Lake Tahoe ski, snowboard, road and weather news - Mountain Resort Report©

Good Morning Lake Tahoe Skiers & Riders…

Get on the Mountain early for your Sunday Funday… Winds will affect the operation of upper mountain lifts as a Lake Wind Advisory (starting at 10am) and Winter Weather Advisory (starting at 6pm) has been posted… Upper Mountain Lifts affected at Heavenly, Kirkwood, Squaw, Alpine & Mammoth Mountain… Call Ahead… Have Fun & Be Safe!

Today’s Weather: Expect Mostly Cloudy Skies with a slight chance of Rain or Snow in the afternoon. Highs: 42F-47F (32F-37F on the Slopes). Southwest winds 10-15 mph increasing to south 15-15 mph in the afternoon… Gusts up to 40 mph. Ridge Gusts up to 80 mph increasing to 95 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight: Snow and rain. Snow level 6500 feet lowering to lake level. Snow accumulation of 1 to 5 inches with 3 to 9 inches above 7000 feet. Lows 26 to 36. South winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. Ridge gusts up to 110 mph.

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM SUNDAY TO 10 AM PST MONDAY…

* WHAT…Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 5 to 10 inches mainly west of Highway 89 above 7000 feet with up to 15 inches on the crest. 2 to 4 inches possible around lake level.

* WHERE…Greater Lake Tahoe Area.

* WHEN…From 6 PM Sunday to 10 AM PST Monday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Travel could be very difficult across the Sierra passes. Strong winds could produce tree damage and possible power outages.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… A Winter Weather Advisory for snow means periods of snow will cause primarily travel difficulties. Expect snow covered roads and limited visibilities, and use caution while driving.

WHAT TO WEAR: Dress, in layers with your Gore-Tex Jacket or Shell. Take good gloves, a hat or beanie, and wear a Helmet for Safety. Also wear good Sunglasses or Goggles. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen (when the sun is out) & stay hydrated at altitude!

SURFACE CONDITIONS: Surface Conditions are Machine Groomed & Skier-Rider Packed Powder/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

The avalanche danger will remain LOW and avalanche activity will remain unlikely until it starts snowing this evening. Continue to use normal caution when traveling in the backcountry especially in areas where old firm wind slabs may linger. The avalanche danger will increase quickly as snow starts to accumulate tonight and could reach CONSIDERABLE during the night.

SOUTH SHORE LAKE TAHOE & SURROUNDING AREAS

*HEAVENLY MOUNTAIN RESORT: Reports a base of 19”. 17 Lifts are scheduled to operate (8:30-4)-WWP, including Mtn. access from the Heavenly Gondola & 5 Lifts turning including Tamarack Express; California Base with 7 Lifts including Gunbarrel, Tram, Powderbowl & (Sky Express & Canyon-ON HOLD); And, Stagecoach on the Nevada Side with Comet, Dipper & Olympic Express. 43 Trails are open including Milky Way Bowl (17MG). (MG & SKRPP / 23F / MCldy / Mod-Strong Winds). Gondola Site Seeing (8:30-4) is open today / Ridge Rider Coaster is open & Guided UTV Tours scheduled (11-4). Free Parking at Cal Base Lodge & Boulder Base with Free Shuttle Buses running every 15 minutes. (Hwy 207:): 1-800-HEAVENLY / www.skiheavenly.com

*SIERRA AT TAHOE:(Hwy 50:) Reports a base of 37-47”. 11 Lifts & Tows will operate (8:30-4)-WWP, including Grandview to the top, West Bowl, Nob Hill & Easy Rider. Plus, Rock Garden & Short Stuff open to the back side. 41 Trail are open (31MG). 4 Terrain Parks open. (MG & SKRPP / 34F / PCldy / Lt-Mod Winds). Snow Play area & Blizzard Mtn. Tubing Hill are open today. Hosting USASA GS race today… Free Shuttle Buses are running from South Shore. 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:) 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: / Pickett’s Junction:) Is planning to open soon!For more info: 530-721-2015 / www.hopevalleyoutdoors.com

*KIRKWOOD MOUNTAIN RESORT:(Hwy 88:) Reports a base of 31”. 11 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with 5 Lifts out of the Village including Chair #1, Chair #5, Chair #11, Chair #6 & Chair #10. Plus, 3 Lifts, Chairs #2, (Chair #3 & #4 to the Back Side on HOLD)… 2 Lifts will turn, Chairs #7 & #9 out of Timber Creek Lodge. 85 Trails are open (32MG). XC Center is open with 10-15 km of trails. (MG & SKRPP / 36F / PCldy / Mod-Strong Winds). For updates: 877-KIRKWOOD / www.kirkwood.com

NEVADA & EAST SHORE RESORTS

*DIAMOND PEAK:(Hwy 28:) Is Open for the season. They have a base depth of 24-36”. 4 Lifts are scheduled to operate today (9-4) including Schoolhouse, Lodgepole, Lakeview and Crystal Express to the top. 12 Trails are open (8MG). t-Park open with 6 features. (MGPP & SKRPP / 46F / PCldy / Lt Winds). 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:) Reports a base of 16-30”. 7 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with Lakeview, Galena, Wizard; And NW Magnum 6 to the top of the Rose Side & Blazing Zephyr (8:30am) on the Slide Bowl Side. 38 Trails are open (28MG). Plus, Mystic & Pondo T-Parks open with 10 Features. The Chutes remain Closed. (MG & SKRPP / 29F / MCldy / Mod-Strong Winds). Locals Sunday: if you are within a 1 hour Drive you are eligible to purchase a $69 lift ticket, today. Call Ahead for updates. 800-SKIROSE / www.mtrose.com

TRUCKEE AREA RESORTS

*NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA: (Hwy 267:) Reports a base of 18-26”. 14 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (8:30-4), accessing the Front Side, Back Side & Look Out Mountain… 76 Trails are open (32MG) + 4 T-Parks with 38 total features. 3 Glades are open. (MG & SKRPP / 31F/ MCldy / Lt-Mod Winds). Village Ice Rink is open (12-9pm). XC & Snowshoe Center open (8:30-4:30) For updates call: 530-562-1330 / www.northstarcalifornia.com

*TAHOE DONNER SKI AREA: Is open. They report a base of 18”. 4 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to turn (9-4) including Eagle Rock & the new Snowbird Chair. 3 Trails are open (3MG). (MGPP / 37F / MCldy / Lt Winds). For information call 530-587-9444 or visit www.skitahoedonner.com

*TAHOE DONNER XC: Is open (8:30-5). They report a base of 6”. They have 35 Trails open, offering 30+km of groomed trails for XC Skiing & Snow Shoeing. No Dogs or Fat Tire bikes allowed until more snow… (32F / PCldy / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info: 530-587-9484 / www.skitahoedonner.com

DONNER SUMMIT RESORTS

*BOREAL MOUNTAIN RESORT: (I-80:) Is open… They report a base of 56”. 6 Lifts & Tow will operate… The Castle Peak Lift from (9am-9pm). Cedar Ridge & 49er Chair (9-3) And, Accelerator Express (10-6pm). 22 Trails are open (22MG). Big Blue T-Park open with 14 features. (MG & SKRPP / 32F / Cldy / Lt-Mod Winds). Boreal Unlimited Season Pass $349. 530-426-3666 / www.rideboreal.com

*SODA SPRINGS WINTER RESORT:is open Thursdays thru Mondays (10-4). They are Open Today… They report a base of 56”. 5 lifts & tows will operate (10-4) with Lions Head & Crystal Bowl Chairs turning… 18 Trail are open (18MG). Planet Kids open for Family Fun (10am-4pm) with Tube Carousel & Sleigh Rides. (MGPP/ 32F / Cldy / Lt-Mod Winds). Their Unlimited Season Pass is only $229. 530-426-3901 www.skisodasprings.com

*SUGAR BOWL SKI RESORT:(Hwy 40: from I-80: / Hwy 40 from Truckee:) Is open. They report a base of 18-36”. 10 Lifts are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, including Christmas Tree, Nob Hill, White Pine, Judah & Jerome Hill. Plus, Disney & Lincoln Express turning… 92 Trails open (37MG). (MG & SKRPP / 32F / MCldy / Mod Winds). Access is from the Gondola to the Village and the Judah Portal. For more info: 530-426-1111 / www.sugarbowl.com

*ROYAL GORGE XC:Operated by Sugar Bowl, is Open (8:30-4). They report a base of 12”. 65 Trails are open and groomed… offering 69.9 km of groomed trails for classic XC striding and skating. Dog Trails open. (31F / PCldy / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info: 530-426-3871 / www.royalgorge.com

DONNER SKI RANCH:(Hwy 40:) Is open weekends. 5 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4) with Chairs #1, #4 & #6. Plus, Tubing Hill will be open. 13 trails will be open (13MG). Snow Tubing open (10am-4pm). (MGPP / 32F / MCldy/ Lt-Mod Winds). Open daily starting Dec. 20. The Old 40 Bar & Grill is open daily from 11am-9pm. For more info: 530-426-3635 / www.donnerskiranch.com

WEST SHORE / NORTHLAKE TAHOE RESORTS

*HOMEWOOD MOUNTAIN RESORT:(Emerald Bay Rd:/ Hwy 89:) Is open. They report a base of 10-35”. 4 Lifts & Tows will operate (9-4) including the Madden Chair & Old Homewood Express for top to bottom skiing & Riding… Magic Carpet & Happy Platter operating… 50 Trails are open (17MG). (MG & SKRPP / 39F / MCldy / Lt Winds). 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 & Sledding is open daily. They Report a base of 4”. 2 Lifts… The Poma Lift & Bunny Rope Tow will operate (9-4). (MGPP / 37F / MCldy / Lt Winds). Sledding & Snow Play area open. Limited XC Trails open. Call Ahead: 530-581-7533 / www.granlibakken.com

*TAHOE XC CENTER:(Hwy 28:) Is open (8:30-5) for XC Skiing & Snow Shoeing. They have a base of 10”. 9 Trails are open, including 4 Green Trails & 5 Yellow Trails with 15km of groomed trails open, including Dog Trails… (43F / MCldy / Lt Winds). For more info, Call: 530-583-5475 or www.tahoexc.org

*TAHOE CITY WINTER SPORTS PARK. The Ice Rink is open daily (10am-8pm). Café Zenon open, more snow needed for sledding for XC trails… For more info: 530-583-5475 / www.tahoexc.org

*SQUAW VALLEY:(Hwy 89:) Is open and reports a base of 23-38”. 19 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with 11 Lifts & Tows from the bottom, including (The Aerial Tram & Funitel on WIND HOLD), plus Red Dog, Squaw Creek, Far East & KT22. 6 beginner tows will operate in the SnoVentures/Squaw Kids area (9-4). 8 Lifts are scheduled for the upper mountain (All on WIND HOLD including Gold Coast & Shirley Lake… Bailey’s Beach, Belmont, Mtn Meadow, Big Blue, Siberia & Headwall). 34 Trails are open (7MG). (MG & SKRPP / 46F / Cldy / Mod-Strong Winds). T-Park open. Snow Tubing offered (10-4). Squaw-Alpine Shuttle Bus is operating (8-4pm). For more info: 530-452-4335 / www.squawalpine.com

*ALPINE MEADOWS:(Hwy 89:) Is open… They report a base of 24-35”. 5 Lifts are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, including Hot Wheels, (Kangaroo, Roundhouse, Summit Express. Scott & Sherwood on WIND HOLD). 70 Trails are open (18MG). (MG & SKRPP / 42F / Cldy / Mod-Strong 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 a base of 30-55”. 27 Lifts & Tow are scheduled to operate (8:30-4)-WWP, with 12 Lifts out of the Main Lodge including Discovery #11, (All other lifts including the lower & upper Panorama Gondola on WIND HOLD). 11 Lifts out of Canyon Lodge (#22, #16 & High 5 on WIND HOLD). And, 4 Lifts out of Eagle Lodge (# 25 & Cloud 9 on WIND HOLD). 50 Trails are to open (75MG-28 acessible); Plus, 6 T-Parks open. (MG & SKRPP / 33F / PCldy / Mod-Strong Winds). For more info, Call Ahead: 888-766-9778 / www.mammothmountain.com

JUNE MOUNTAIN:(Hwy 395:) Is open… They have a base of 12-24”. 4 Lifts, J1, J2, J3 & J7, are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with 14 Trails open (14MG). (MGPP / 41F / PCldy / Lt-Mod). For more info call: 760-934-2224 / www.junemountain.com

YOSEMITE SKI & SNOWBOARD AREA:Is getting ready for the season. They scheduled December 14 to open, but with lack of snow they have now pushed back open till Thursday, December 20. For more info Call: 209-372-1000 #5 / http://www.travelyosemite.com/winter/yosemite-ski-snowboard-area/downhill-skiing-snowboarding/

*DODGE RIDGE: Is Open. They report a base of 8-24”. 7 Lifts & Tows will operate (9-4). 64 Trails are open (38MG). (MG & SKRPP / 38F / MClear / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info: 209-536-5300 / www.dodgeridge.com

*BEAR VALLEY MOUNTAIN RESORT: Is open daily… They report a base of 32”. 7 Lifts and Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, accessing both the front & backside of the mountain. 47 Trails are open (32MG). (MG & SKRPP / 44F / MCldy / Lt-Mod Winds).Snow Tubing open (10-4).Call: 209-753-2301 #2 / www.bearvalley.com

*BEAR VALLEY XC CENTER:Is open (9-4:30). They report a base of 30”. 25 trails are open = 38 km of groomed XC trails available. (35F / PCldy / Lt Winds). Sledding & Snow Tubing open. For more info: 209-753-2834 / www.bearvalleyxc.com

CURENT ROAD CONDITIONS:

All Roadways in and around Lake Tahoe are open and Free of Controls with the exception of roadways listed below:

US Hwy 50 (Echo Summit):

Hwy 89 (Luther Pass):

Hwy 88 (Carson Pass):

Hwy 88 (Woodfords to Picketts):

Hwy 88 (Gville-CA State Line):

Hwy 207 (Kingsbury Grade):

Hwy 89 (Emerald Bay Rd):

Hwy 89 (West Shore):

Hwy 89 (Tahoe City-Truckee):

Hwy 28 (North Shore-Incline):

Hwy 28 (East Shore):

Interstate 80 (Donner Summit-Truckee):

Hwy 267 (Brockway Summit):

Hwy 431 (Mt Rose Summit):

Hwy 50 (Stateline-Spooner):

Hwy 50 (Spooner-Carson City):

Hwy 395 (GVille-Bridgeport):

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 bikng and skiing in Lake Tahoe, visit http://www.bikeandskitahoe.com.