Mountain Resort Report©

Good Morning Lake Tahoe Skiers & Riders…

Fresh Snow reported at resorts and Lifts will operate Wind & Weather Permitting… Heavenly will fire up Dipper Express today. Kirkwood, Mt Rose & Mammoth are open top to bottom. Sierra at Tahoe & Sugar Bowl scheduled to open Friday. Chain Controls posted this morning… Buckle Up! Winter Storm Warning posted starting tonight with snow thru Saturday.

Today’s Weather: Expect Rain & Snow… Snow level 6500 – 7000 feet. Snow accumulation of 1-4” with 4-10” above 7000 feet. Highs: 37F-42F (27F-32F @ 8000 feet) Southwest winds 10-15 mph. Gust up to 35 mph in the morning. Ridge gusts up to 65 mph.

Tonight: Snow and rain likely in the evening, then snow and rain after midnight. Snow level 6500 feet. Snow accumulation of 1 to 5 inches with 5 to 9 inches above 7000 feet. Lows 28 to 38. South winds 10 to 15 mph. Ridge gusts up to 55 mph after midnight.

WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM WEDNESDAY TO 4 AMPST FRIDAY…

* CHANGES…Increased confidence with the watch being upgraded to a warning.

* WHAT…Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches, except 1 to 2 feet above 7000 feet expected with locally higher amounts at the Sierra crest. At Lake Tahoe level, 3 to 6 inches is expected. Winds gusting as high as 60 mph over the higher terrain of the Sierra.

* WHERE…Greater Lake Tahoe Area.

* WHEN…From 10 PM Wednesday to 4 AM PST Friday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Travel could be very difficult to impossible with long delays possible across Sierra passes including Interstate 80 and US-50. Heavy wet snow could cause tree branches to break.

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.

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT:

SEVERAL WINTER STORMS EXPECTED THROUGH SATURDAY…

TODAY: The second part of this storm moves in this morning with the Sierra from Tahoe through Mono County expected to see more rain and snow. With snow levels around 6500 feet, travel will be impacted across all Sierra passes. 4-8 inches of accumulation is possible for Donner Summit, Echo Pass, Mt Rose Summit, and passes on Highway 395 in Mono County including Devil`s Gate, Conway, and Deadman`s. Elsewhere along roadways, little if any accumulation is expected, including at Lake Tahoe Level. The higher terrain of the Sierra could pick up 8-16″ of snow with up to 20″ on the crest in Mono county from this storm.

TONIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY NIGHT: The main event continues to be the winter storm moving in tonight through Thursday night. 1-3 feet of snow is possible above 7000 feet in the Sierra, with 6-12″ elsewhere. This will create major travel delays throughout the Sierra. The biggest boom or bust potential are elevations in the 5000-6500` elevation range where 4-8 inches remains possible. In northeast California, elevations above 6000 feet could pick up 4-14″, with minor travel impacts possible for the higher passes along CA-36, CA-49, CA-299.

SATURDAY: Another cold storm follows for Saturday with additional snow expected through the Sierra, northeast California, and northwest Nevada. Saturday morning will be the best chance to receive a few inches of accumulating snow in the low valleys of western Nevada including Reno, Carson City, and Minden.

WHAT TO WEAR: Dress warm, in layers with your Gore-Tex Jacket or Shell. Take warm gloves, a hat or beanie, and wear a Helmet for Safety. Also wear good yellow or rose tinted Goggles. Don’t forget to use Sunscreen and to Stay Hydrated at Altitude!

SURFACE CONDITIONS: Surface Conditions are Fresh Wet Snow over Machine Groomed mixture of natural snow and machine-made snow. Machine Groomed & Skier-Rider Packed Snow. Watch for marked & unmarked obstacles.

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! 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.

If you venture into the back country, “KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!” For more info: https://www.sierraavalanchecenter.org/advisory

SOUTH SHORE LAKE TAHOE & SURROUNDING AREAS

*HEAVENLY MOUNTAIN RESORT: Is open and reports 1” of new on a base of 36”. 5 Lifts are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, including Mtn. access from the Heavenly Gondola with Tamarack Express & Dipper Express scheduled to turn. Bear Cave Carpet & Tubing Carpet also operating on the upper mountain. 3 Trails are open (3MG). (MGPP / 24F / Snow / Mod Winds). Ridge Runner Coaster is Closed today (11-4). Free Parking at Cal Base Lodge with Free Shuttle Buses to the Gondola every 15 minutes. (Hwy 207: R2): 1-800-HEAVENLY / www.skiheavenly.com

SIERRA AT TAHOE:(Hwy 50: R2) Has announce they will be opening Friday, November 30. They report 2-3 of new on a base of 18-23”. 4 Lifts & Tows will operate, including Grandview to the top, Nob Hill & Easy Rider. Sierra at Tahoe is sponsoring the South Shore premier of Warren Miller’s 69thfilm, “Face of Winter” held this Friday & Saturday, Nov. 30 & Dec 1, at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe. Unlimited Season Pass on sale for $479. For more info call: 530-659-7475 / www.sierraattahoe.com

CAMP RICHARDSON MOUNTAIN SPORTS CENTER: (Hwy 89 Emerald Bay Road: R2) 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 CLOSED AND FOR SALE.For more info: 530-721-2015 / www.hopevalleyoutdoors.com

*KIRKWOOD MOUNTAIN RESORT:(Hwy 88: R2) is open… They report 3” of new and a base of 38”. 4 Lifts are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, out of the Village with Chair #1, Chair #5, Chair #11 & Chair #6-Cornice Express scheduled to turn. 30 Trails are open (7MG). (MG & SKRPkd / 33F / Snow / Mod Winds). For updates: 877-KIRKWOOD / www.kirkwood.com

NEVADA & EAST SHORE RESORTS

DIAMOND PEAK:(Hwy 28: R1) Is getting ready for the season. They plan to open on December 13 or as conditions permit. Full Adult Season Pass available for $479… with 72 Bonus Tickets at partner Resorts including Boreal & Homewood… For more info, call: 775-831-1177 / www.diamondpeak.com

*MT. ROSE SKI TAHOE: (Hwy 431: R2) Is open… They report 2-4” of new on a base of 14-20”. Mtn. access is from the Mt Rose Side… 4 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with Wizard, Magic East & Magic West; And NW Magnum 6 to the top. 8 Trails are open (8MG). Plus, Mystic T-Park open with 8 Features. (MG & SKRPP / 30F / MCldy/ Mod-Strong Winds). Premier Unrestricted Season Pass available for $649. Call Ahead for updates. 800-SKIROSE / www.mtrose.com

TRUCKEE AREA RESORTS

*NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA: (Hwy 267:) Is open… They report 2-5” of new on a base of 18”. 7 Lifts are scheduled to operate (8:30-4)-WWP, including Big Springs Gondola, Vista & Arrow Express. 9 Trails are open (9MG) + 2 T-Parks with 15 total features. (MGPP / 33F/ Snow/ Lt-Mod Winds). Ice Skating Rink is open (3pm-9pm). For updates call: 530-562-1330 / www.northstarcalifornia.com

TAHOE DONNER SKI AREA: Is getting ready for the Season. They have scheduled opening for December 7, conditions permitting. For information call 530-587-9444 or visit www.skitahoedonner.com

TAHOE DONNER XC: Is getting ready for the season. December 7, scheduled opening… For more info: 530-587-9484 / www.skitahoedonner.com

DONNER SUMMIT RESORTS

*BOREAL MOUNTAIN RESORT: (I-80:) Is open… They report 4” of new on a base of 22”. 2 Lifts will operate, The Castle Peak Lift from 9pm-9pm. And, Accelerator Express (10-6pm). 2 Trails are open (2MG). South 40 T-Park open with 14 features. (MGPP / 33F / Cldy / Lt-Mod Winds). Boreal Unlimited Season Pass $349. 530-426-3666 / www.rideboreal.com

SODA SPRINGS WINTER RESORT: is Closed today… They open (Fridays thru Sundays). They have a 20” Base. 3 lifts/tows will operate (10-4) with Lions Head Chair turning… 3 Trail are open… Planet Kids and Tube Town open for Family Fun (10am-4pm). Their Unlimited Season Pass is only $229. 530-426-3901 www.skisodasprings.com

SUGAR BOWL SKI RESORT:(Hwy 40:) Is scheduled to open Friday, November 30. For more info: 530-426-1111 / www.sugarbowl.com

ROYAL GORGE XC:Is Closed until they receive more snow… They report a base of 20”. 0 Trails are open offering 0 km of groom XC trails. (32F / MClear / Lt Winds). For more info: 530-426-3871 / www.royalgorge.com

DONNER SKI RANCH:(Hwy 40:) Was open this past weekend… They are Closed and reopen this weekend… They offer Skiing and Snow Tubing for Family Fun (10am-4pm). The Old 40 Bar & Grill is open daily from 11am-9pm. Look for them to open in mid to late December. For more info: 530-426-3635 / www.donnerskiranch.com

WEST SHORE / NORTHLAKE TAHOE RESORTS

HOMEWOOD MOUNTAIN RESORT:(Emerald Bay Rd: R2/ Hwy 89:) Is getting ready for the season. They have targeted December 14 to open, conditions permitting. Their Ultimate Pass is available for $669 including lift tickets to partner resorts. For more info: 530-525-2900 / www.skihomewood.com

GRANLIBAKKEN RESORT:(Hwy 89:) Ski Hill is getting ready for the season. The Sledding Hill is open, conditions permitting… They plan to open for skiing on December 14, conditions permitting. Call Ahead: 530-581-7533 / www.granlibakken.com

TAHOE XC CENTER:(Hwy 28:) Is getting ready for the season. For more info, Call: 530-583-5475 or www.tahoexc.org

TAHOE CITY WINTER SPORTS PARK. They have installed the Ice Rink and is open daily (10am-8pm). Zenon Restaurant open, more snow need for sledding for XC trails… For more info: 530-583-5475 / www.tahoexc.org

*SQUAW VALLEY:(Hwy 89:) Is open… They report 1-7” of new on a base of 18”. 8 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate… The Aerial Tram, Funitel & Gold Coast are scheduled to access upper mountain. 5 beginner tows will operate in the SnoVentures/ Squaw Kids area (9-4). 2 Runs are open (2MG). (MGPP / 38F / Snow Showers / Mod Winds). Snow Tubing offered (10-4). Squaw-Alpine Shuttle Bus is operating (8-4pm). SquawAlpine & IKON Season Passes available. For more info: 530-452-4335 / www.squawalpine.com

*ALPINE MEADOWS:(Hwy 89:) Is open… They report 4-6” of new a base of 18”. 1 Lifts is scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, including Kangaroo; 2 Trails are open (1MG). (MGPP / 34F / Snow Showers / Mod 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:) Is open and reports 4-6” of new on a base of 18-36”. 11 Lifts are scheduled to operate (8:30-4)-WWP, out of the Main Lodge including both the lower & upper Panorama Gondola for top to bottom skiing & riding. 43 Trails are open (17MG); Plus, Main & Disco T-Parks open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / Snow / 28F / Mod-Strong Winds). IKON Pass still available to purchase. For more info, Call Ahead: 888-766-9778 / www.mammothmountain.com

JUNE MOUNTAIN:(Hwy 395:) Is getting ready for the season. They plan to open by December 21, conditions permitting. For more info call: 760-934-2224 / www.junemountain.com

YOSEMITE SKI & SNOWBOARD AREA:Is getting ready for the season. They have scheduled December 14 to open, conditions permitting. For more info Call: 209-372-1000 #5 / http://www.travelyosemite.com/winter/yosemite-ski-snowboard-area/downhill-skiing-snowboarding/

DODGE RIDGE: Is getting ready for the sesaon. For more info: 209-536-5300 / www.dodgeridge.com

BEAR VALLEY MOUNTAIN RESORT: Was open over Thanksgiving weekend… they are closed and open weekends, only – conditions permitting, until Dec. 15… They report a base of 15”. (MG PP / 35F / MCldy / Lt Winds).Snow Tubing closed (9-4).Call: 209-753-2301 #2 / www.bearvalley.com

BEAR VALLEY XC CENTER:Is closed and will reopen next weekend, conditions permitting. They report a base of 20”. 0 trails are open = 0km of groomed XC trails available. (29F / MCldy / Lt Winds). For more info: 209-753-2834 / www.bearvalleyxc.com

CURENT ROAD CONDITIONS:

US Hwy 50 (Echo Summit): R2

Hwy 89 (Luther Pass): R2

Hwy 88 (Carson Pass) R2

Hwy 207 (Kingsbury Grade): R2

Hwy 89 (Emerald Bay Rd): R2

Hwy 89 (West Shore): OPEN

Hwy 89 (Tahoe City-Truckee): OPEN

Hwy 28 (North Shore-Incline): OPEN

Hwy 28 (East Shore): R1

Interstate 80 (Donner Summit-Truckee): OPEN

Hwy 267 (Brockway Summit): OPEN

Hwy 431 (Mt Rose Summit): R2

Hwy 50 (Spooner-Carson City): R2

Hwy 395 (South GVille-Bridgeport): OPEN

All Other Roadways in and around Lake Tahoe are open and Free of Controls:

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