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

Good Morning Lake Tahoe Skiers & Riders…

Mostly Cloudy Skies and plenty of Machine Groomed & Skier-Rider Packed Powder Conditions… All Resorts are open with full operations… You’re your Yellow or Rose Tinted Goggle today… Respect all Patrol Rope line & Area Closures… Get After it! Have Fun & Be Safe!

TODAY’S WEATHER: Expect Mostly Cloudy Skies in the morning then, becoming Partly Cloudy. Highs: 35F-40F. (25F-30F on the Slopes). Light Winds becoming east around 10 mph in the afternoon.

TONIGHT: Clear. Lows 15F-25F. East Winds 10-15 mph.

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT:

POTENTIAL MAJOR WINTER STORM NEXT WEEK…

Confidence is increasing in a potential major winter storm next week. Several feet of snow are possible above 8000 feet with up to 2 feet down to 6000 feet. Periods of rain and snow are expected in the lower valleys of northeast California and western Nevada Tuesday through Thursday. Light accumulations of snow are possible there, especially Tuesday afternoon and evening.

SIERRA: Snow is expected to begin late Monday night and continue through Thursday evening. The snow will be heavy at times, especially Tuesday night through Thursday. The snow may briefly change to rain below 6500 feet Thursday morning before changing back to snow. Winds will be gusty at times Wednesday and Thursday with ridge gusts of 60-80 mph Wednesday, increasing to 100+ mph Thursday.

LOWER VALLEYS: Rain and snow to begin Tuesday changing to all rain Tuesday

night. Snow levels near the valley floors Tuesday may result in some valleys seeing snow while adjacent valleys see rain. Light accumulations are possible. Rain Wednesday and Thursday may produce amounts up to 1 inch.

Significant impacts are expected in the Sierra with road closures possible Tuesday through Thursday, with potential moderate impacts in the lower valleys at times. IF YOU HAVE TRAVEL PLANS NEXT WEEK PAY ATTENTION TO THE FORECAST and have contingency plans in place.

WHAT TO WEAR: Dress in layers with a good Jacket or Shell. Take warm gloves, a hat or beanie, and wear a Helmet for Safety. You might want to take along a face gaiter or scarf. Also wear good Sunglasses or Yellow or Rose tinted 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. Watch for marked & unmarked obstacles.

SAFETY MESSAGE: Stay on designated Opened Trails only. Respect all rope lines & area closures.Ski or Ride with a Buddy if you decide to go Off Piste – Trees or opened trails. 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.

BACK COUNTRY ACCESS… “KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!” For more info: https://www.sierraavalanchecenter.org/advisory

Avalanche danger has been elevated from yesterday’s LOW danger back up to MODERATE danger for today at all elevations due to uncertainty associated with a lingering persistent slab avalanche problem. Large destructive avalanches are possible again today, mainly in response to large triggers.

SOUTH SHORE LAKE TAHOE & SURROUNDING AREAS

*HEAVENLY MOUNTAIN RESORT: Reports a mid- elevation base of 35”. 26 Lifts are scheduled to operate (8:30-4), including Mtn. access from the Heavenly Gondola & 6 Lifts & Tows including Tamarack Express & Big Easy; California Base with 11 Lifts including Gunbarrel, the Tram, Powderbowl, Canyon Express & Sky Express; And, 9 Lifts & Tows on the Nevada Side with Stagecoach & Boulder Access. Comet, Dipper, Northbowl, Olympic, Galaxy & Mott Canyon. 85 Trails to open (42MG). Mott Gates 1-6 & East Bowl Open. Plus, Killebrew Canyon Gates A-B-C open. (MG & SKRPP / 25F / PCldy / Lt-Mod Winds). Gondola Site Seeing is Open today (8:30-4)-WWP. Tubing, Mini Tubing & Ridge Rider Coaster open (11-4). Guided UTV Tours are offered (11-4). Free Parking at Stagecoach Lodge, Cal Base Lodge & Boulder Base with Free Shuttle Buses running every 15 minutes. (Hwy 207:): Call Ahead: 1-800-HEAVENLY / Twitter: @HVConditions / www.skiheavenly.com

*SIERRA AT TAHOE:(Hwy 50:) Reports a base of 38-74”. 11 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (8:30-4), including Grandview to the top, Nob Hill & Easy Rider. Short Stuff open to the back side & West Bowl open. 45 Trail are open (33MG). 4 Terrain Parks open with 40+ features. (MG & SKRPP / 25F / MClear / Lt-Mod Winds). Snow Play & Snowshoe trails Open. Snow Tubing Hill Open. Hosting Demo’s Today with Burton & Nitro. Learn to Ski & Ride Month on Jan 18 & 25, Adult Beginner Lesson, Rentals & Limited Lift Ticket for $79. Free Shuttle Buses are running from South Shore & from West Slope: Bus info: 530-659-7453. For more info call: 530-659-7475 / or Text: “conditions” to 29222 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 open (10-4). They have a base of 20-30” from Picketts Junction to Red Lake. 10-20 km of marked & skier packed XC & Snowshoe trails will be accessible. XC & Snowshoe rentals available. $10 Donations for trails use is requested… For more info: 530-721-2015 / www.hopevalleyoutdoors.com

*KIRKWOOD MOUNTAIN RESORT:(Hwy 88:) Reports a base of 54”. 11 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with 5 Lifts out of the Village including Chair #1, Chair #5, Chair #6, Chair #11 & #10; Plus, 3 Lifts, Chairs #2, Chair #3 & #4 scheduled to the Back Side. 3 Lifts & Tows will turn, including Chairs #7 & #9 out of Timber Creek Lodge. 85 Trails are open (38MG). (MG & SKRPP / 29F / PCldy / Lt-Mod Winds). XC Center is open with 30km of trails for XC & Snowshoeing. For updates: 877-KIRKWOOD / Twitter: @KWConditions / www.kirkwood.com

NEVADA & EAST SHORE RESORTS

*DIAMOND PEAK:(Hwy 28:) Reports a base depth of 28-40”. 4 Lifts are scheduled to operate today (9-4)-WWP, including Schoolhouse, Lodgepole, Lakeview and Crystal Express to the top. 31 Trails are open (19MG). 3 T-Parks open. (MG & SKRPP / 28F / MCldy / Lt Winds). at For more info, call: 775-831-1177 / www.diamondpeak.com

*MT. ROSE SKI TAHOE: (Hwy 431:) Reports a base of 33-57”. 7 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with Wizard, Galena, Lakeview & NW Magnum 6 to the top of the Rose Side; Plus- Blazing Zephyr (opening 8:30am) on the Slide Bowl Side. The Chutes remain Closed. 49 Trails to open (39MG). Plus, 3 T-Parks open with 13 Features. (MG & SKRPP / 22F / PCldy / Lt-Mod Winds). Call Ahead for updates. 800-SKIROSE / www.mtrose.com

TRUCKEE AREA RESORTS

*NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA: (Hwy 267:) Reports a base of 25-56”. 20 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (8:30-4), accessing the Front Side, Back Side & Look Out Mountain… 100 Trails are open (68MG) + 6 T-Parks open with 64 total features including 18’ Pipe. All 7 Glades are open. (MG & SKRPP / 27F / MCldy / Lt-Mod Winds). Village Ice Rink is open (12-9pm). XC & Snowshoe Center open (8:30-4). For updates call: 530-562-1330 / www.northstarcalifornia.com

*TAHOE DONNER SKI AREA: Is open. They report a base of 40”. 5 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to turn (9-4) including Eagle Rock & the new Snowbird Chair. 16 Trails are open (11MG). Mini Size T-Park open. (MG & SKRPP / 33F / MCldy / Lt Winds). For information call 530-587-9444 or visit http://www.tahoedonner.com/amenities/amenities/downhill-ski/

TAHOE DONNER XC: Is open (8:30-5). They report a base of 16”. They have 50 XC Trails open + 2 Snowshoe Trails = offering 50+km of groomed trails for XC Skiing & Snow Shoeing. Dogs allow today but no Fat Tire bikes allowed. (32F / MCldy/ Lt 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 96”. 8 Lifts & Tows will operate-WWP… Accelerator Express & Castle Peak Lift from (9am-9pm) 49er Chair (9-3), California Cruiser Lift (9-6). 33 Trails are open (33MG). 4 T-Parks open. (MG & SKRPP / 25F / MCldy / Lt Winds). Playland Tubing Park open. Boreal Unlimited Season Pass $349. 530-426-3666 / www.rideboreal.com

SODA SPRINGS WINTER RESORT:is open Thursday-Mondays… They report a base of 96”. 5 lifts & tows are scheduled 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. (MG & SKRPP/ 25F / PCldy / Lt Winds). Open Thursdays-Mondays in January. 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 52-84”. 11 Lifts are scheduled to operate (9-4), including Christmas Tree, Judah & Jerome Hill. Plus, Disney & Lincoln Express. 95 Trails open (45MG). 2 T-Parks Closed. (MG & SKRPP / 23F / PCldy / Lt-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 24”. They are Grooming out trails and have 72 Trails open, offering 76.2 km of groomed trails for classic XC striding and skating. Dog Trails open. (27F / PCldy / Lt Winds). For more info: 530-426-3871 / www.royalgorge.com

*DONNER SKI RANCH:(Hwy 40:) Is open today. They have a base of 40-55”. 7 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4), with Chairs #1, #2, #3, #4 & #6 Turning. 41 trails will be open (20MG). Snow Tubing open (10am-4pm). (MG & SKRPP / 25F / PCldy / Lt Winds). 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 and reports a base of 10-58”. 8 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4), including the Madden Chair, Ellis Chair, Quail Chair & Old Homewood Express for top to bottom skiing & Riding… Magic Carpet, South Carpet & Happy Platter operating… 59 Trails are open (35MG). (MG & SKRPP / 24F / MCldy / Lt Winds). $69 First Time Learn to Ski or Board package offered. For more info: 530-525-2900 / www.skihomewood.com

*GRANLIBAKKEN RESORT:(Hwy 89:) Ski Hill & Sledding is open Friday thru Monday (9-4). They Report a base of 10”. 2 Lifts… The Poma Lift & Bunny Rope Tow will operate (9-4) for skiing & riding. (MGPP / 25F / MCldy / Lt Winds). XC Trails, Sledding & Snow Play area open with low snow coverage. 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 1” of new on a base of 12”. 19 Trails are open, including 16 Green Trails & 3 Yellow Trails with 50km of groomed trails open, including Dog Trails open with restrictions. (25F / MCldy / Lt Winds). For more info, Call: 530-583-5475 or www.tahoexc.org

*TAHOE CITY WINTER SPORTS PARK. Located in Tahoe City: The Ice Rink is open daily (10am-8pm). Café Zenon open. Sledding, XC & Snowshoeing trails open and Dog Friendly. Fat Tire Bikes Allowed, conditions permitting. For more info: 530-583-5475 / https://wintersportspark.com

*SQUAW VALLEY:(Hwy 89:) Is open and reports a base of 38-83”. 25 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (8:30-4), with 13 Lifts & Tows from the bottom scheduled to turn, including The Aerial Tram & Funitel; Plus, Red Dog, Far East & Squaw Creek. 6 beginner tows will operate in the SnoVentures / Squaw Kids area (8:30-4). 10 Lifts scheduled for the upper mountain, including Gold Coast, Big Blue, Shirley Lake, Siberia, Headwall & Granite Chief. 116 Trails to open (45MG). T-Parks Closed. (MG & SKRPP / 22F / Cldy / Lt-Mod Winds). 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 54-72”. 13 Lifts are scheduled to operate (8:30-4), including Hot Wheels & Meadow. Summit Express & Roundhouse, Lakeview, Scott & Sherwood. 94 Trails are open (44MG). Terrain Park Open (MG & SKRPP / 26F / Cldy / Lt-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 a base of 60-80”. 24 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (8:30-4), with 13 Lifts out of the Main Lodge with Lower & Upper Panorama Gondola. 8 Lifts out of Canyon Lodge And, 3 Lifts out of Eagle Lodge. 152 Trails are to open (89MG); Plus, 6 T-Parks open. (MG & SKRPP / 21F / Cldy / Lt Winds). For more info, Call Ahead: 888-766-9778 / www.mammothmountain.com

*JUNE MOUNTAIN:(Hwy 395:) Is open… They report a base of 18-30”. 6 Lifts are scheduled to operate-WWP, including J1, J2, J3, J4, J6 & J7, are scheduled to operate (9-4), with 30 Trails open (30MG). Mambo T-Park open. (MG & SKRPP / 18F / Cldy / Lt Winds). For more info call: 760-934-2224 / www.junemountain.com

*YOSEMITE SKI & SNOWBOARD AREA:Is open today. They report a base of 36”. 4 Lifts will turn (9-4) with up to 10 runs open (MGPP / 25F / MCldy / Lt-Mod winds). XC Skiing & Snowshoeing offered as well as backcountry ski tours to Glacier Point. Snow tubing offered. Ice Skating open. For more info Call: 209-372-1000 / http://www.travelyosemite.com/winter/yosemite-ski-snowboard-area/downhill-skiing-snowboarding/

*DODGE RIDGE: Is Open and reports a base of 24-36”. 9 Lifts & Tows will operate (9-4)-WWP. 67 Trails are open (41MG). T-Park open. (MG & SKRPP / 27F / Cldy / Lt Winds). For more info: 209-536-5300 / www.dodgeridge.com

*BEAR VALLEY MOUNTAIN RESORT: Is open… They report a base of 57”. 7 Lifts and Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, accessing both the front & backside of the mountain. 40 Trails are open (31MG). (MG & SKRPP / 33F / MCldy / Lt Winds).Snow Tubing open weekends (10-4).Call: 209-753-2301 #2 / www.bearvalley.com

*BEAR VALLEY XC CENTER:Is open (9-4:30). They report a base of 55”. 28 trails are open = 42 km of groomed XC trails available. (21F / MCldy / Lt Winds). Sledding & Snow Tubing open (9-4). 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):

Roadwork Expect delays M-F, 7am-3:30pm thru Jan. 31, 2019

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