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

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

January 4, 2017

A CHALLENGING HUMP DAY TO MAKE TURNS… A WINTER STORM WARNING IS POSTED THROUGH TOMORROW MORNING… ALL LIFTS WILL OPERATE WIND & WEATHER PERMITTING… UPPER MOUNTAIN LIFTS ARE CLOSED AT HEAVENLY, SIERRA AT TAHOE, SQUAW, MT ROSE & MAMMOTH… ALPINE MEADOWS & DONNER SKI RANCH CLOSED TODAY… CALL AHEAD.

R1 & R2 ROAD RESTRICTIONS ARE POSTED ON ALL HIGHWAYS IN AND AROUND LAKE TAHOE. I-80 & HWY 89 EMERALD BAY ROAD & HWY 207 KINGSBURY GRADE ARE CLOSED.
BUCKLE UP AND CARRY TIRE CHAINS AND BE PREPARED FOR WINTER DRIVING CONDITIONS…
HAVE FUN AND PATIENCE WITH HOLIDAY LINES… STAY ON OPENED RUNS ONLY AND BE SAFE!
**BACK COUNTRY AVALANCE WARNING POSTED!

TODAY’S WEATHER (NWS GREATER LAKE TAHOE AREA): Snow and rain. Snow level 6500 feet lowering to lake level. Snow accumulation of 4 to 8 inches…with 10 to 18 inches above 7000 feet. Highs: 32F to 37F. South winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. Ridge gusts up to 100 mph decreasing to 80 mph in the afternoon.

TONIGHT: Snow in the evening, then snow and rain after midnight. Snow accumulation of 3 to 6 inches…with 4 to 8 inches above 7000 feet. Lows: 25F to 35F. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. Ridge gusts up to 80 mph..

THURSDAY: Snow in the morning, then snow likely in the afternoon. Snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches…with 2 to 5 inches above 7000 feet. Highs: 26F to 31F. South winds up to 10 mph increasing to southwest in the afternoon. Ridge gusts up to 60 mph.

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENTS:

WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM PST THURSDAY…
TIMING: MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOW WILL CONTINUE UNTIL EARLY THURSDAY MORNING.
ADDITIONAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 6 TO 12 INCHES AT LAKE LEVEL WITH 1 TO 2 FEET ABOVE 7000 FEET.
WINDS: WIND GUSTS UP TO 45 MPH IN THE LOWER ELEVATIONS AND GUSTS OF 80 TO 100 MPH ACROSS SIERRA RIDGE TOPS.
IMPACTS: DANGEROUS CONDITIONS FOR TRAVEL AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES. WHITEOUT CONDITIONS ARE OCCURRING OVER MOUNTAIN PASSES AND AREAS EXPOSED TO GUSTY WINDS.
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. LET A FRIEND OR RELATIVE KNOW YOUR TRAVEL PLANS, ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE HEADING INTO THE BACK COUNTRY.
THE FOREST SERVICE SIERRA AVALANCHE CENTER HAS ISSUED A BACKCOUNTY AVALANCHE WARNING:
TIMING…IN EFFECT FROM 4PM TODAY THROUGH 7AM THURSDAY.
AFFECTED AREA… FOR THE SIERRA NEVADA MOUNTAINS OF CALIFORNIA AND NEVADA, FROM YUBA PASS TO EBBETTS PASS, INCLUDING THE LAKE TAHOE BASIN. THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO SKI AREAS OR MOUNTAIN HIGHWAY CORRIDORS WHERE AVALANCHE MITIGATION PROGRAMS EXIST.
AVALANCHE DANGER…HIGH IN ALL AREAS.
REASON/IMPACTS…A SIGNIFICANT WINTER STORM WILL IMPACT THE SIERRA TODAY THROUGH THURSDAY MORNING. AVALANCHE HAZARD WILL QUICKLY RISE TO HIGH AS SNOW RATES APPROACH 3 INCHES PER HOUR LATER THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING. WIND SLAB AND STORM SLAB AVALANCHE PROBLEMS WILL BE VERY LIKELY AT ALL ELEVATIONS THROUGHOUT THE REGION.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
AVALANCHES MAY RUN LONG DISTANCES, INTO FLAT AREAS, AND CAN RUN INTO MATURE FORESTS.
TRAVEL IN AVALANCHE TERRAIN IS NOT RECOMMENDED.
CONSULT WWW.SIERRAAVALANCHECENTER.ORG OR WWW.AVALANCHE.ORG FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION.
SIMILAR AVALANCHE DANGER MAY EXIST AT LOCATIONS OUTSIDE THE COVERAGE AREA OF THIS OR ANY AVALANCHE CENTER.

WHAT TO WEAR: Dress in layers with your Gore-Tex Storm Jacket with Hood. Take a hat or beanie and wear a Helmet for Safety. Also wear Rose or Orange tinted Goggles and warm gore-tex lined gloves. Don’t forget to use Sunscreen & Chapstick when the sun is out and Stay Hydrated at altitude!

SURFACE CONDITIONS: Surface Conditions are Variable with Fresh Powder over Machine Groomed & Skier-Rider Packed Snow and Some Areas of Firm Packed Snow under top groomed surfaces.

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 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 open, reporting 12-18” of new snow on a base of a base of 53-76”. 24 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (8:30-4)-WWP – STRONG WINDS REPORTED WITH POTENTIAL FOR WIND HOLDS AND CLOSURES… They have Mtn Access from California Base, Stagecoach & Boulder Lodges. Gondola & All Upper Mountain Lifts are CLOSED . // 86 Trails are open (35MG). Mott & Killebrew Canyons CLOSED, Plus, Groove (10 features) & Comet (7 features) T-Parks & EpicMix Racing Course CLOSED. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 28F / Snowing / Strong Winds). Tubing & Alpine Coaster are CLOSED today at top of Gondola. Complimentary Shuttles running to all open base facilities. (Hwy 207: CLOSED DUE To Sink Hole) Call Ahead for updates: 1-800-HEAVENLY / www.skiheavenly.com

*SIERRA AT TAHOE: (Hwy 50: R2) Is open reporting 13-16” of new on a base depth of 36-60”. 5 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4) including (Grandview Express & Nob Hill & West Bowl on WIND HOLD) Rock Garden turning with Carpets on the Front (Short Stuff on the Backside Closed). 40 trails are open (28MG), Plus 3 Freestyle Terrain Parks open including Broadway & Upper Main. (PWDR, MG & SKR PP / 29F / Snowing / Mod Winds). Blizzard Mtn. scheduled to Open with Snow Tubing & Snow Play Area. 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:) The Yurt will be open today (10-4) at Pickett’s Junction for XC, Snowshoe rentals with limited XC & Snowshoe trails available with more trails at Red Lake & Carson Pass areas. There are no fees to access trails in Hope Valley, but donations are gladly accepted… For more info call: 530-721-2015 / www.hopevalleyoutdoors.com

*KIRKWOOD MOUNTAIN RESORT: (Hwy 88: R2) is open reporting 20” of new on a base depth of 50-73”. 7 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with Chairs #1, Chair #5, Chair #11, (Chair #6 & Chair #10 on WIND HOLD) open out of the Village. Plus, (Chairs #2, #3 & #4 to the Back Side on WIND HOLD) and Chairs #7 & Chair #9 open at Timber Creek Lodge. Expect Lift Delays with Snow Safety Holds… 86 runs are open (31MG). Outlaw & Bandit T-Parks open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 24F / Snowing/ Mod-Strong Winds). Kirkwood XC Center is also open with 40km of track in the Meadow & Schneider Camp Loop. Call Ahead for updates: 877-KIRKWOOD / www.kirkwood.com

NEVADA & EAST SHORE RESORTS

*DIAMOND PEAK: (Hwy 28: R1) Is open, reporting 17” of new on a base depth of 24-60”. 4 Lifts & Tow are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, including Lakeview & Crystal Express to the top, Lodgepole & Schoolhouse. 26 Runs are open (12MG), plus T-Park with 4 features (Powder, MG & SKR PP / 33F / Snowing / Lt Winds). For more info call: 775-831-1177 / www.diamondpeak.com

*MT. ROSE SKI TAHOE: (Hwy 431: R1) Is open and reports 14-18” of new on a base of 81”. 6 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, including Lakeview, Northwest 6 & Wizard turning… Blazing Zephyr, Galena, Flying Jenny on Delayed opening . Chuter Lift & Chute Gates are CLOSED. 51 runs are scheduled to open (33MG). Badlands T-Park CLOSED. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP/ Snowing / 27F / Mod-Strong Winds). Call Ahead for updates: 800-SKIROSE / www.mtrose.com

TRUCKEE AREA RESORTS

*NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA: (Hwy 267: R2) is open reporting 18” of new on a base depth of 29-58”. 19 Lifts are scheduled to operate (8:30-4)-WWP, with Front Side, Back Side & Lookout Mtn open. 70 Runs are open (41MG) Plus, 3 areas of Glade Skiing. 4 T-Parks open with 65 features. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 29F / Snowing / Lt-Mod Winds). XC Center is open (8:30-4) with 8 trails = 10 km of groomed trails. Tubing Center open (10-3). The Village Ice Rink is open (12-9). Call Ahead for updates: 530-562-1330 / www.northstarcalifornia.com

*TAHOE DONNER SKI AREA: is open and reports 8-12” of new on a base depth of 42-54”. 4 Lifts & Tow are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with 2 runs open (2MG). (PWDR, MGPP / Snowing / 32F / Lt-Mod Winds).

*TAHOE DONNER XC: is open (8:30-5:00) reporting 8” of new on a base of 12-24”. 16 Trails XC Skiing & Snowshoeing open… more trails open after grooming. Fat tire biking on Hold. Dogs allowed today. (Snowing / 32F / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info Call: 530-587-9484 / www.skitahoedonner.com

DONNER SUMMIT RESORTS

*BOREAL MOUNTAIN RESORT: (I-80: R2-CLOSED) Is open and reports 18” of new on a base depth of 75”. 6 Lifts are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with 49er Chair, Nugget Chair, Cedar Ridge, Flying Dutchman to the backside; Castle Peak & Accelerator to the top open till 9:00pm. They have 33 runs open (7MG) & 4 T-Parks open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / Snowing / 32F / Mod Winds). 2 Lifts will operate till 9:00pm-WWP. Playland Tubing Park open (10-4). Woodward Tahoe training open daily. For more info: 530-426-3666 / www.rideboreal.com

*SODA SPRINGS WINTER RESORT: (I-80:R2 CLOSED to Hwy 40: R2) Is open reporting 10” of new on a base of 30”. 4 Lifts & Tows, Lion’s Head & Crystal Bowl will operate (10-4) with 13 Trails open (3MG). Plus, Planet Kids, Tube Carousel & Tube Town. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP/ Snowing / 32F / Lt Winds). Mini Snowmobiles & Sleigh Rides also offered-WWP. Call Ahead. 530-426-3901 www.skisodasprings.com

*ROYAL GORGE XC: (I-80: R2 CLOSED to Hwy 40: R2) Is open (8:30-4). They report 18” of new on a base of 20-30”. 16 Tracks are open = 17Km of groomed trails. (Snowing / 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. 530-426-3871 / www.royalgorge.com

*SUGAR BOWL SKI RESORT: (I-80: CLOSED to Hwy 40: R2 – Hwy 40 from Truckee Closed) Is CLOSED THIS MORNING – CALL AHEAD…. // and reports 18-24” of new a base of 41-72”. 5 Lifts & Tows, plus Access Gondola are scheduled to turn (9-4)-WWP, including Mt. Lincoln to the top, Disney, Christmas Tree, Nob Hill & Jerome Hill. 70 Runs are open (34MG). (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / Snowing / 30F / Mod Winds). Access will be from the Judah Portal & Gondola. For more info: 530-426-1111 / www.sugarbowl.com

*DONNER SKI RANCH: (Hwy 40: CLOSED from I-80 / Closed from Truckee) is CLOSED TODAY. // They report 18” of new on a base of 36-46”. 6 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP. 35 Runs are open (20MG). (PWDR, MG & SKR PP / Snowing / 22F / Lt-Mod Winds) Tubing Hill is Closed today. For more info: 530-426-3635 / www.donnerskiranch.com

WEST SHORE / NORTHLAKE TAHOE RESORTS

*HOMEWOOD MOUNTAIN RESORT: (Hwy 89: R1 / Emerald Bay Road CLOSED) is open with access from the North Lodge. They report 5-13” of new on a base depth of 33-71”. 7 Lifts & tows will operate (9-4)-WWP, with the Madden Chair, Ellis Chair, Quail Chair & Old Homewood Express turning. 35 runs open (15MG). (PWDR, MG SKRPP/ Snowing / 30F / Lt-Mod Winds). 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 (9-4:30) with 8” of new on a base of 8”. 2 Tows and limited terrain are open. Their XC Trails, Sledding & Snow Play are open Daily. (9-4:30). (Snow / 32F / Lt Winds) Call Ahead: 530-581-7533 / www.granlibakken.com

*TAHOE XC CENTER: (Hwy 28: R1) Is open. They report 12” of new on a base of 12-20”. They are Grooming out trails this morning. Check back after 9am… // 7 trails open offering 40Km of groomed tracks. Dogs trails Closed. (Snow / 32F / Lt Winds).

*TAHOE CITY WINTER SPORTS PARK: (Hwy 28: Tahoe City – R1) Will continue to be operated by Tahoe XC with TCPUD. XC Trails, Snow Play are open as conditions permit. 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: R1) Reports 23” of new on a base of 77”. They CLOSED TODAY. // 11 Lifts & Tows scheduled to operate (9-4) with Hot Wheels, Roundhouse, Scott, (Alpine Bowl & Summit Six on Patrol HOLD). 36 Runs are open (16MG). (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 29F /Snowing / Mod-Strong Winds). Squaw-Alpine Express Shuttle Running between resorts offered. For more info: 530-581-8374 / www.skialpine.com

*SQUAW VALLEY: (Hwy 89: R1) is open reporting 23” of new on a base of 91”. 10 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP on the Lower Mountain… with (Aerial Tram & The Funitel on WIND HOLD), Far East, Red Dog & Squaw Creek; Plus 5 tows in the SnoVentures- Squaw Kids Beginners Area open. 11 Lifts on the Upper Mountain All on WIND HOLD). 13 Trails open (8MG). Belmont & Gold Coast T-Parks Closed. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 28F / Snowing / Mod-Strong Winds). For more info: 530-452-4335 / www.squaw.com

CENTRAL SIERRA RESORTS

*MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN: (Hwy 395: R1) Is 100% open and reports 24-46” of new on a base ranging from 80-170”. 19 Lifts & Tows scheduled to operation (8:30-4)-WWP, with 9 Lifts out of the Main Lodge, Plus, Village Gondola & 7 Lifts turning out of Canyon Lodge, and 2 Lifts out of Eagle Lodge. 125 Trails are open (42MG), Plus 5 Terrain Parks open. (MG & SKRPP / 24F / Snowing / Strong Winds). 888-766-9778 / www.mammothmountain.com

*JUNE MOUNTAIN: (Hwy 395: R1) Is open reporting 1-4” of new on a base of 8-36”. 7 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4). 28 trails open. (MG & SKRPP/ 30F / Snowing / Lt-Md Winds). For more info call: 760-934-2224 / www.junemountain.com

YOSEMITE SKI & SNOWBOARD AREA: is scheduled to open conditions permitting. Nordic Center is open for XC & Snowshoe Rentals. For more info Call: 209-372-1000 #5 / www.yosemitepark.com/dailysnowreport.aspx

*DODGE RIDGE: (Hwy 108: R1) is Open. They report 16” of new on a base of 23-40”. 8 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4). 50 Trails are open (28MG) (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / Snowing / 29F / Lt Winds). For more info call: 209-536-5300 / www.dodgeridge.com

*BEAR VALLEY MOUNTAIN RESORT: (Hwy 4:R2) – (Ebbetts Pass Closed) Is open daily reporting 17” of new on a base depth of 47”. 7 Lifts & Tow are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with 37 Trails open (21MG) + 2 T-Parks open. (PWDR, MG & SKR PP / Snowing / 30F / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info: 209-753-2301 #2 / www.bearvalley.com

*BEAR VALLEY XC CENTER: (Hwy 4:R2) Is Open and reports 20” of new on a base depth of 48-52”. 21 trails are open = 24km of groomed track & Skating lanes. Sledding & Tubing Areas are open today (9-4). (Snowing / 20F / 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:
Roadways in and around Lake Tahoe are open with R1 or R2 Requirements – Several Highways are CLOSED…
Carry Tire Chains. Call Ahead for updates. Or log on to www.nvroads.com
CLOSED: I-80, Hwy 40 from Truckee over Donner Summit; Hwy 89-Emerald Bay Road; Hwy 207 Kingsbury Grade (Due to Sink Hole).
R1= Chains or Snow Tires Required:
Hwy 89 West Shore TC to Emerald Bay; Hwy 89 TC to Truckee; Hwy 28 TC – INCLINE – East Shore; Hwy 431 Mt. Rose; Hwy 50 Spooner Summit to Carson City.
R2= Chains Mandatory with exception of 4WD with 4 Snow Tires:
I-80 – Donner Summit – CLOSED; Hwy 50 Echo Summit; Hwy 88/89 Luther Pass; Hwy 88 Carson Pass; Hwy 89 Emerald Bay Rd -CLOSED; Hwy 267 Brockway Summit
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.