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 22.

A WINTER STORM WARNING EXPIRES THIS MORNING AND THERE’S PLENTY OF FRESH POWDER…

MORE FRESH POWDER IS REPORTED AT RESORTS CAUSING DELAYS IN LIFT OPERATIONS AFTER SNOW SAFETY PROCEDURES AND THERE’S SOME BLUE SKIES THIS MORNING.
SKI & RIDE WITH A BUDDY IF YOU GO OFF-PISTE. STAY ON OPENED TERRAIN ONLY… DO NOT DUCK CLOSED ROPE LINES… HAVE FUN & 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 TURNING TO SKIER-RIDER PACKED POWDER.
AVALANCHE WARNING POSTED FOR BACKCOUNTRY

TODAY’S WEATHER (NWS GREATER LAKE TAHOE AREA): Mostly cloudy. Scattered snow showers in the morning, then isolated snow showers in the afternoon. Snow accumulation up to 3 inches. Highs: 25F to 30F. West winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. Ridge gusts up to 80 mph decreasing to 60 mph in the afternoon.
TONIGHT: Mostly cloudy with isolated snow showers. Lows: 3F to 13F. West winds 10 to 15 mph. Gusts up to 35 mph in the evening. Ridge gusts up to 60 mph in the evening.
THURSDAY: Mostly cloudy with scattered snow showers. Highs: 22F to 27F. West winds around 10 mph.
WINTER STORM WARNING
WINTER STORM WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM PST THIS MORNING…
The Winter Storm Warning is now in effect until 10 AM PST this morning.
Timing: Bands of snow will gradually diminish by late morning. Snow may rapidly vary in intensity over short distances.
Additional Snow Accumulations: Up to 3 inches.
Winds: Southwest winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts to 35 mph. Sierra ridge gusts up to 80 mph. These winds will likely produce areas of blowing snow.
Wave Heights on Lake Tahoe: 1 to 3 feet with highest waves expected from mid lake to the north and east shores.
Impacts: Bands of snow and blowing snow could produce rapid drops in visibility, with dangerous whiteout conditions especially over the passes and in the backcountry.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
If you must travel this morning, 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 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.
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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 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 10-20” of new on a base of 131-183”. 26 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… 13 Lifts & Tows in California-WWP, including Gunbarrel, Powderbowl, Canyon & Sky Express. 13 Lifts will turn in Nevada-WWP, including Boulder & Stagecoach, Comet, Tamarack & Dipper, Olympic, North Bowl & Mott Canyon on delayed opening. 91 Trails are open (45MG) + Killebrew & Mott Canyon. Groove & High Roller T-Parks open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP/ 19F / Snow Showers / Mod-Strong Winds). Tubing open (11-4)-WWP. Epic Race open. 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 18” 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, Short Stuff on the Back Side and the West Bowl scheduled to open. Expect Delayed openings after Snow Safety. 41 runs open with (23MG). 4 Freestyle T-Parks open. (PWDR, MG & SKR PP / 32F / PCldy /Lt-Mod Winds). Blizzard Mountain with Snow Shoe Trails, Snow Play Area & Tubing Hill are 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 10” of new on a base of 65-90”. 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 17-24” of new on a base depth of 200-216”. 11 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP with Delayed opening 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 (24MG). T-Parks Closed. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 22F / MClear / Lt-Mod 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 28” of new on a base depth of 96-144”. 4 Lifts & Tow are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, including Crystal Express to the top, Lakeview, Lodgepole & Schoolhouse Lifts. 31 runs are open (14MG). Terrain Park Closed. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 30F / PCldy / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info call: 775-831-1177 / www.diamondpeak.com

*MT. ROSE SKI TAHOE: (Hwy 431: CLOSED) Is reporting 59-63” of new on a base of 216”. 5 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to turn (9-4)-WWP, including Northwest 6 to the top of Rose Side; Plus, Lakeview, Galena, Wizard & Flying Jenny Scheduled… Blazing Zephyr & Chuter Lift & Chutes Gates are CLOSED. 50 Runs are CLOSED (40MG). 2 Terrain Parks open with 15 features. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP/ Snow / 17F / Mod-Strong Winds). Call Ahead for updates: 800-SKIROSE / www.skirose.com

TRUCKEE AREA RESORTS

*NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA: (Hwy 267: R2) is reporting 29-36” of new on a base depth of 113-208”. 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. (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 / 24F / PCldy / Lt-Mod 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”. 2 Lifts & Tow will turn (9-4) with Delayed Opening… 12 runs open (9MG). Mini T-Park open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / MCldy / 20F / Lt-Mod Winds).

*TAHOE DONNER XC: is OPEN (8:30-5:00) is reporting 12” of new on a base of 65”. 23 Trails are open for XC Skiing & Snowshoeing. Fat tire biking on Hold & Dog trails open. (MCldy / 20F / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info Call: 530-587-9484 / www.skitahoedonner.com

DONNER SUMMIT RESORTS

*BOREAL MOUNTAIN RESORT: (I-80: R2) Is reporting 23” of new on a base depth of 260”. 5 Lifts are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, Including Accelerator to the Top & Castle Peak open till 9:00pm… 49er, Cedar Ridge & Flying Dutchman scheduled to turn. 33 Runs open (8MG). T-Parks open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / MCldy / 19F / 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 open this President’s Week… They are reporting 12” of new on a base of 135”. 2 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 open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / MCldy / 20F / Lt-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 20” of new on a base of 70”. 14 Tracks = 14Km of groomed trails open. (MClear / 27F / 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 13-20” of new on a base of 145-237”. 8 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)- WWP. Scheduled lifts include… Lincoln, Christmas Tree, Disney, Nob Hill, Disney, Judah & Jerome Hill. 88 Runs are open (46MG) (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / MCldy / 26F / 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) 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 / MCldy / 25F / Lt-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: R1/ Emerald Bay Road: CLOSED) is reporting 12-15” of new on a base depth of 95-201”. 4 Lifts & tows are scheduled to turn (9-4)-WWP, (Madden Chair, Ellis Chair & Old Homewood Express are Closed). Quail Chair to turn. 17 runs are open (13MG). T-Parks Closed. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / Cldy / 21F / Lt-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 15” of new on a base of 70”. They are grooming out trails for Classic XC, Ski Skating & Snowshoeing. Call Ahead. Plus, 3 Dog Trails and 3 warming huts open. (MClear / 23F / 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 reporting 22” of new on a base of 154-238”. 12 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to turn (9-4)-WWP. All on Delayed opening after Snow Safety. Call Ahead. 0 Runs are open (0MG). (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 20F / MClear / Lt-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 22” of new on a base of 138-252”. 21 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP. 11 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate from the Base including KT22, Red Dog, Far East & Squaw Creek. Aerial Tram & Funitel opening after upper mountain Snow Safety… Call Ahead. 8 Lifts scheduled for the Upper Mtn on Delayed opening. 18 Trails open (8MG). (PWDR, MG & SKRPP/ 23F / MClear / Lt-Mod Winds). Snow Tubing & mini Snowmobiles to open (10-4). For more info: 530-452-4335 / www.squaw.com

CENTRAL SIERRA RESORTS

*MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN: (Hwy 395: R1) Is reporting 12” 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, Plus, 8 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 / 18F / Cldy-Snow / Lt-Mod Winds). Call Ahead… 888-766-9778 / www.mammothmountain.com

*JUNE MOUNTAIN: (Hwy 395: R1) Is reporting 12” of new on a base of 48-120”. 4 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP. 39 trails to open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 24F / Snow-Cldy / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info call: 760-934-2224 / www.junemountain.com

*DODGE RIDGE: (Hwy 108: R2) is reporting 19” of new on a base of 76-132”. 12 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to turn (9-4)-WWP. 69 Trails are open (36MG) + T-Park open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / Snow / 26F / 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 11” of new on a base depth of 170”. 8 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, on Delayed opening accessing the Front Side, Backside & Village Side. 28 Trails open (11MG) + 2 T-Parks Closed. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / Snow / 18F / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info: 209-753-2301 #2 / www.bearvalley.com

*BEAR VALLEY XC CENTER: (Hwy 4: R2) is reporting 16” of new on a base depth of 108-114”. 28 trails are open = 37km of groomed track & Skating lanes. Sledding & Tubing Areas are open (9-4). (Snow / 17F / 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 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 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 in Lake Tahoe, visit www.bikeandskitahoe.com.