Lake Tahoe area ski and weather news: The Mountain Resort Report©

Good morning Lake Tahoe skiers and riders! If you are visiting, welcome to Lake Tahoe.

Today is Thursday, December 15.

A CHALLENGING OPERATIONAL DAY FOR MOST ALL RESORTS AS A WINTER STORM WARNING IS POSTED TO GO IN EFFECT STARTING AT 10AM TO 4AM.

ALL SCHEDULED LIFTS WILL OPERATE WIND & WEATHER PERMITTING. MOST LIFTS & UPPER MTN CLOSED AT SQUAW; ALL LIFTS ON HOLD AT ALPINE; MT ROSE CLOSED; UPPER MTN AT SUGARBOWL ON WEATHER HOLD; ALL LIFTS AND UPPER MTN ACCESS AT HEAVENLY ARE ON WIND HOLD… SIERRA AT TAHOE, HOMEWOOD, NORTHSTAR, BOREAL, SUGARBOWL, MAMMOTH MTN ARE GOOD TO GO-WWP.

GOOD NEWS IS THAT 1 TO 3 FEET OF SNOW IS PREDICTED TO FALL ABOVE 8000 FEET. CALL AHEAD & KNOW BEFORE YOU GO…

TODAY’S WEATHER (NWS GREATER LAKE TAHOE AREA): Chance of rain and snow in the morning, then rain and snow in the afternoon. Snow level 8500 feet. Snow accumulation up to 12 inches above 8000 feet. Highs: 45F to 55F. Southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 70 mph. Ridge gusts up to 125 mph.
TONIGHT: Rain and snow. Snow level 8500 feet lowering to 7500 feet. Snow accumulation of 1 to 2 feet above 8000 feet…with 6 to 12 inches between 7000 and 8000 feet. Lows: 22F to 27F. Southwest winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 55 mph. Ridge gusts up to 125 mph decreasing to 110 mph after midnight..
FRIDAY: Mostly cloudy with scattered snow showers. Highs: 25F to 30F. West winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. Ridge gusts up to 95 mph decreasing to 75 mph in the afternoon.

HIGH WIND WARNING: IN EFFECT TILL 4PM WITH RIDGE TOP GUSTS UP TO 125 MPH…
WINTER STORM WARNING:
WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 4 AM PST FRIDAY ABOVE 7000 FEET…
TIMING: VALLEY RAIN AND MOUNTAIN SNOW WILL INCREASE LATER THIS MORNING…WITH HEAVIEST SNOWFALL EXPECTED BETWEEN 2 PM THIS AFTERNOON AND 2 AM FRIDAY.
SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 1 TO 3 FEET FOR ELEVATIONS ABOVE 8000 FEET…6 TO 12 INCHES BETWEEN 7000 AND 8000 FEET.
WINDS: SOUTHWEST 25 TO 35 MPH WITH GUSTS 65 TO 70 MPH. SIERRA RIDGE GUSTS UP TO 125 MPH.
SNOW LEVELS: NEAR 8000 FEET TODAY THROUGH THIS EVENING…MAY LOWER TO 7000 TO 7500 FEET AT TIMES DURING HEAVIER SNOWFALL. AFTER MIDNIGHT…SNOW LEVEL DROPS QUICKLY TO ALL VALLEY FLOORS BY EARLY FRIDAY MORNING.
IMPACTS: HEAVY WET SNOW AND STRONG WINDS WILL CREATE HAZARDOUS WHITEOUT CONDITIONS FOR THE HIGHEST ELEVATIONS…WITH VISIBILITY DROPPING TO NEAR ZERO AND SNOWFALL RATES OF 2 TO 3 INCHES PER HOUR AT TIMES. HIGHEST SIERRA PASSES INCLUDING MOUNT ROSE SUMMIT AND CARSON PASS WILL BE IMPACTED FOR THE ENTIRE DURATION OF THE STORM. DONNER PASS AND ECHO SUMMIT WILL BE IMPACTED BY HEAVY SNOW AND WINDS LATE TONIGHT INTO FRIDAY MORNING.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
AVOID TRAVEL IF POSSIBLE OVER HIGHER PASSES, 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 your Gore-Tex Windproof-Waterproof Jacket or outer Shell. Take a hat, beanie, and wear a Helmet for Safety. Also wear good yellow or rose tinted lens Goggles and warm gloves. Don’t forget to Stay Hydrated at altitude!
SURFACE CONDITIONS: Surface Conditions are Variable with a mixture of Natural Snow & Machine Made. Machine Groomed & Skier-Rider Packed Snow and Some Areas of Firm Packed Snow.
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 down hill. 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 schedule to open today. They are reporting a base of 20-23”. 16 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP [Gondola, Tamarack, Dipper, Comet & Sky on WIND HOLD] [Aerial Tram & Gunbarrel at California Base on WIND HOLD] & Stagecoach scheduled. California DMZ Carpet open. 1Run open (1MG). Comet T-Park Closed. (MG & SKRPP / 37F / Cldy / Mod-Strong Winds). (Hwy 207:) Call Ahead for updates: 1-800-HEAVENLY / www.skiheavenly.com

*SIERRA AT TAHOE: (Hwy 50:) Is open reporting on a base depth of 15-29”. 8 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (8:30-4)-WWP, including Grandview Express to the top, Easy Rider Express, Rock Garden, Nob Hill & West Bowl open. 31 trails are open (23MG), Plus Broadway Park. (MG & SKRPP / 40F / Cldy / Lt-Mod Winds). Blizzard Mtn. Snow Tubing & Snow Play Areas open today. For more info call: 530-659-7475 / www.sierraattahoe.com

HOPE VALLEY OUTDOORS / CROSS COUNTRY: (Hwy 88/89:) Luther Pass – Pickett’s Junction:) Is waiting on snow and will open when conditions permit. For more info: 530-721-2015 / www.hopevalleyoutdoors.com

*KIRKWOOD MOUNTAIN RESORT: (Hwy 88:) is open reporting a Trace of new on a base depth of 25-38”. 9 Lifts are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with Chairs #1 & #2, Chair #5, Chair #11, Chair #6 & Chair #10 opening today out of the Village. Plus, TC Express #7 & Chair #9 open with Timer Creek Lodge access. 38 runs are open (22MG). Bandit T-Park open. (MG & SKRPP / 34F / MCldy / Mod-Strong Winds). Kirkwood XC Center is also open with 12km of track in the Meadow. Call Ahead for updates: 877-KIRKWOOD / www.kirkwood.com

NEVADA & EAST SHORE RESORTS

*DIAMOND PEAK: (Hwy 28:) Is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year. They are Opening today on a base depth of 24-36”. 3 Lifts & Tow are scheduled to operate (9-4) including Crystal Express to the top, Lodgepole & Schoolhouse. 4 Runs are open (4MG) (MG / 44F / MCldy / Lt-Mod Winds). Mid Week and Full Season Passes are available from $69 to $469. Hosting Pass Holders Party with Film “Here and Now” on December 16. For more info call: 775-831-1177 / www.diamondpeak.com

*MT. ROSE SKI TAHOE: (Hwy 431: R1) Is CLOSED TODAY DUE TO PROJECTED STRONG DAMAGING WINDS… /// reports 2” of new on a base of 40”. 0 lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, including Wizard, Galena, Flying Jenny & Lakeview. Plus, Northwest 6 & Blazing Zephyr on Slide Bowl Side for top to bottom skiing & riding. 42 runs are open (38MG). (MG & SKRPP/ MCldy /28F / STRONG Winds). Call Ahead for updates: 800-SKIROSE / www.mtrose.com

TRUCKEE AREA RESORTS

*NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA: (Hwy 267:) is open reporting a base depth of 18-27”. 12 Lifts are scheduled to operate (8:30-4) with Front Side, Back Side & Lookout Mtn open. 23 Runs are open (19MG). Pinball T-Park open. (MG & SKRPP / 25F / Cldy / Lt-Mod Winds). XC Center is CLOSED. The Village Ice Rink is open 12-9pm. Call Ahead for updates: 530-562-1330 / www.northstarcalifornia.com

*TAHOE DONNER SKI AREA: is open. They report a base depth of 12-24”. 3 Lifts & Tow are scheduled to operate (9-4) with 1 run open. (MGPP / Cldy / 38F / Lt-Mod Winds) Unrestricted Season Passes available for downhill skiing from $159 to $304. Or Combine downhill with XC from $79 to $419.

TAHOE DONNER XC: is Closed due to rain washing away most of the snow coverage. ( Cldy / 38F / Lt Winds). No Dogs allowed today. For more info Call: 530-587-9484 / www.skitahoedonner.com

DONNER SUMMIT RESORTS

*BOREAL MOUNTAIN RESORT: (I-80:) Is open and reports a base depth of 30”. 4 Lifts are scheduled to operate (9-4) with Castle Peak Quad, 49er Chair, Nugget Chair & Accelerator to the top open till 9:00pm. They have 20 runs open (7MG) & 2 Small Parks open with 11 features. (MG & SKRPP / Cldy / 40F / Lt-Mod Winds). Playland Tubing Park open (10-4). Call Ahead. Woodward Tahoe training open daily. 530-426-3666 / www.rideboreal.com

SODA SPRINGS WINTER RESORT: (I-80 to Hwy 40:) Is Closed midweek to reopen on Friday, Dec. 16. They have a base of 20”. 1 Chair, Lion’s Head will operate (10-4) with 1 run open. Plus, Planet Kids… Lil’ Mamma’s Carpet, Planet Kids & Tube Carousel open as well as Tube Town will operate. (MG/ MCldy / 34F / Lt Winds) Call Ahead. 530-426-3901 www.skisodasprings.com

ROYAL GORGE XC: (I-80 to Hwy 40:) Is CLOSED (8:30-4). Rain and standing water has deteriorated the snow pack. (MCldy / 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. 530-426-3871 / www.royalgorge.com

*SUGAR BOWL SKI RESORT: (I-80 to Hwy 40:) Is Open! They report a Base of 10-22”. 3 Lifts & Access Gondola are scheduled to turn (9-4), to offer top to bottom skiing & riding, including [Mt. Lincoln on WEATHER HOLD], Christmas Tree & Nob Hill. 22 Runs are open (14MG). (MG & SKRPP / Cldy / 34F / Mod-Strong Winds). Access will be from the Judah Portal & Gondola. For more info: 530-426-1111 / www.sugarbowl.com

DONNER SKI RANCH: (Hwy 40:) is CLOSED this week. They plan to start full time operation on Dec. 16. For more info: 530-426-3635 / www.donnerskiranch.com

WEST SHORE / NORTHLAKE TAHOE RESORTS

*HOMEWOOD MOUNTAIN RESORT: (Hwy 89:) is now Open! They report a base depth of 14-26”. 2 Surface Lifts will operate (9-4) with 4 beginner runs open. (MG / MCldy / 40F / Lt Winds). Season Passes range from $219 for Child to $589 Adult. For more info: Guest services: 530-525-2992. Snow Phone: 530-525-2900 / www.skihomewood.com

GRANLIBAKKEN RESORT: (Hwy 89:) Ski & Snowboard will open in December 16, or when conditions permit. Their Sledding & Snow Play is Closed and is scheduled to open Dec 16. (9-4:30). (MCldy/ 40F / Lt Winds) Call Ahead: 530-581-7533 / www.granlibakken.com

TAHOE XC CENTER: (Hwy 28:) Is CLOSED – They will reopen as conditions permit. (MClear / 30F / Lt Winds).

*TAHOE CITY WINTER SPORTS PARK: (Hwy 28, Tahoe City) Will continue to be operated by Tahoe XC with TCPUD. XC Trails, Snow Play are Closed. The new Ice Rink is open, Sunday-Thursdays (12-9pm) Friday-Saturday (10am-10pm). For more info: 530-583-1516 / www.wintersportspark.com

*ALPINE MEADOWS: (Hwy 89:) Reports a base of 10”. 7 Lifts & Tows scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with All Lift on WIND HOLD]. 0 Runs are open (8MG). (MG & SKRPP / 40F / Cldy/ 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 open reporting a base of 15”. 8 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with lifts from the lower mountain including [Aerial Tram & The Funitel, Far East, Red Dog & Squaw Creek WIND HOLD]; Plus 4 tows in the SnoVentures- Squaw Kids Beginners Area open. And, All Lifts scheduled for the Upper Mountain on WIND HOLD. 2 Trails open (2MG). Gold Coast T-Park open if accessible. (MG & SKRPP / 42F / Cldy / Mod-Strong Winds). For more info: 530-452-4335 / www.squaw.com

CENTRAL SIERRA RESORTS

*MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN: (Hwy 395:) Is open and reports 1-2” of new on a base ranging from 30-84”. Top to Bottom Skiing & Riding is offered with 20 Lifts scheduled to operation (8:30-4)-WWP, with 13 Lifts out of the Main Lodge, including Lower & Upper Panorama Gondola. Plus, Village Gondola & 5 Lifts turning out of Canyon Lodge, and 1 Lift out of Eagle Lodge. 104 Trails are open (46MG), Plus the Main & Forest Trail Terrain Parks. ({Powder, MG & SKRPP / 29F / Snowing / Strong Winds). 888-766-9778 / www.mammothmountain.com

JUNE MOUNTAIN: (Hwy 395:) Is scheduled to open on December 16 or when conditions permit. For more info call: 760-934-2224 / www.junemountain.com

YOSEMITE SKI & SNOWBOARD AREA: is scheduled to open on December 16. For more info Call: 209-372-1000 #5 / www.yosemitepark.com/dailysnowreport.aspx

DODGE RIDGE: (Hwy 108) Will open when conditions permit. They received 16” of snow from the last storm. Adult Season Passes available for $479 thru November 30. For more info – Snow Phone: 209-536-5300 / www.dodgeridge.com

BEAR VALLEY MOUNTAIN RESORT: (Hwy 4 – Ebbetts Pass) Is Closed Midweek and reopen daily for the season on Dec. 17. (MG PP / MClear / 27F / Lt Winds). For more info: 209-753-2301 #2 / www.bearvalley.com

BEAR VALLEY XC CENTER: (Hwy 4) Is Open and reports a base depth of 6-12”. 8 trails are open = 10km of groomed track & Skating lanes. Sledding & Tubing Areas are Closed today (9-4). ( MCldy / 35F / 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:
R1= Chains or Snow Tires Required: Hwy 431 over Mt. Rose
R2= Chains Mandatory with exception of 4WD with 4 Snow Tires:
All Other Roadways in and around Lake Tahoe are open and Free of Controls. 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.