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

Good Morning Lake Tahoe Skiers & Riders…

Winter Storm Warning still in effect thru Thursday morning… with somewhat of a break today… But, Strong Winds are continuing to impact upper mountain lifts… Call Ahead! Mt Rose Ski Tahoe, Donner Ski Ranch are Closed. Diamond Peak is Closed due to Power Outage… Call Ahead … Road Controls posted on All Highways in and around Lake Tahoe with I-80, Hwy 88, Mt. Rose Hwy & Emerald Bay Road CLOSED… Back Country Avalanche Danger is HIGH… Ski & Ride with Care & Be Safe!

TODAY’S WEATHER: Expect Snow and rain in the morning, then snow and rain likely in the afternoon. Snow level rising to 6500 feet. Snow accumulation 1-5” with 43-9” above 7000 feet. Highs: 39F-49F. (29F-39F on the slopes) Southwest Winds 15-25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. Ridge Gusts up to 100 mph decreasing to 80 mph in the afternoon.

TONIGHT: Snow and rain likely in the evening, then snow and rain after midnight. Snow level 6500 feet. Snow accumulation of 1-5” with 3-7” above 7000 feet. Lows: 23F – 28F. Southwest winds 15- 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. Ridge gusts up to 80 mph.

WINTER STORM WARNING

REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM PST THURSDAY…

* CHANGES… Update additional snowfall totals and timing details.

* WHAT… Periods of moderate to heavy snow. A lull in heavier snowfall is expected from late Wednesday morning into Wednesday evening before heavier snow develops again Wednesday night. Additional snow accumulation of 3 to 8 inches, except 8 to 16 inches above 7000 feet west of Highway 89. Winds gusting up to 45 mph at times, with gusts to around 100 mph for exposed Sierra ridges.

* WHERE… Greater Lake Tahoe Area.

* WHEN… Through 4 AM PST Thursday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS… Travel could be very difficult with road closures and long delays, especially Wednesday morning. Roads could become mainly wet for a time Wednesday afternoon and evening before snow-covered roads return Wednesday night. Strong winds could cause tree damage and periods of very low visibility.

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.

WHAT TO WEAR: Dress in layers with your windproof-waterproof Gore-Tex Jacket or Shell. Take good gloves, a hat or beanie, and wear a Helmet for Safety. Also wear Good Goggles (Yellow/Bronze/Rose) or Sunglasses (100% UV protection). Don’t forget to use sunscreen if the sun pops out and stay hydrated at altitude!

SURFACE CONDITIONS: Surface Conditions are primarily Fresh Wet Snow & Fresh Powder in upper elevations, Machine Groomed & Skier-Rider Tracked & Packed Powder.

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. Stay away from Tree Wells… Slow Down and observe safety signs on trails with 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 side of the run where it is safe and always check uphill for skiers and riders before restarting downhill.

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

HIGH avalanche danger continues in near treeline and above treeline areas due to a wind slab avalanche problem. CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger continues below treeline due to a storm slab avalanche problem and isolated wind slabs. Natural and human triggered avalanche activity is expected. Travel in near treeline and above treeline avalancheterrain is not recommended.

The Sierra Avalanche Center in Truckee has issued a BACKCOUNTRY AVALANCHE WATCH for the following areas: NWS Reno NV – NVZ002 (Greater Lake Tahoe)…CAZ072 (Greater Lake Tahoe (CA))

* TIMING… In effect from Mon 18:00 PST to Thu 07:00 PST.

* 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… Heavy snow and gale force winds will create dangerous avalanche conditions. Expect a mix of wind slab and storm slab avalanche problems affecting all elevations. Natural avalanches and human-triggered avalanches are expected. 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/ Or www.avalanche.orgfor more detailed information.

SOUTH SHORE LAKE TAHOE & SURROUNDING AREAS

*HEAVENLY MOUNTAIN RESORT: Reports 2” of new and a mid- elevation base of 130”. 15 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, Heavenly Gondola & 5 Lifts on WIND HOLD; California Base with 10 Lifts scheduled, including the Tram, Gunbarrel, Powderbowl, Canyon Express & (Sky Express on WIND HOLD); And, 5 Lifts & Tows on the Nevada Side with Stagecoach & Boulder Access with Olympic, Galaxy scheduled… (Comet, Dipper, Northbowl, Mott on WIND HOLD). 61 Trails to open (36MG). Mott & Killebrew Canyon Gates HOLD. Groove & Re-Mix T-Parks open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 26F / Snow / Strong Winds). Gondola Site Seeing is WIND HOLD (8:30-4). Tubing & Mini Tubing HOLD (11-4) & Ridge Rider Coaster Closed (10-4). 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: R2): Call Ahead: 1-800-HEAVENLY / Twitter: @HVConditions / www.skiheavenly.com

*SIERRA AT TAHOE: (Hwy 50: R2) Reports 6-9” of new on a base of 121-180”. 7 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP on Delayed opening, with Grandview, Nob Hill & Easy Rider. Short Stuff to the back side & West Bowl Express sheculed. 43 Trail are open (25MG). 3 Terrain Parks open with 41 features. Check with Patrol on Huckleberry Canyon. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 30F / Snow / Mod Winds). Snow Play & Snowshoe trails adventures open. 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: R1/ 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: R2 / Pickett’s Junction: R2) Is open (10-4). They have a base of 48-72” from Picketts Junction to Red Lake. 10 miles of set track are open with 20 miles of marked & skier packed XC & Snowshoe trails accessible. 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. For more info: 530-721-2015 /www.hopevalleyoutdoors.com

*KIRKWOOD MOUNTAIN RESORT:(Hwy 88: Closed) Reports 13” of new on a base of 124”. 3 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, out of the Village including Chair #5, Chair #6 on SNOW WIND HOLD (3 Lifts, Chairs #2, Chair #3 & #4 to the Back Side CLOSED). 1 Lift & Tows, including Chairs #7 on SNOW HOLD) out of Timber Creek Lodge. 17 Trails are open (2MG). Bandit & Outlaw T-Parks Closed. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 27F / 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: R2) CLOSED today Due to Power Outage. Reports 10” of new on a base depth of 80-104”. 0 Lifts are scheduled to operate today (9-4), including Schoolhouse, Lodgepole, Lakeview and Crystal Express on Delay to the top. 31 Trails to open (22MG). 3 T-Parks scheduled Closed. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 35F / Rain / Lt 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: Closed) Is CLOSED Today! They Report 12” of new a base of 11.5-14.5 Feet. 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 all CLOSED. 49 Trails CLOSED (43MG). 5 T-Parks CLOSED. (MG & SKRPP / 29F / Snow / Strong Winds). Call Ahead for updates. 800-SKIROSE / www.mtrose.com

TRUCKEE AREA RESORTS

*NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA: (Hwy 267: R2) Reports 11-16” of new on a base of 83-154”. 15 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (8:30-4)_WWP, accessing the Front Side, Back Side & Look Out Mountain… 98 Trails to open (55MG) + 6 T-Parks open with 92 features + Cut Pipe open. All 7 Glades are open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 31F / Snow / Mod Winds). XC & Snowshoe Center open (8:30-4). Tubing Center open (10-4). Village Ice Rink is open (12-9pm). For updates call: 530-562-1330 / www.northstarcalifornia.com

*TAHOE DONNER SKI AREA: Is open. They report 19” of new on a base of 130”. 3 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to turn (9-4) on delayed opening… including Eagle Rock & the new Snowbird Chair. Call Ahead. 17 Trails are open (15MG). Mini Size T-Park Closed. (MG & SKRPP / 30F / Snow/ Lt -Mod 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 16” a base of 125”. They have 19 XC Trails + Snowshoe Trails on Delayed opening, offering 20+km of trails for XC Skiing & Snow Shoeing. Dogs allow today but no Fat Tire bikes allowed. (28F / Snow / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info: 530-587-9484 / www.skitahoedonner.com

DONNER SUMMIT RESORTS

*BOREAL MOUNTAIN RESORT: (I-80: Closed) Is planning to open… They report 25” of new a base of 106-196”. 5 Lifts & Tows will operate with Accelerator Express & Castle Peak Lift from (9am-4pm); (Cedar Ridge (9-3) Closed); California Cruiser Lift (9-6); (Dutchman & 49er (11-3) Closed). 19 Trails are open (19MG). 4 T-Parks open (MG & SKRPP / 29F / Snow / Lt-Mod Winds). Playland Tubing Park open. 530-426-3666 / www.rideboreal.com

*SODA SPRINGS WINTER RESORT:(HWY 40: R2) is open Friday thru Monday… They are Closed today. They report 12” of new on a base of 182”. 5 lifts & tows are scheduled operate (10-4), 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/ 29F / Snow / Lt-Mod Winds). Open Thursdays-Mondays in January. 530-426-3901 www.skisodasprings.com

*SUGAR BOWL SKI RESORT:(Hwy 40: R2 from I-80: Closed / Hwy 40 from Truckee: Closed) Is open. They report 21-26” of new on a base of 132-200”. 5 Lifts are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, including (Lincoln & Disney HOLD), (Crow’s Peak Closed), (Christmas Tree, Nob Hill, Jerome Hill Weather HOLD). Plus, Gondola. 80 Trails to open (41MG). 2 T-Parks Closed. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 28F / 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 opening (8:30-4). They report 21” of new on a base of 80”. They are CLOSED Today… They have 0 Trails open, offering 0 km of groomed trails and continue to groom more trails for classic XC striding and skating. Van Norden parking Lot & Dog Trails open. (28F / Snow / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info: 530-426-3871 / www.royalgorge.com

*DONNER SKI RANCH:(Hwy 40: R2/ Closed from Truckee) Is CLOSED today… They have 20” of new a base of 140-180”. 0 Lifts & tows (9-4), including Chairs #6. (Chairs 1, 2, 3 on HOLD / Chair 5 Closed). 30 trails to open (20MG). Snow Tubing (10am-4pm). (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 31F / Snow / 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: R1) Is planning to open and report 9-24” of new on a base of 61-151”. 4 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, including the Madden Chair, (Ellis Chair, Quail Chair Closed) & Old Homewood Express for top to bottom skiing & riding… Magic Carpet, South Carpet operating… 27 Trails are open (14MG). T-Park Closed. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 30F / Snow / 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: R1) Ski Hill & Sledding is open Friday thru Monday (9-4). They Closed today and report 9” of new on a base of 34”. 2 Lifts… The Poma Lift & Bunny Rope Tow (9-4) are Closed for skiing & riding. (MGPP / 33F / Snow / Lt Winds). XC Trails, Sledding & Snow Play area open daily. Call Ahead: 530-581-7533 / www.granlibakken.com

*TAHOE XC CENTER:(Hwy 28: R2) Is scheduled to open today. (8:30-5) for XC Skiing & Snow Shoeing. They have 10” of new on a base of 48”. Grooming out trails this morning. 7 Green Trails & Yellow Trails open offering 10km of groomed XC & Snowshoe trails open, including Dog Trails open with restrictions. (33F / PCldy / Lt-Mod Winds). No access to trails other than on XC Skis & Snow shoes… For more info, Call: 530-583-5475 or www.tahoexc.org

*TAHOE CITY WINTER SPORTS PARK. Located in Tahoe City is planning to open today. The Ice Rink is being cleared to open (10am-8pm). Café Zenon open. Sledding, XC & Snowshoeing trails are accessible and dog friendly. Fat Tire Bikes Allowed, conditions permitting. For more info: 530-583-5475 / https://wintersportspark.com

*SQUAW VALLEY:(Hwy 89: R1) Is open and reports 14-20” of new on a base of 135-217”. 14 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, 11 lifts from the bottom including, Funitel, Exhibition, Far East, Red Dog, Squaw Creek & KT 22 scheduled on HOLD with Anticipated Weather Impact… 5 beginner tows are scheduled to operate in the SnoVentures / Squaw Kids area (9-4). 3 Lifts scheduled for the Upper Mountain including, Shirley, Big Blue & Gold Coast or on anticipated Weather Impact. 0 Trails to open (0 MG). 0T-Parks Open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 36F / Snow / Mod-Strong Winds). Squaw-Alpine Shuttle Bus is operating (8-4pm). For more info: 530-452-4335 / www.squawalpine.com

*ALPINE MEADOWS:(Hwy 89: R1) Is open… They report 16” of new on a base of 147-185”. 13 Lifts are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, including Hot Wheels, Meadow & Subway… ALL other Lifts on HOLD with Anticipated Weather Impacts. 7 Trails to open (6MG). 0 Terrain Park open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 33F / Snow / 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… they report 4-7” of new on a base of 150-225”. 18 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (8:30-4)-WWP, 8 Lifts out of the Main Lodge including the Lower Gondola. 8 Lifts out of Canyon Lodge including the Village Gondola… And, 2 Lifts out of Eagle Lodge. 61 Trails are to open (64MG); Plus, 9 T-Parks open + 3 Half-Pipes. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 26F / Snow / Strong Winds). For more info, Call Ahead: 888-766-9778 / www.mammothmountain.com

*JUNE MOUNTAIN:(Hwy 395:) Is open… They report 4-6” of new on a base of 72-132”. 5 Lifts are scheduled to operate, including J1, J2, J3, J6 & J7 (9-4), with 38 Trails open (20MG). (MG & SKRPP / 30F / Snow / 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 48”. 4 Lifts are scheduled to turn (9-4), with 10 runs open (MGPP / 30F / Snow / 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 open and reports 7” of new on a base of 100-113”. 7 Lifts & Tows will operate (9-4). 67 Trails are open (37MG). T-Park to open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 31F / Snow / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info: 209-536-5300 / www.dodgeridge.com

*BEAR VALLEY MOUNTAIN RESORT: Is open… They report 11” of new on a base of 159”. 5 Lifts and Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP. 45 Trails are open (14MG). (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 35F / Snow / 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 11” of new on a base of 120”. Grooming out 35 trails = 57 km of groomed XC trails available. (34F / Snow / Lt-Mod Winds). Sledding & Snow Tubing open (9-4). For more info: 209-753-2834 / www.bearvalleyxc.com

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

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): R2

Hwy 89 (Luther Pass): R2

Hwy 88 (Carson Pass): CLOSED

Hwy 88 (Woodfords to Picketts): R2

Hwy 88 (Gville-CA State Line):

Hwy 207 (Kingsbury Grade): R2

Hwy 89 (Emerald Bay Rd): CLOSED

Hwy 89 (West Shore): R1

Hwy 89 (Tahoe City-Truckee): R1

Hwy 28 (North Shore-Incline): R2-R1

Hwy 28 (East Shore): R2

Interstate 80 (Donner Summit-Truckee): CLOSED

Hwy 267 (Brockway Summit): R2

Hwy 431 (Mt Rose Summit): CLOSED

Hwy 50 (Stateline-Spooner): R2

Hwy 50 (Spooner-Carson City): R2

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.