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 Wednesday, April 5.

Shaping up to be a Mixed Bag of Sun & Clouds for your HUMP DAY with Spring Conditions… Machine Groomed and Skier Rider packed snow softening with day-time temperatures… Don’t forget the Sunscreen! Have Fun & Be Safe!

TODAY’S WEATHER (NWS GREATER LAKE TAHOE AREA): Expect Mostly Cloudy Skies. Highs: 53F to 63F. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph. Gusts up to 30 mph in the afternoon. Ridge gusts up to 50 mph in the afternoon.
TONIGHT: Mostly Cloudy. Lows: 30F to 40F. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph. Ridge gusts up to 60 mph increasing to 75 mph after midnight.
THURSDAY: Mostly Cloudy. Slight chance of rain and snow. Snow level 7500 to 8000 feet. Highs: 48F to 58F. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph increasing to 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph in the afternoon. Ridge gusts up to 85 mph.

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT:
WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY AFTERNOON…
* Timing: Heavy wet snow will develop before daybreak Friday in the Sierra. Snow will spread to lake level by Friday night through Saturday. Snow should taper to showers by sundown Saturday.
* Snow Levels: There is a larger than normal uncertainty in snow level predictions with this storm which has a great impact on snow accumulations and impacts. Current projections have snow levels starting 6500-7500 feet Friday, falling to 4500-5500 feet by Saturday morning.
* Snow Accumulations: Potential for 2 to 4 feet of heavy wet snow above 7500 feet elevation. 4 to 8 inches around Lake Tahoe level, including Truckee and South Lake Tahoe with potential for much more if snow levels drop sooner than currently expected.
* Winds: Strong southwest winds area wide with gusts Thursday night through Saturday morning ranging from 45-55 mph along I-80 and near Lake Tahoe, to well over 100 mph along the higher mountain peaks and ridges.
* Impacts: Significant travel disruptions Friday at pass elevations including Donner, Echo, Spooner, and Mount Rose summits. Travel disruptions affecting mountain communities Friday night into Saturday including around Lake Tahoe. Heavy wet snow and strong winds could lead to downed trees and power outages.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Now is the time to prepare an emergency kit for your home and car. If traveling, consider alternate plans, remember to carry tire chains, extra food, water and clothing. Once the storm arrives, travel may be difficult or impossible for an extended period of time.

WHAT TO WEAR: Dress in Light Layers with a Jacket or outer Shell. Take a hat or beanie and wear a Helmet for Safety. Also wear Good Sunglasses or Goggles. Don’t forget to use Sunscreen & Chapstick when the sun is out and Stay Hydrated at altitude!

SURFACE CONDITIONS: Surface Conditions are Spring Conditions with Machine Groomed & Skier-Rider Firm Packed Snow – Softening with day-time temps…

SAFETY MESSAGE: Stay on designated Opened Trails only. 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 a base of 131-183”. 24 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)(8:30 opening for Season Pass Holders), with Mtn. Access is from all 4 Base Facilities, including the Gondola, California Base, Stagecoach & Boulder Lodges… 12 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to turn in California, including the Tram, Gunbarrel, Powderbowl, Canyon & Sky Express. 12 Lifts are scheduled to turn in Nevada, including Boulder & Stagecoach, Comet, Tamarack & Dipper, Olympic, North Bowl & Mott Canyon. 91 Trails are open (58MG) + Killebrew & Mott Canyon. High Roller & Groove T-Parks open. (MG & SKR FP Softening / 29F / PCldy / Lt-Mod Winds). Tubing open (11-4). Hosting their Spring Loaded 2017 schedule of events with 70’s Retro Costume Day, Live DJ Cat @ East Peak (1-3), Live Band Outside Tamarack Lodge (3-5). Complimentary Shuttles running to all open base facilities. (Hwy 207:) Additional Parking at Hard Rock Casino with shuttles… Call Ahead for updates: 1-800-HEAVENLY / www.skiheavenly.com

*SIERRA AT TAHOE: (Hwy 50:) Is reporting a base depth of 114-200”. 7 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 scheduled to open. 44 runs open with (29MG). 5 Freestyle T-Parks & ½ Pipe open. (MG & SKR FP- Softening / 32F / MClear / Lt Winds). Snow Shoe Trails, Snow Play area & Tubing Hill are open today. Hosting B4BC on April 8. Unlimited 2016/17 Season Pass on Sale for $329. 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 (10-4:30) 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… Annual Gear Sale going on thru end of season… Open thru Easter Sunday, April 16. For more info call: 530-721-2015 / www.hopevalleyoutdoors.com

*KIRKWOOD MOUNTAIN RESORT: (Hwy 88:) is reporting a base depth of 210-230”. 11 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, 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 turn. 86 runs are scheduled to open (32MG). Bandit & Outlaw T-Parks Open. (MG & SKR FP-Softening / 35F / PCldy / Lt-Mod Winds). Kirkwood XC Center is open with 35KM of trails including Meadow loop. Hosting North American Junior Freeride Championships April 5-8. Open thru April 16. Call Ahead for updates: 877-KIRKWOOD / www.kirkwood.com

NEVADA & EAST SHORE RESORTS

*DIAMOND PEAK: (Hwy 28:) Is reporting a base depth of 84-132”. 4 Lifts & Tow are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, including Crystal Express to the top, Lakeview, Lodgepole & Schoolhouse Lifts. 31 runs are open (19MG). 2 Terrain Parks open. (MG & SKR FP – Softening / 39F / PCldy / Lt-Mod Winds). Open thru April 23. For more info call: 775-831-1177 / www.diamondpeak.com

*MT. ROSE SKI TAHOE: (Hwy 431:) is reporting on a base of 213”. 6 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to turn (9-4)-WWP, including Wizard & Flying Jenny at the bottom… plus, Northwest 6 to the top of Rose Side; and Blazing Zephyr to top of Slide Side. Chuter Lift & Chutes Gates are on Delayed opening today. 50 Runs are open (41MG). 3 Terrain Parks open. (MG & SKR FP-Softening / MCldy / 34F / Lt-Mod Winds). Hosting BrewSki on Saturday, April 8. Call Ahead for updates: 800-SKIROSE / www.skirose.com

TRUCKEE AREA RESORTS

*NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA: (Hwy 267:) is reporting n a base depth of 87-168”. 13 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. (63MG), Plus all 7 Glades Areas are open. 5 T-Parks open with 129 Features… 18’ Half Pipe open, Plus, 3 Kid’s Adventure Parks open. (MG & SKR FP-Softening / 32F / MCldy / Lt Winds). XC Center is scheduled to open (8:30-4) with 23 trails = 32.1 km of groomed tracks. The Village Ice Rink is scheduled to open (12-9). Spring it On Events going on. Hosting Canned Craft Beer Festival Saturday, April 8. Open thru April 23. Call Ahead for updates: 530-562-1330 / www.northstarcalifornia.com

*TAHOE DONNER SKI AREA: is reporting a base depth of 160-175”. 5 Lifts & Tow will turn (9-4). 18 runs open (14MG). Mini T-Park open. (MG & FP-Softening / MClear / 55F / Lt Winds). Scheduled to stay open thru April 16.

*TAHOE DONNER XC: is OPEN (8:30-5:00) reporting a base of 55”. 63 Trails = 90 km are open for XC Skiing & Snowshoeing. Fat tire biking okay today till 11am & Dog trails open with ticket. (MClear / 55F / Lt Winds). For more info Call: 530-587-9484 / www.skitahoedonner.com

DONNER SUMMIT RESORTS

*BOREAL MOUNTAIN RESORT: (I-80:) Is reporting a base depth of 179”. 5 Lifts are scheduled to operate (9-4), Including Accelerator to the Top, plus, Castle Peak turning till 9:00pm. Nugget & Flying Dutchman… 33 Runs open (8MG). 6 T-Parks open plus ½ Pipe. (MG & SKR FP-Softening / MCldy/ 36F / Lt-Mod Winds). Woodward Tahoe Training open daily. For more info: 530-426-3666 / www.rideboreal.com

*SODA SPRINGS WINTER RESORT: (I-80:/ to Hwy 40:) Is open Thurs-Mondays… Closed Today… Reporting a base of 100-181”. 2 Lifts & Tows scheduled to operate (10-4) including Lion’s Head Chair & Crystal Bowl. 11 Trails open (9MG). Plus, Planet Kids, Tube Carousel & Tube Town are open. (MG & SKR FP-Softening / MCldy / 47F / Lt Winds). Mini Snowmobiles & Sleigh Rides are open. Call Ahead. 530-426-3901 www.skisodasprings.com

*ROYAL GORGE XC: (I-80:/ to Hwy 40:) Is open (8:30-4) and reports a base of 60”. 66 Groomed Tracks open = 98Km of groomed trails open. (MClear / 35F / Lt 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. Open thru April 16. 530-426-3871 / www.royalgorge.com

*SUGAR BOWL SKI RESORT: (I-80: to Hwy 40: / Hwy 40 from Truckee:) Is reporting a base of 107-201”. 8 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, including Lincoln, Christmas Tree, Disney, Crow’s Peak, Nob Hill & Jerome Hill. 82 Runs are open (42MG) (MG & SKR FP-Softening / MCldy / 34F / Lt-Mod Winds). Access will be from the Judah Portal & Gondola. Planning to Stay Open thru April 23. For more info: 530-426-1111 / www.sugarbowl.com

*DONNER SKI RANCH: (Hwy 40: – from I-80: / from Truckee:) Is reporting a base of 118-135”. 5 Lifts & Tows will operate (9-4)-WWP. 35 Runs are open (15MG). (MG & SKR FP-Softening / MClear / 36F / Lt-Mod Winds). Old School Days Tues-Thurs with $40 Lift Tickets. Tubing Hill is Open 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 a base depth of 81-174”. 5 Lifts & tows are scheduled to turn (9-4)-WWP, including Madden Chair & Old Homewood Express. 54 runs are open (29MG). (MG & SKR FP-Softening / Clear / 36F / Lt Winds). Open through April 16. 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) Fridays thru Mondays… Ski Hill is Closed today… They report a base of 48”. They have 2 Beginner Tows and Terrain open. Their XC Trails, Sledding & Snow Play are Open daily. (9-4:30). (MG & SR Pkd / MClear / 36F / Lt Winds). Open thru April 17. Call Ahead: 530-581-7533 / www.granlibakken.com

*TAHOE XC CENTER: (Hwy 28:) Is open (8:30-5) and reports a base of 70”. They have 55Km of Groomed trails for Classic XC, Ski Skating & Snowshoeing. Plus, 3 Dog Trails and 2 warming huts open. Open thru April 15. (MCldy / 39F / Lt Winds).

*TAHOE CITY WINTER SPORTS PARK: (Hwy 28: – Tahoe City) Will continue to be operated by Tahoe XC with TCPUD. They are CLOSED for the season. For more info: 530-583-1516 / www.wintersportspark.com

*ALPINE MEADOWS: (Hwy 89:) is reporting a base of 126-196”. 13 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to turn (9-4)-WWP, including Summit Six & Alpine Bowl, Roundhouse, Lakeview, Kangaroo, Scott & Sherwood. 76 Runs are scheduled to open (43MG). (MG & SKR FP-Softening / 43F / MCldy / Lt Winds). Squaw-Alpine Express Shuttle Running between resorts offered. For more info: 530-581-8374 / www.skialpine.com

*SQUAW VALLEY: (Hwy 89:) is reporting a base of 100-237”. 22 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with 11 Lifts & Tows scheduled to operate from the Base including Aerial Tram & Funitel for access to upper mountain. KT22, Far East, (Red Dog Closed) & Squaw Creek scheduled to turn. 11 Lifts scheduled for the Upper Mtn., including Big Blue, Shirley, Granite Chief, Headwall & Siberia. 80 Trails open (59MG). (MG & SKR FP-Softening / 39F / MCldy / Lt Winds). Snow Tubing open (11-4). 2017/18 Tahoe Super Pass on Sale starting at $499. Purchase now and ski free thru July… For more info: 530-452-4335 / www.squaw.com

CENTRAL SIERRA RESORTS

*MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN: (Hwy 395:) Is reporting a base of 170-330”. 23 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. 164 Trails are open (93MG). 7 Terrain Parks open, plus 2 Half-Pipes open. (MG & SKRPP – Softening / 36F / PCldy/ Lt-Mod Winds). They Plan to Stay Open thru July 4. Call Ahead… 888-766-9778 / www.mammothmountain.com

*JUNE MOUNTAIN: (Hwy 395:) Is reporting a base of 24-120”. 6 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4). 41 trails open. 2 Terrain Parks open. (MG & SKR PP-Softening / 29F / PCldy / Lt-Mod Winds). Open thru April 9. For more info call: 760-934-2224 / www.junemountain.com

*DODGE RIDGE: (Hwy 108:) is reporting a base of 72-100”. 8 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to turn (9-4). 55 Trails are open (34MG) + T-Park open with 11 features. (MG & SKR FP-Softening / Clear / 36F / Lt Winds). Open thru April 16. For more info call: 209-536-5300 / www.dodgeridge.com

*BEAR VALLEY MOUNTAIN RESORT: (Hwy 4:) – (Ebbetts Pass from Markleeville is Closed) is reporting a base depth of 141”. 8 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, accessing the Front Side, Backside, Village Side & Lower Mtn. 57 Trails open (28MG) + 3 T-Parks open. (MG & SKR FP-Softening / MCldy / 39F / Lt-Mod Winds). Hosting Skier/Boarder Cross this Saturday. Open thru April 23. For more info: 209-753-2301 #2 / www.bearvalley.com

*BEAR VALLEY XC CENTER: (Hwy 4:) is open (9-4:30) reporting a base depth of 96-102”. 35 trails are open = 63km of Groomed Track & Skating lanes. Sledding & Tubing Areas are open (9-4) with 2-hour sessions. Meadow Café is open (11-3). (MClear/ 31F / Lt 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 No Restrictions with the Exception of those roadways listed below.
Carry Tire Chains. 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:
CLOSED HIGHWAYS:
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 biking and skiing in Lake Tahoe, visit www.bikeandskitahoe.com.