS ARE POWDER MACHINE GROOMED AND SKIER-RIDER PACKED POWDER.
AVALANCHE WARNING POSTED FOR BACKCOUNTRY

TODAY’S WEATHER (NWS GREATER LAKE TAHOE AREA): Snow. Snow accumulation 3 to 8 inches…with 6 to 12 inches above 7000 feet. Highs: 29F to 34F. Southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. Ridge gusts up to 135 mph decreasing to 115 mph in the afternoon.
TONIGHT: Snow in the evening, then snow showers likely after midnight. Snow accumulation 2 to 5 inches. Lows: 11F to 16F. Southwest winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph decreasing to 10 to 15 mph after midnight. Ridge gusts up to 105 mph decreasing to 75 mph after midnight.
WEDNESDAY: Mostly cloudy. Chance of snow showers in the morning, then slight chance of snow showers in the afternoon. Highs: 24F to 29F. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. Ridge gusts up to 70 mph.
WINTER STORM WARNING
WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4AM PST WEDNESDAY…
Timing: Bands of snow will continue through tonight with the heaviest snow expected today. Snow may rapidly vary in intensity over short distances.
Additional Snow Accumulations: Above 7000 feet… 8 to 14 inches. Below 7000 feet… 5 to 10 inches. Locally up to 18 inches possible in areas where heavy snow bands persist.
Winds: Southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 50 mph. Sierra ridge gusts over 100 mph, with peak gusts to 135 mph this morning.
Wave Heights on Lake Tahoe: 2 to 4 feet with highest waves expected from mid lake to the north and east shores.
Impacts: Bands of heavy snow could produce rapid drops in visibility with snowfall rates up to 2 inches per hour at times, producing dangerous whiteout conditions especially over the passes and in the backcountry.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Avoid travel through tonight, 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.

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.
TIMING… IN EFFECT THROUGH 7 AM WEDNESDAY MORNING.
AFFECTED AREA… FOR THE SIERRA NEVADA MOUNTAINS OF CALIFORNIA AND NEVADA, FROM YUBA PASS TO EBBETTS PASS, INCLUDING THE LAKE TAHOE BASIN.
AVALANCHE DANGER… HIGH AVALANCHE DANGER WILL EXIST AT ALL ELEVATIONS.
REASON/IMPACTS…A STRONG ATMOSPHERIC RIVER STORM IS IMPACTING THE AREA. WIND SLAB AND STORM SLAB AVALANCHE PROBLEMS WILL BE VERY LIKELY AT ALL ELEVATIONS. NATURAL AND HUMAN TRIGGERED AVALANCHES ARE EXPECTED.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
AVALANCHES MAY RUN LONG DISTANCES, INTO FLAT AREAS, AND CAN RUN INTO MATURE FORESTS.
TRAVEL IN AVALANCHE TERRAIN IS NOT RECOMMENDED.
CONSULT WWW.SIERRAAVALANCHECENTER.ORG OR WWW.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 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 Powder, Machine Groomed & Skier-Rider Packed Powder.

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 7-42” of new on a base of 131-183”. 15 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (8:30-4)-WWP, with Mtn. Access from all 3 Base Facilities, including (the Gondola on WIND HOLD), California Base, Stagecoach & Boulder Lodges… 11 Lifts & Tows in California-WWP, including Gunbarrel, Powderbowl, Canyon (& Sky Express on WIND HOLD). 4 Lifts will turn in Nevada-WWP, including Boulder & Stagecoach… (Comet, Tamarack & Dipper, Olympic, North Bowl on WIND HOLD) & Mott Canyon. 91 Trails are open (51MG) + Killebrew & Mott Canyon. Groove & High Roller T-Parks open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP/ 21F / 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 24” of new on a base depth of 125-189”. 9 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with Delayed openings, including Grandview to the top of the Front Side, El Dorado on the Back Side and the West Bowl scheduled to open. Expect Delayed openings after Snow Safety. 42 runs open with (25MG). 4 Freestyle T-Parks open. (PWDR, MG & SKR PP / 32F /Snow /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 12” of new on a base of 60-85”. 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: CLOSED / Closed from Jackson) is reporting 19-24” of new on a base depth of 132-168”. 11 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP with ALL LIFTS ON WIND HOLD and After Snow Safety… Scheduled Lifts 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 (26MG). T-Parks Closed. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 22F / Snow / Mod-Strong Winds). Kirkwood XC Center is CLOSED with 0KM of trails. Call Ahead for updates: 877-KIRKWOOD / www.kirkwood.com

NEVADA & EAST SHORE RESORTS

*DIAMOND PEAK: (Hwy 28: R1) Is reporting 27” of new on 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 (18MG). Terrain Park scheduled to open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 30F / Snow / Mod Winds). For more info call: 775-831-1177 / www.diamondpeak.com

*MT. ROSE SKI TAHOE: (Hwy 431: CLOSED) Is reporting 42-46” of new on a base of 210”. 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 / 24F / Mod-Strong Winds). Call Ahead for updates: 800-SKIROSE / www.skirose.com

TRUCKEE AREA RESORTS

*NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA: (Hwy 267: R2) is reporting 17-25” of new on a base depth of 100-188”. 19 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. (51MG), 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 Closed (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 12” of new on a base depth of 150-170”. 5 Lifts & Tow will turn (9-4) with Delayed Opening… 16 runs open (9MG). Mini T-Park open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / Snow / 29F / Lt-Mod Winds).

*TAHOE DONNER XC: is OPEN (8:30-5:00) is reporting 12” of new on a base of 65”. 9 Trails are open for XC Skiing & Snowshoeing. Fat tire biking on Hold & Dog trails open. (Snow / 29F / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info Call: 530-587-9484 / www.skitahoedonner.com

DONNER SUMMIT RESORTS

*BOREAL MOUNTAIN RESORT: (I-80: R2) Is reporting 11” of new on a base depth of 259”. 2 Lifts are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, Including Accelerator to the Top & Castle Peak open till 9:00pm… (49er, Cedar Ridge & Flying Dutchman Closed). 30 Runs open (8MG). T-Parks open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / Snow / 26F / 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 CLOSED TODAY, due to Downed Power Line… They are reporting 12” of new on a base of 135”. 0 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (10-4) including Lion’s Head Chair & Crystal Bowl. 0 Trails open (0MG). Plus, Planet Kids, Tube Carousel & Tube Town are Closed. (MG & SKRPP / Snow / 32F / Lt-Mod Winds). Mini Snowmobiles & Sleigh Rides are Closed. Call Ahead. 530-426-3901 www.skisodasprings.com

*ROYAL GORGE XC: (I-80: R2 to Hwy 40: R2) Is open (8:30-4). CLOSED TODAY. They have 24” of new on a base of 70”. Tracks = 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 23-32” of new on a base of 132-220”. 10 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)- WWP, with ALL LIFTS ON WEATHER HOLD until Snow Safety and Winds subside. Scheduled lifts include… Lincoln, Christmas Tree, Disney, Nob Hill, Disney, Judah & Jerome Hill & Summit Chair. 88 Runs are open (44MG) (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / Snow / 30F / 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 CLOSED TODAY… reporting 48” of new on a base of 118-135”. 0 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4). 0 Runs are open (0MG). (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / Snow / 30F / Mod-Strong 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: R1/ Emerald Bay Road: CLOSED) is reporting 8-28” of new on a base depth of 95-201”. 5 Lifts & tows are scheduled to turn (9-4)-WWP, including 3 Surface Lifts turning… (Madden Chair & Old Homewood Express on HOLD). (Ellis Chair & Quail CLOSED). 27 runs are open (11MG). T-Parks Closed. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / Snow / 30F / 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… 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). (MGPP / Snow / 30F / Lt Winds) Call Ahead: 530-581-7533 / www.granlibakken.com

*TAHOE XC CENTER: (Hwy 28: R2) Is open and reports 17” of new on a base of 70”. They are grooming out Inner trails for Classic XC, Ski Skating & Snowshoeing. Outer Trails are Closed. Call Ahead. Plus, 3 Dog Trails and 3 warming huts open. (Snow / 28F / Lt-Mod 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: R1) is CLOSED TODAY DUE TO AVALANCHE DANGER AND POWER OUTAGE… reporting 30” of new on a base of 125-192”. 0 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to turn (9-4)-WWP. 0 Runs are open (0MG). (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 23F / Snow / Mod 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 18-24” of new on a base of 121-225”. 13 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP. 11 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate from the Base ALL LIFTS on WIND HOLD. Call Ahead. All Lifts on the Upper Mtn, on WIND HOLD). 0 Trails open (0MG). (PWDR, MG & SKRPP/ 23F / 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: R1) Is reporting 19” of new on a base ranging from 200-350”. 19 Lifts & Tows scheduled to operate (8:30-4)-WWP, with 9 Lifts out of the Main Lodge ON HOLD, Plus, 4 Lifts turning out of Canyon Lodge, and 2 lifts out of Eagle Lodge. 79 Trails are open (59MG), Plus 7 Terrain Parks open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 24F / Snow / Strong Winds). Call Ahead… 888-766-9778 / www.mammothmountain.com

*JUNE MOUNTAIN: (Hwy 395: R1) Is CLOSED TODAY… reporting 12-24” of new on a base of 48-120”. 0 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP. 0 trails open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 31F / Snow / Mod-Strong Winds). For more info call: 760-934-2224 / www.junemountain.com

*DODGE RIDGE: (Hwy 108: R2) is reporting 2-3” of new on a base of 76-132”. 10 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to turn (9-4)-WWP. 69 Trails are open (36MG) + T-Park open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / Snow / 33F / 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 12” of new on a base depth of 165”. 6 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, on the Front Side with Bear Chair turning. All Other Lifts on HOLD or CLOSED. 39 Trails open (12MG) + 2 T-Park open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / Snow / 27F / Mod Winds). For more info: 209-753-2301 #2 / www.bearvalley.com

*BEAR VALLEY XC CENTER: (Hwy 4: R2) is reporting 10” of new on a base depth of 102-108”. 15 trails are open = 18km of groomed track & Skating lanes. Sledding & Tubing Areas are open (9-4). (Snow / 27F / 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.
CURRENT ROAD CONDITIONS:
All Roadways in and around Lake Tahoe are Requiring R1 or R2 Restrictions or are CLOSED.
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; Hwy 89 West Shore DL Bliss to Tahoe City; Hwy 89 Tahoe City to Truckee; Hwy 395 South to Mammoth
R2= Chains Mandatory with exception of 4WD with 4 Snow Tires: Hwy 50 Echo Summit; Interstate 80; Hwy 50 Echo Summit, Hwy 88/89 Luther Pass; Hwy 28 Tahoe City to Crystal Bay; Hwy 267 Brockway Summit;
CLOSED: 431 Mt Rose; Hwy 89 Emerald Bay Road; Hwy 88 Picketts to Kirkwood;
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 Lake Tahoe, visit www.bikeandskitahoe.com.