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 Thursday, April 13.

Shaping Up to be Fresh Snow Thursday for Skiing & Riding! Winter Weather Advisory Posted thru 11am Thursday… Take the Gore-Tex/ Windproof Waterproof Jacket today… Gusty Winds affecting operation of Upper Mountain Lifts at Heavenly, Alpine & Squaw… Road Controls posted on most all Highways with Hey 89 Emerald Bay Road Closed & Hwy 88 over Carson Pass/Spur Closed for Avalanche Control… Final Week for some resorts that are closing after Easter Sunday, including Kirkwood, Hope Valley XC, Tahoe Donner & Tahoe Donner XC, Homewood, Tahoe XC, Royal Gorge XC, Dodge Ridge & Bear Valley XC… and most resorts are staying open at least thru April 23. Have Fun & Be Safe!

TODAY’S WEATHER (NWS GREATER LAKE TAHOE AREA): Snow Showers. Snow accumulation up to 3 inches, with up to 6 inches above 7000 feet. Highs: 36F to 41F. Southwest winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. Ridge gusts up to 85 mph.

TONIGHT: Mostly Cloudy. Scattered snow showers in the evening, then isolated snow showers after midnight. Lows: 10F to 20F. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph. Gusts up to 30 mph in the evening. Ridge gusts up to 65 mph.

FRIDAY: Sunny in the morning then becoming partly cloudy. Highs: 42F to 52F. Southwest winds around 10 mph.

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY
REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM PDT THIS MORNING…
* Timing: Snow and rain will begin this afternoon and continue through Thursday morning, with a period of moderate to heavy snow tonight.
* Additional Snow Accumulations: Above 7000 feet…2 to 6 inches. Below 7000 feet…up to 3 inches.
* Snow Levels: 5500 to 6000 feet.
* Winds: Southwest 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. Sierra ridge gusts up to 120 mph, with strongest winds likely tonight.
* Wave Heights on Lake Tahoe: 2 to 4 feet. Small boats, kayaks and paddle boards will be prone to capsizing and should remain off lake waters until conditions improve.
* Impacts: Snow will likely produce slick and hazardous conditions with poor visibility tonight into Thursday morning especially above 6500 feet. This includes most highways around the Tahoe basin including Interstate 80, Highway 50, and the Mount Rose Highway.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Even light to moderate snowfall amounts cause major travel delays, especially during periods of high traffic volume. Be sure to allow extra time to reach your destination. Leave extra space between vehicles since it takes longer to stop on slick roadways.

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 Sunglasses or Yellow or Rose tinted Goggles. Don’t forget to use Sunscreen if the sun pops out and Stay Hydrated at altitude!

SURFACE CONDITIONS: Surface Conditions are Powder & Machine Groomed & Wet Packed Snow in lower elevation runs…

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 4-10” of new on a base of 131-183”. 17 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with Mtn. Access is from 3 Base Facilities, including the Gondola, California Base & Stagecoach (Boulder CLOSED). 7 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to turn in California, including the Tram, Gunbarrel, Powderbowl, Canyon & (Sky Express on HOLD). 10 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to turn in Nevada, including Stagecoach, Comet, Tamarack & Dipper Express, Olympic & (Mott Canyon on HOLD(. 91 Trails are open (54MG) + Killebrew & Mott Canyon. High Roller & Groove T-Parks open. (Powder, MG & SKR PP / 25F / Snow / Mod-Strong Winds). Tubing open (11-4). 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 11” of new on a base depth of 120-206”. 7 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4), including Grandview to the top of the Front Side, El Dorado & Short Stuff on the Back Side and the West Bowl scheduled to open. 41 runs open with (24MG). 5 Freestyle T-Parks & ½ Pipe open. (Powder, MG & SKR PP / 29F / Snow / Lt-Mod Winds). Snow Shoe Trails & Snow Play Area are open today. Hosting Greg Taylor Smith Buckle Up Big Air Slopestyle Event on April 15. 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: R2 Luther Pass – Pickett’s Junction:) is open and reports 6” of new on a base of 52-100”. 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: Closed for Avalanche Control) is reporting 9-12” of new on a base depth of 210-230”. 11 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-on Delayed opening, 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 (Open@9:20am); Plus Chair #7 & #9 at Timber Creek Lodge to turn. 86 runs are scheduled to open (32MG). Bandit & Outlaw T-Parks are Closed. (Powder, MG & SKR PP / 27F / Snow / Mod-Strong Winds). Kirkwood XC Center is open with 30KM of trails including Meadow loop. Open thru Easter Sunday, April 16. Call Ahead for updates: 877-KIRKWOOD / www.kirkwood.com

NEVADA & EAST SHORE RESORTS

*DIAMOND PEAK: (Hwy 28: R1) Is reporting 5” of new on a base depth of 84-132”. 4 Lifts & Tow are scheduled to operate (9-4), including Crystal Express to the top, Lakeview, Lodgepole & Schoolhouse Lifts. 31 runs are open (18MG). 2 Terrain Parks open. (Powder, MG & SKR PP / 32F / 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 reporting 10-12” of new on a base of 220”. 4 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to turn (9-4)-WWP, including Northwest 6 to the top of Rose Side; and (Blazing Zephyr to top of Slide Side on Delayed Opening). Plus, Wizard & Galena… Chuter Lift & Chutes Gates are Closed today. 50 Runs are open (37MG). 2 Terrain Parks open. (Powder, MG & SKR PP / Snow / 22F / Mod-Strong Winds). Hosting BrewSki rescheduled for Saturday, April 15. Open Daily thru April 23, then Thursday-Sunday till May 29. Call Ahead for updates: 800-SKIROSE / www.skirose.com

TRUCKEE AREA RESORTS

*NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA: (Hwy 267:) is reporting 6-8” of new on a base depth of 88-182”. 12 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (8:30-4), with access to the Front Side, Back Side & Look Out Mtn. 100 Runs are open. (67MG), 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 / 28F / Snow / Lt-Mod Winds). XC Center is scheduled to open (9-4) with 23 trails = 32.1 km of groomed tracks. The Village Ice Rink is scheduled to open (2-9). Hosting Spring it On Ram Jam on Saturday & Easter Eggstravaganza! on Sunday. Open thru April 23. Call Ahead for updates: 530-562-1330 / www.northstarcalifornia.com

*TAHOE DONNER SKI AREA: is reporting 4” of new on a base depth of 160-175”. 3 Lifts & Tow will turn (9-4). 18 runs open (14MG). Mini T-Park open. (MG & PP /Snow / 27F / Lt-Mod Winds). Scheduled to stay open thru April 16.

*TAHOE DONNER XC: is OPEN (8:30-5:00) reporting 4” of new on a base of 55”. 25 Trails = 30 km are open for XC Skiing & Snowshoeing. Fat tire biking Closed today & Dog trails open with ticket. (Snow / 27F / Lt-Mod Winds). Open thru April 16. 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 180”. 3 Lifts are scheduled to operate (10-7), Including Accelerator to the Top, plus, Castle Peak turning till 9:00pm, Plus, Nugget Chair… 29 Runs open (8MG). 6 T-Parks open plus ½ Pipe. (MG & SKR PP / Mixed-Snow / 28F / 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 everyday this week… Reporting a base of 175”. 5 Lifts & Tows scheduled to operate (10-4) including Lion’s Head Chair & Crystal Bowl. 16 Trails open (16MG). Plus, Planet Kids, Tube Carousel & Tube Town. Plus, Sleigh Rides & Mini Snow Mobiles are open. (MG & SKR PP / Mixed Snow / 28F / Lt-Mod Winds). 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”. 35 Groomed Tracks open = 48 Km of groomed trails open. (Mixed Precip / 36F / 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 8-9” of new on a base of 124-227”. 7 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4), including Lincoln, Christmas Tree, Disney, Nob Hill & Jerome Hill. 68 Runs are open (39MG) (Powder, MG & SKR PP / Snow / 28F / 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:/ from Truckee: R2) Is reporting 6” of new on a base of 118-135”. 3 Lifts & Tows will operate (9-4)-WWP. 35 Runs are open (15MG). (Powder, MG & SKR PP/ Snow / 30F / 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 4-10” of new on a base depth of 81-185”. 3 Lifts & tows are scheduled to turn (9-4), including Madden Chair & Old Homewood Express. 54 runs are open (28MG). (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) on Weekends… Ski Hill is Closed today… They report 4” of new on 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 / 30F / Lt-Mod Winds). Open thru April 17. Call Ahead: 530-581-7533 / www.granlibakken.com

*TAHOE XC CENTER: (Hwy 28: R1) Is open (8:30-5) and reports 4” of new on a base of 70”. They are grooming out 50Km of trails for Classic XC, Ski Skating & Snowshoeing. Plus, 3 Dog Trails and 2 warming huts open. Open thru April 16. (Snow / 28F / 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 5-6” of new on a base of 138-216”. 13 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to turn (9-4)-WWP, including Kangaroo, Hot Wheels, Alpine Bowl & Roundhouse. (Lakeview, Scott, Sherwood & Summit Six on WIND HOLD). 20 Runs are scheduled to open (11MG). (Powder, MG & SKR PP / 23F / 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 2-6” of new on a base of 100-254”. 22 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with 12 Lifts & Tows scheduled to operate from the Base including (Aerial Tram Funitel – Delayed opening), KT22, Far East, Squaw Creek turning. 10 Lifts scheduled for the Upper Mtn, delayed opening, including Big Blue, Gold Coast & Shirley. (Emigrant, Granite Chief, Headwall & Siberia on WIND HOLD) 31 Trails open (24MG). (Powder, MG & SKR PP / 24F / Snow / Mod-Strong Winds). Snow Tubing (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 190-330”. 24 Lifts & Tows scheduled to operate (8:30-4)-WWP, with 13 Lifts out of the Main Lodge, Plus, 8 Lifts turning out of Canyon Lodge, and 3 lifts out of Eagle Lodge. 163 Trails are open (85MG). 7 Terrain Parks open, plus 2 Half-Pipes open. (MG & SKRPP / 27F / Snow / Mod-Strong Winds). They Plan to Stay Open thru July 4. Call Ahead… 888-766-9778 / www.mammothmountain.com

JUNE MOUNTAIN: (Hwy 395:) Is CLOSED for the Season. For more info call: 760-934-2224 / www.junemountain.com

*DODGE RIDGE: (Hwy 108: R1) is reporting 6” of new on a base of 74-112”. 8 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to turn (9-4). 69 Trails are open (37MG) + T-Park open with 11 features. (MG & SKR PP / Snow / 33F / 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 8” of new on a base depth of 154”. 6 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4), accessing the Front Side, Backside, Village Side & Lower Mtn. 50 Trails open (25MG) + 3 T-Parks open. (Powder, MG & SKR PP / Snow / 29F / Lt Winds). 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 8” of new on a base depth of 100-108”. 16 trails are open = 19km of Groomed Track & Skating lanes. Sledding & Tubing Areas are open (9-4) with 2-hour sessions. Meadow Café is open (11-3). Open thru April 16. (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 or as listed below.
R1= Chains or Snow Tires Required: Hwy 207-Kingsbury Grade; Hwy 50-Spooner Summit; Hwy 28-East Shore; Hwy 28-inclineto Kings Beach; Hwy 431-Mt Rose Summit; Hwy 89-DL Bliss to Tahoe City
R2= Chains Mandatory with exception of 4WD with 4 Snow Tires: Hwy 50-Echo Summit; Hwy 88/89-Luther Pass;
CLOSED HIGHWAYS: HWY 89 – Emerald Bay Road; Hwy 88-Carson Pass
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.bikeandskitahoe.com.