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 April 7.

A Winter Storm Warning continues to be posted thru Saturday. It’s FAT BOARD FRIDAY with Fresh Snow reported on Summits of most all Resorts… Upper Mountain Lifts are being affected by Strong Gusty Winds at Heavenly, Squaw, Alpine. Mt Rose & Donner Ski Ranch are Closed. Other Resorts on Delayed openings after Snow Safety… Call Ahead! Grab the Fat Boards… Surface Conditions are Powder & Machine Groomed… Road Controls posted on roadways in and around Lake Tahoe… Buckle Up, Have Fun & Be Safe!

TODAY’S WEATHER (NWS GREATER LAKE TAHOE AREA): Expect Snow and rain. Snow level 6500 feet. Snow accumulation up to 8 inches…with 2 to 11 inches above 7000 feet. Highs: 38F to 48F. Southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 55 mph. Ridge gusts up to 135 mph decreasing to 105 mph in the afternoon.
TONIGHT: Snow and rain. Snow level 6500 feet lowering to lake level. Snow accumulation up to 10 inches…with 4 to 12 inches above 7000 feet. Lows: 20F to 25F. Southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 55 mph. Ridge gusts up to 125 mph decreasing to 95 mph after midnight..
SATURDAY: Snow in the morning, then snow showers in the afternoon. Snow accumulation of 1 to 8 inches…with 3 to 11 inches above 7000 feet. Highs: 30F to 40F. Southwest winds 15 to 25 mph decreasing to 10 to 20 mph in the afternoon. Gusts up to 45 mph. Ridge gusts up to 85 mph decreasing to 65 mph in the afternoon.

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT:
WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM PDT SATURDAY…
* Timing: Heavy wet snow will spread to lake level by tonight through Saturday. Snow should taper to showers on Saturday.
* Snow Levels: Snow levels starting 6500-7000 feet today, falling to 4500 feet by Saturday morning. Snow levels may fluctuate around Lake Tahoe level during the day today.
* Snow Accumulations: 2 to 4 feet of snow above 7500 feet elevation. 6 to 12 inches around Lake Tahoe level, including Truckee and South Lake Tahoe with the potential for up to 18 inches if snow levels drop sooner than currently expected.
* Winds: Strong southwest winds areawide, with gusts Thursday night through Saturday morning ranging from 45-55 mph along I-80 and near Lake Tahoe, and up to 135 mph along the higher mountain peaks and ridges.
* Impacts: Significant travel disruptions today at pass elevations including Donner, Echo, Spooner, and Mount Rose summits. Travel disruptions affecting mountain communities through Saturday including around Lake Tahoe. Heavy wet snow and strong winds could lead to downed trees and power outages.
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.

WHAT TO WEAR: Dress in Layers with a Gore-Tex Jacket or outer Shell. Take a hat or beanie and wear a Helmet for Safety. Also wear Good Goggles and Goretex lined gloves. Don’t forget to Stay Hydrated at altitude!
SURFACE CONDITIONS: Surface Conditions are Fresh Powder, with Machine Groomed & Skier-Rider Packed Powder…
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 3” of new on a base of 131-183”. 20 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with Mtn. Access is from 3 Base Facilities, including the (Gondola on WIND HOLD), California Base, Stagecoach & Boulder Lodges… 10 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to turn in California, including the Tram, Gunbarrel, Powderbowl, Canyon & (Sky Express WIND HOLD). 10 Lifts are scheduled to turn in Nevada-WWP, including Boulder & Stagecoach, Comet, (Tamarack & Dipper WIND HOLD), Olympic, North Bowl & Mott Canyon. 91 Trails are open (53MG) + Killebrew & Mott Canyon. High Roller & Groove T-Parks open. (Powder, MG & SKR PP / 30F / Snow / Mod-Strong Winds). Tubing open (11-4)-WWP. Hosting their Spring Loaded 2017 schedule of events with Beach Theme Costume Day, Live DJ Cat @ Tamarack (1-3), Cal Bar Live (3-5). Complimentary Shuttles running to all open base facilities. (Hwy 207: R1) Additional Parking at Hard Rock Casino with shuttles… Call Ahead for updates: 1-800-HEAVENLY / www.skiheavenly.com

*SIERRA AT TAHOE: (Hwy 50: R2) Is reporting 7” of new on a base depth of 114-193”. 8 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, including Grandview to the top of the Front Side, Short Stuff on the Back Side and the West Bowl scheduled to open. 44 runs open with (30MG). 5 Freestyle T-Parks & ½ Pipe open. (Powder, MG & SKR PP / 30F / Snow / Lt-Mod Winds). Snow Shoe Trails 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: R2) is reporting 8-12” of new on a base depth of 210-230”. 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 turn. 86 runs are scheduled to open (28MG). Bandit & Outlaw T-Parks Closed. (Powder, MG & SKR PP / 27F / Snow / Mod-Strong 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: R1) Is reporting 3-4” of new on 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 (17MG). 2 Terrain Parks open. (Powder, MG & SKR PP / 34F / Snow / Lt-Mod Winds). Open thru April 23. For more info call: 775-831-1177 / www.diamondpeak.com

*MT. ROSE SKI TAHOE: (Hwy 431: R1) is CLOSED TODAY DUE TO STRONG WINDS… reporting on a base of 213”. NO 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. 0 Runs are open (0MG). 3 Terrain Parks open. (MG & SKR FP-Softening / MCldy / 30F / Mod-Strong Winds). Hosting BrewSki on Saturday, April 8. Call Ahead for updates: 800-SKIROSE / www.skirose.com

TRUCKEE AREA RESORTS

*NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA: (Hwy 267: R2) is reporting 13” of new on a base depth of 85-167”. 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. (64MG), 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. (Powder, MG & SKR PP / 27F / Snow / Lt-Mod 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 (4:30-9). 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 6” of new on a base depth of 160-175”. 4 Lifts & Tow will turn (9-4)-WWP. 18 runs open (11MG). Mini T-Park open. (MG & PP / Snow / 30F / Lt-Mod Winds). Scheduled to stay open thru April 16.

*TAHOE DONNER XC: is OPEN (8:30-5:00) reporting 2” of new on a base of 55”. 15 Trails = 20 km are open for XC Skiing & Snowshoeing. Fat tire biking on hold today & Dog trails open with ticket. ( Snow / 30F / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info Call: 530-587-9484 / www.skitahoedonner.com

DONNER SUMMIT RESORTS

*BOREAL MOUNTAIN RESORT: (I-80: R2) Is reporting a base depth of 179”. 3 Lifts are scheduled to operate (9-4), Including Accelerator to the Top, plus, Castle Peak turning till 9:00p0… 33 Runs open (8MG). 6 T-Parks open plus ½ Pipe. (MG & SKR PP / Lt Snow / 30F / 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… CLOSED Today… Reporting a base of 100-181”. 2 Lifts & Tows scheduled to operate (10-4) including Lion’s Head Chair & Crystal Bowl. 13 Trails open (9MG). Plus, Planet Kids, Tube Carousel & Tube Town are open. (MG & SKR PP / Lt Snow / 32F / 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) and reports a base of 60”. 40 Groomed Tracks open = 57Km 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. Open thru April 16. 530-426-3871 / www.royalgorge.com

*SUGAR BOWL SKI RESORT: (I-80: R2 to Hwy 40: R2 / Hwy 40 from Truckee: R2) Is reporting 8-16” of new on a base of 114-212”. 7 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, including Lincoln, Christmas Tree, Disney, Nob Hill & Jerome Hill. 71 Runs are open (37MG) (Powder, MG & SKR PP / Snow / 31F / Mod-Strong 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: R2- from I-80: R2 / from Truckee: R2) Is CLOSED TODAY… reporting 8” of new on a base of 118-135”. 0 Lifts & Tows will operate (9-4)-WWP. Call Ahead! 35 Runs are open (15MG). (MG & SKR PP/ Snow / 32F / Mod-Strong 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: R1/ Emerald Bay Road: R2) is reporting 1-9” of new on a base depth of 81-174”. 3 Lifts & tows are scheduled to turn (9-4)-WWP, including Madden Chair & Old Homewood Express. 54 runs are open (17MG). (Powder, MG & SKR PP / Snow / 32F / Lt –Mod 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: R1) Ski & Snowboard Hill is open (9-4) Fridays thru Mondays… Ski Hill is Closed today… They report a base of 48”. They have 0 Beginner Tows and Terrain open. Their XC Trails, Sledding & Snow Play are Open daily. (9-4:30). (MG & SR PP / Snow / 32F / Lt-Mod 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 2” of new on a base of 70”. They have 25Km of Groomed trails for Classic XC, Ski Skating & Snowshoeing. Plus, 3 Dog Trails and 2 warming huts open. Open thru April 15. ( Snow / 31F / Lt-Mod 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 5-12” of new on a base of 131-208”. 5 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to turn (9-4)-WWP, including Big Carpet & Little Carpet. All other LIFTS ON WIND HOLD including Summit Six & Alpine Bowl, Roundhouse, Lakeview, Kangaroo, Scott & Sherwood. 7 Runs are scheduled to open (5MG). (Powder, MG & SKR PP / 27F / Snow / Mod-Strong Winds). Squaw-Alpine Express Shuttle Running between resorts offered. For more info: 530-581-8374 / www.skialpine.com

*SQUAW VALLEY: (Hwy 89:) is reporting 2-12” of new on a base of 101-247”. 21 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with 10 Lifts & Tows scheduled to operate from the Base including (Aerial Tram & Funitel on WIND HOLD) for access to upper mountain. (KT22-WIND HOLD), Far East, (Red Dog Closed) & Squaw Creek scheduled to turn. 11 Lifts scheduled for the Upper Mtn.-WWP, (All on WIND HOLD). 16 Trails open (12MG). (MG & SKR PP / 26F / Snow / Mod-Strong 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 15-20” of new on a base of 165-320”. 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 (67MG). 7 Terrain Parks open, plus 2 Half-Pipes open. (Powder, MG & SKRPP / 24F / Snow / Mod Winds). They Plan to Stay Open thru July 4. Call Ahead… 888-766-9778 / www.mammothmountain.com

*JUNE MOUNTAIN: (Hwy 395:) Is reporting 12” of new on a base of 24-120”. 6 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP… (ALL LIFT ON HOLD). 0 trails open. 2 Terrain Parks open. (Powder, MG & SKR PP / 32F / Snow / Mod-Strong Winds). Open thru April 9. For more info call: 760-934-2224 / www.junemountain.com

*DODGE RIDGE: (Hwy 108:) is reporting 1-2” of new on a base of 68-96”. 8 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to turn (9-4)-WWP. 55 Trails are open (34MG) + T-Park open with 11 features. (Powder MG & SKR PP / Mixed Precip / 35F / Lt-Mod Winds). Open thru April 16. For more info call: 209-536-5300 / www.dodgeridge.com

*BEAR VALLEY MOUNTAIN RESORT: (Hwy 4: R1) – (Ebbetts Pass from Markleeville is Closed) is reporting 7” of new on a base depth of 139”. 6 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, accessing the Front Side, Backside, Village Side & Lower Mtn. 57 Trails open (27MG) + 3 T-Parks open. (Powder, MG & SKR PP / Snow / 29F / Mod-Strong 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: R1) is open (9-4:30) reporting 7” of new on a base depth of 96-102”. 22 trails are open = 26km of Groomed Track & Skating lanes. Sledding & Tubing Areas are open (9-4) with 2-hour sessions. Meadow Café is open (11-3). (Snow / 29F / Lt-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 No Restrictions with the Exception of those roadways listed below.
R1= Chains or Snow Tires Required: Hwy 207- Kingsbury Grade; Hwy 50 – Spooner to Carson City; Hwy 28 East Shore; Hwy 431; Hwy 89 West Shore
R2= Chains Mandatory with exception of 4WD with 4 Snow Tires: Interstate 80; Hwy 50-Echo Summit; Hwy 88-Carson Pass; Hwy 89-Emerald Bay Road; Hwy 267-Brockway Summit
CLOSED HIGHWAYS:
Carry Tire Chains. Call Ahead for updates. Or log on to www.nvroads.com
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.bikeandskittahoe.com.