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 Wednesday, January 11.

A BLIZZARD WARNING IS IN EFFECT TODAY THROUGH 10:00AM THIS MORNING… FOLLOWED BY A WINTER STORM WARNING POSTED TODAY THRU THURSDAY MORNING… AVALANCHE WARNING POSTED TODAY THROUGH 5:00PM.

AT THIS TIME MOST ALL RESORTS ARE CLOSED FOR THE DAY WITH EXCEPTION TO HEAVENLY ATTEMPTING TO GET SOME LIFTS OPEN FROM THE CALIFORNIA BASE AND MAMMOTH MTN & JUNE MTN ARE SCHEDULED TO OPEN IN CENTRAL EASTERN SIERRA, BUT SUBJECT TO DELAYS AND POSSIBLE RESORT CLOSURE DUE TO WIND & WEATHER… CALL AHEAD. AVALANCHE WARNING POSTED FOR BACK COUNTRY.

STAY ON DESIGNATED OPEN RUNS ONLY AND BE SAFE. STAY OUT OF THE BACK COUNTRY TODAY…
INTERSTATE 80 IS CLOSED; HWY 89 EMERALD BAY ROAD REMAINS CLOSED / HWY 431 MT ROSE IS CLOSED; HWY 88-CARSON PASS & SPUR CLOSED; HWY 207 KINGSBURY GRADE IS CLOSED … R1 & R2 CHAIN CONTROLS POSTED FOR ALL HIGHWAYS AROUND LAKE TAHOE. BUCKLE UP AND CARRY TIRE CHAINS AND BE PREPARED FOR WINTER DRIVING CONDITIONS…

TODAY’S WEATHER (NWS GREATER LAKE TAHOE AREA): Snow in the morning… Then snow likely in the afternoon. Snow accumulation of 6 to 12 inches. Highs: 30F to 35F. Southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. Ridge gusts up to 100 mph decreasing to 85 mph in the afternoon.
TONIGHT: Snow showers likely in the evening, then chance of snow showers after midnight. Snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches. Lows: 11F to 21F. Southwest winds 10 to 20 mph. Gusts up to 35 mph in the evening. Ridge gusts up to 70 mph decreasing to 55 mph after midnight.
THURSDAY: Snow. Snow accumulation of 1 to 4 inches. Highs: 24F to 29F. Light winds becoming east around 10 mph in the afternoon.

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENTS:
BLIZZARD WARNING:
BLIZZARD WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 10:00 AM PST WEDNESDAY…
WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10:00 AM WEDNESDAY TO 4:00 AM PST THURSDAY…
TIMING: DANGEROUS BLIZZARD CONDITIONS THROUGH THIS MORNING. BANDS OF SNOW… HEAVY AT TIMES… WILL CONTINUE THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT WITH DECREASING WINDS.
ADDITIONAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 6 TO 10 INCHES…WITH A FOOT OR MORE ABOVE 7000 FEET.
WINDS: SOUTHWEST 20 TO 30 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 45 MPH. SIERRA RIDGE GUSTS OVER 100 MPH. WINDS DECREASING LATER TODAY.
IMPACTS: DANGEROUS LIFE THREATENING BLIZZARD CONDITIONS FOR TRAVEL AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES. STAY HOME AND DO NOT ATTEMPT TO TRAVEL UNTIL THE STORM PASSES. AVALANCHE DANGER IS HIGH.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
THIS IS A LIFE THREATENING SITUATION. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO TRAVEL! ROAD CREWS AND FIRST RESPONDERS MAY NOT BE ABLE TO RESCUE YOU. STAY INDOORS UNTIL THE SNOW AND WIND SUBSIDE. EVEN A SHORT WALK COULD BE DEADLY IF YOU BECOME DISORIENTED.
AVALANCHE WARNING:
THE FOREST SERVICE SIERRA AVALANCHE CENTER HAS CONTINUED A BACKCOUNTRY AVALANCHE WARNING.
TIMING…IN EFFECT THROUGH 5 PM WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON.
AFFECTED AREA… FOR THE SIERRA NEVADA MOUNTAINS OF CALIFORNIA AND NEVADA, FROM YUBA PASS TO EBBETTS PASS, INCLUDING THE LAKE TAHOE BASIN.
AVALANCHE DANGER…HIGH IN ALL AREAS. REASON/IMPACTS…SIGNIFICANT NEW SNOW LOADING AND WIND HAS NATURAL AND HUMAN TRIGGERED AVALANCHES LIKELY. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…AVALANCHES MAY RUN LONG DISTANCES, INTO FLAT AREAS, AND CAN RUN INTO MATURE FORESTS. TRAVEL IN OR NEAR AVALANCHE TERRAIN OR IN AVALANCHE RUNOUT ZONES 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.
FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH THURSDAY.

WHAT TO WEAR: Dress 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 Powder and Machine Groomed Powder turning to Skier-Rider Packed Powder.

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 reporting 3-4 Feet (36”-48”) of new on a base of 113-172”. All Lifts & Tows are are on HOLD (10-4)-WWP, with Delayed opening of California Base Lodge: Aerial Tram, Gunbarrel, Patsy’s & Powderbowl may turn with delayed opening after Snow Safety… CALL AHEAD after 10:00am. Gondola Access Closed; Plus Stagecoach & Boulder Lodge on the Nevada Side is on extended delay opening. Limited Trails are open (2MG). (PWDR, MG / 29F / Snow/ Strong Winds-70mph). Tubing & Alpine Coaster are CLOSED today at top of Gondola. Complimentary Shuttles running to all open base facilities. (Hwy 207: CLOSED) Call Ahead for updates: 1-800-HEAVENLY / www.skiheavenly.com

*SIERRA AT TAHOE: (Hwy 50: R2) Is CLOSED TODAY… reporting 3 Feet (37”) of new on a base depth of 78-115”. No Lifts & Tows are planned to operate (9-4)-WWP. (PWDR, MG / 28F / Snow / Mod-Strong Winds). Blizzard Mtn., Snow Tubing & Snow Play Area CLOSED. Complimentary Shuttles are not 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 CLOSED 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: CLOSED) is reporting 4 Feet (48”) of new on a base depth of 78-94”. They are CLOSED TODAY. (PWDR, MG / 25F / Snowing / Mod-Strong Winds). Kirkwood XC Center is also CLOSED Due to Flooding. Call Ahead for updates: 877-KIRKWOOD / www.kirkwood.com

NEVADA & EAST SHORE RESORTS

*DIAMOND PEAK: (Hwy 28: R1) Is CLOSED TODAY, reporting 24” of new on a base depth of 72-151”. 0 Lifts & Tow are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP. (PWDR & MG / 29F / Snow / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info call: 775-831-1177 / www.diamondpeak.com

*MT. ROSE SKI TAHOE: (Hwy 431: CLOSED) Is CLOSED TODAY and reports 24” of new, on a base of 135”. 0 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to turn (9-4). (PWDR & MG/ Snowing / 19F / Strong Winds). Call Ahead for updates: 800-SKIROSE / www.mtrose.com

TRUCKEE AREA RESORTS

*NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA: (Hwy 267: R2) is CLOSED TODAY and reporting 42” of new on a base depth of 41-95”. ) Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (8:30-4)-WWP. (PWDR & MG / 29F / Snow / Mod-Strong Winds). XC Center is CLOSED (8:30-4). Tubing Center CLOSED (10-3). The Village Ice Rink is CLOSED (12-9). Call Ahead for updates: 530-562-1330 / www.northstarcalifornia.com

*TAHOE DONNER SKI AREA: is CLOSED TODAY and reports a base depth of 45-60”. 4 Lifts & Tow are CLOSED (9-4) with 12 runs CLOSED (9MG). (MG & PWDR / Snow / 29F / Lt-Mod Winds).

*TAHOE DONNER XC: is CLOSED TODAY (8:30-5:00) reporting a base of 12-24”. 23 Trails XC Skiing & Snowshoeing CLOSED. Fat tire biking on Hold. Dogs allowed today. (Snow / 29F / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info Call: 530-587-9484 / www.skitahoedonner.com

DONNER SUMMIT RESORTS

*BOREAL MOUNTAIN RESORT: (I-80: CLOSED) Is CLOSED TODAY… reports 36” of new on a base depth of 96”. No Lifts are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, (MG & PWDR / Snow / 29F / Mod-Strong Winds). Playland Tubing Park Closed (10-4). Woodward Tahoe training open daily. For more info: 530-426-3666 / www.rideboreal.com

*SODA SPRINGS WINTER RESORT: (I-80: CLOSED to Hwy 40: R2) Is CLOSED TODAY… reporting a base of 30”. 4 Lifts & Tows, Lion’s Head & Crystal Bowl CLOSED (10-4) with 13 Trails CLOSED (3MG). Plus, Planet Kids, Tube Carousel & Tube Town CLOSED. (MG & SKRPP/ Rain / 36F / Lt-Mod Winds). Mini Snowmobiles & Sleigh Rides also CLOSED. Call Ahead. 530-426-3901 www.skisodasprings.com

*ROYAL GORGE XC: (I-80: CLOSED to Hwy 40: R2) Is CLOSED TODAY (8:30-4). They report a base of 20-30”. 27 Tracks are CLOSED = 34Km of groomed trails. (Snow / 31F / 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 TODAY… reporting 31-54” of new on on a base of 76-131”. All Lifts & Tows, plus Access Gondola are CLOSED (9-4) (MG & PWDR / Snow / 27F / 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: R2 from I-80: CLOSED / Closed from Truckee) is CLOSED TODAY. They report 30” of new on a base of 72-85”. 6 Lifts & Tows are CLOSED (9-4). 35 Runs are CLOSED (20MG). (MG & PWDR / Snow / 26F / Mod-Strong 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-R2/ Emerald Bay Road CLOSED) is CLOSED TODAY… They report 24-34” of new on a base depth of 41-91”. No Lifts & tows are scheduled to turn (9-4)-WWP, (PWDR & MG / Snow / 28F / 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 CLOSED TODAY (9-4:30) they have a base of 24”. No Beginner Tow and limited terrain are open. Their XC Trails, Sledding & Snow Play are open Daily. (9-4:30). (Snow / 30F / Mod Winds) Call Ahead: 530-581-7533 / www.granlibakken.com

*TAHOE XC CENTER: (Hwy 28: R1) Is CLOSED TODAY. They report 12” of new on a base of 12-20”. 16 trails are CLOSED offering 0Km of groomed tracks. Dogs trails Closed. (Snow/ 31F / Lt-Mod Winds).

*TAHOE CITY WINTER SPORTS PARK: (Hwy 28: R2 – Tahoe City) Will continue to be operated by Tahoe XC with TCPUD. XC Trails, Snow Play are open as conditions permit. The new Ice Rink is CLOSED TODAY, Sunday-Thursdays (12-9pm) Friday-Saturday (10am-10pm). For more info: 530-583-1516 / www.wintersportspark.com

*ALPINE MEADOWS: (Hwy 89: R1) is CLOSED TODAY… Reports 42” of new on a base of 102”. All Lifts & Tows CLOSED (9-4). All Runs are CLOSED (MG). (PWDR & MG / 26F / 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: R1) is CLOSED TODAY… reporting 42” of new on a base of 103”. No Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4) ALL LIFTS CLOSED. No Trails open (MG). (PWDR & MG / 24F / Snow / Mod-Strong Winds). For more info: 530-452-4335 / www.squaw.com

CENTRAL SIERRA RESORTS

*MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN: (Hwy 395: R1) Is OPEN and reports 13” of new on a base ranging from 120-230”. 24 Lifts & Tows scheduled to operation (8:30-4)-WWP, with 13 Lifts out of the Main Lodge, Plus, Village Gondola & 8 Lifts turning out of Canyon Lodge, and 13 Lifts out of Eagle Lodge. 86 Trails are open (50+MG), Plus 6 Terrain Parks open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 19F / Snow / Strong Winds). 888-766-9778 / www.mammothmountain.com

*JUNE MOUNTAIN: (Hwy 395: R1) Is OPEN reporting 6.5-13” of new on a base of 36-50”. 6 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4). 29 trails open. (PWDR, MG / 25F / Snow / Mod-Strong 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: R2) is Open on limited basis. They report 20” of new on a base of 30-50”. 3 Lifts & Tows will turn to start with delays (9-4). Limited Trails are open (?MG) (MG & PWDR / Snow / 30F / Mod-Stong Winds). For more info call: 209-536-5300 / www.dodgeridge.com

*BEAR VALLEY MOUNTAIN RESORT: (Hwy 4: R2) – (Ebbetts Pass Closed) is CLOSED TODAY… reporting 14-20” of new on a base depth of 71”. All Lifts & Tow are CLOSED (9-4) with All Trails CLOSED (MG) + 2 T-Parks open. (MG & PWDR / Snow / 29F / Mod-Strong Winds). For more info: 209-753-2301 #2 / www.bearvalley.com

*BEAR VALLEY XC CENTER: (Hwy 4: R2) Is CLOSED TODAY THRU THURSDAY and reports 36” of new on a base depth of 60”. 23 trails are CLOSED = 28km of groomed track & Skating lanes. Sledding & Tubing Areas are CLOSED today (9-4). (Snow / 27F / 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 R1 or R2 Requirements
Carry Tire Chains. Call Ahead for updates. Or log on to www.nvroads.com
CLOSED: Interstate 80; Hwy 88-Carson Pass; Hwy 89-Emerald Bay Road; Hwy 431 Mt Rose; Hwy 207 Kingsbury Grade
R1= Chains or Snow Tires Required:
Hwy 50 Stateline-Spooner Summit to Carson City, Hwy 28 East Shore; Hwy 28 North Shore; Hwy 89 DL Bliss to TC; Hwy 89 TC to Truckee
R2= Chains Mandatory with exception of 4WD with 4 Snow Tires:
Hwy 50-Echo Summit; Hwy 88/89-Luther Pass; 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 skiing and biking in Lake Thaoe, visit www.bikeandskitahoe.com