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 Sunday, February 5.

GET OUT ON THE MOUNTAIN TODAY BEFORE THE BIG GAME… A BREAK IN WEATHER, BUT STILL MOSTLY CLOUDY SKIES AND ISSUES WITH WINDS AFFECTING SOME UPPER MOUNTAIN LIFTS. CALL AHEAD!

WINTER STORM WARNING IS POSTED TO START TONIGHT THRU TOMORROW NIGHT… 6-10” AT LAKE TAHOE AND 1-2 FEET ALONG THE SIERRA CREST…
SURFACE CONDITIONS CONTINUE TO BE MACHINE GROOMED AND SKIER/RIDER PACKED & FIRM PACKED SNOW WITH FRESH HEAVY POWDER ON TOP.

TODAY’S WEATHER (NWS GREATER LAKE TAHOE AREA): Mostly Cloudy. Highs: 41F to 46F. Southwest winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph in the afternoon. Ridge gusts up to 70 mph increasing to 90 mph in the afternoon.

TONIGHT: snow with Rain likely in the evening, then Snow and Rain after midnight. Snow accumulation up to 6 inches…with 6 to 12 inches above 7000 feet. Lows: 24F to 29F. Southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 55 mph. Ridge gusts up to 105 mph increasing to 135 mph after midnight.

MONDAY: Snow and Rain. Snow accumulation up to 6 inches…with 6 to 12 inches above 7000 feet. Highs: 33F to 43F. Southwest winds 20 to 35 mph with gusts up to 65 mph. Ridge gusts up to 140 mph.

WINTER STORM WARNING:
IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 10 PM PST MONDAY…
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN RENO HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW AND STRONG WINDS, WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 10 PM PST MONDAY.
TIMING: SNOW WILL DEVELOP THIS EVENING AND BECOME HEAVY AT TIMES OVERNIGHT THROUGH
MONDAY EVENING. STRONG WINDS WILL CONTINUE ACROSS THE RIDGES AND IN THE BACK COUNTRY WITH GUSTY WINDS DEVELOPING IN LOWER ELEVATIONS TONIGHT.
SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 3 TO 5 INCHES NEAR TRUCKEE, 6 TO 10 INCHES FOR LAKE TAHOE, 1 TO 2 FEET ALONG THE SIERRA CREST FROM DONNER PASS TO MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN, 8 TO 12 INCHES IN MAMMOTH LAKES, AND 3 TO 6 INCHES ALONG HIGHWAY 395 IN MONO COUNTY.
WINDS: STRONG WINDS WILL ACCOMPANY THIS STORM. SOUTH TO SOUTHWEST WINDS GUSTING 50 TO 60 MPH ARE LIKELY IN VALLEYS. WIND PRONE AREAS SUCH AS HIGHWAY 395 NEAR MAMMOTH AIRPORT AND MONO LAKE COULD SEE GUSTS TO 70 MPH. RIDGES WILL SEE GUSTS OVER 120 MPH.

SNOW LEVELS: VARYING BETWEEN 5500 AND 6500 FEET.
IMPACTS: HIGH CONFIDENCE IN DISRUPTIONS TO TRAVEL DUE TO SNOW AND WIND FOR THE PASSES AND ALONG HIGHWAY 395 THROUGH MONO COUNTY. PLAN FOR DELAYS AND CHAIN RESTRICTIONS. VERY ROUGH WATERS EXPECTED ON LAKE TAHOE MONDAY WITH WAVE HEIGHTS OF 3 TO 5 FEET.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
NOW IS THE TIME TO PREPARE AN EMERGENCY KIT FOR YOUR HOME AND CAR. IF TRAVELING CONSIDER ALTERNATE PLANS, CAN REMEMBER TO CARRY TIRE CHAINS, EXTRA FOOD, WATER AND CLOTHING. ONCE THE STORM ARRIVES, TRAVEL MAY BE DIFFICULT OR IMPOSSIBLE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME.

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

SURFACE CONDITIONS: Surface Conditions are Fresh Powder, Machine Groomed & Skier-Rider Packed Powder with some areas of Firm Packed Snow & Wet Packed Snow (Lower elevations).

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 go off-piste, always ski & ride with a buddy!

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 a base of 136-188”. 25 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (8:30-4)-WWP, with Mtn. Access from all 4 Base Facilities, including The Gondola; California Base; Stagecoach & Boulder Base Lodges. 17 Lifts in California, including: Gunbarrel, Powderbowl, Canyon & Sky. 8 Lifts in Nevada, including Dipper & Comet & on top & Mott Canyon… 92 Trails are open (56MG) + Killebrew & Mott Canyon Access open. Groove & High Roller T-Parks open. (MG & SKRPP / 23F / MCldy / Mod-Strong Winds). Tubing open (11-4). Alpine Coaster is CLOSED. Epic Race scheduled to open. Complimentary Shuttles running to all open base facilities. (Hwy 207:) Call Ahead for updates: 1-800-HEAVENLY / www.skiheavenly.com

*SIERRA AT TAHOE: (Hwy 50:) Is reporting a base depth of 104-159”. 11 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (8:30-4) -WWP, with Grandview to the top of the Front Side, El Dorado & Short Stuff on the Back Side and the West Bowl open. 43 runs open with (31MG). 4 T-Parks are open. (MG & SKR Wet Pkd / 33F / PCldy / Lt-Mod Winds). Blizzard Mountain Open with Snowshoe Trails, Snow Play Area & Tubing Hill (10-4)). 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:- Luther Pass – Pickett’s Junction:) is open and reports a base of 48-120”. The Yurt is open (10-4) at Pickett’s Junction for XC & Snowshoe rentals with 10 miles of Groomed XC & Snowshoe trails available and over 30km of Skier-Packed trails including 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:) is reporting 9-11” of new on a base depth of 145-197”. 11 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, including, Chairs #6 & #10 on the Front Side out of the Village; Chairs #2, #3 & #4 to the Back Side & Vista Tow; Plus Chair #7 & #9 at Timber Creek Lodge. 86 runs are open (30MG). Bandit T-Park open with 15 features (PWDR, MG & SKR PP / 26F / MCldy / Mod Winds). Kirkwood XC Center is Open with 70KM including Schneider Camp. Call Ahead for updates: 877-KIRKWOOD / www.kirkwood.com

NEVADA & EAST SHORE RESORTS

*DIAMOND PEAK: (Hwy 28:) Is reporting a base depth of 62-106”. 4 Lifts & Tow are scheduled to operate (9-4), including Crystal Express to the top, Lakeview, Lodgepole & Schoolhouse Lifts. 31 runs are open (21MG). Terrain Park Open. (MG & SKRPP / 30F / PCldy / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info call: 775-831-1177 / www.diamondpeak.com

*MT. ROSE SKI TAHOE: (Hwy 431: R1) Is reporting a base of 163”. 6 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to turn (9-4)- WWP, including Northwest 6, Blazing Zephyr, Lakeview & Galena… (Chuter Lift & Chutes on Delay). 50 Runs are open (35MG). Badlands Terrain Parks with 13 Features. (MG & SKRPP/ PCldy / 22F / Mod Winds). Hosting Moment Ski Demo Day. Call Ahead for updates: 800-SKIROSE / www.skirose.com

TRUCKEE AREA RESORTS

*NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA: (Hwy 267:) is reporting a base depth of 86-150”. 20 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (8:30-4)- on the Front Side, Back Side & Look Out Mtn. 100 Runs are open. (46MG), Plus all Glades are open. 5 T-Parks open with 102 Features, Plus, 3 Kid’s Adventure Parks open. (MG & SKRPP / 29F / PCldy / Lt-Mod Winds). XC Center is open (9-4) with 23 trails = 32.1 km of groomed tracks. 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 reporting a base depth of 150-170”. 3 Lifts & Tow will turn (9-4) with 16 runs open (12MG). Mini T-Park open with 5 features. (MG & SKRPkd Snow / PCldy / 30F / Lt-Mod Winds).

*TAHOE DONNER XC: is OPEN (8:30-5:00) reporting a base of 65”. 48 Trails are open = 65Km for XC Skiing & Snowshoeing. Fat tire biking allowed till 11am… Dogs trails open before 9:45am and after 3:00pm. (PCldy / 30F / Lt Winds). For more info Call: 530-587-9484 / www.skitahoedonner.com

DONNER SUMMIT RESORTS

*BOREAL MOUNTAIN RESORT: (I-80:) Is reporting a base depth of 245”. 6 Lifts are scheduled to operate (9-4), Including Accelerator to the Top, Castle Peak open till 9:00pm. Plus, Nugget Chair, 49er, Cedar Ridge & (Flying Dutchman on delayed opening). 33 Runs open (7MG). 4 T-Parks open… (MG & SKRPP /MCldy / 30F / Lt-Mod Winds). Woodward Tahoe training open daily. For more info: 530-426-3666 / www.rideboreal.com

*SODA SPRINGS WINTER RESORT: (I-80: to Hwy 40:) Is open Thurs-Mondays. Reporting a base of 100”. 3 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate including Lion’s Head Chair & Crystal Bowl (10-4)-WWP, with 13 Trails open (5MG). Plus, Planet Kids, Tube Carousel & Tube Town are open. (MG & SKRPP/ MCldy / 31F / Lt-Mod Winds). Mini Snowmobiles & Sleigh Rides are open. Call Ahead. 530-426-3901 www.skisodasprings.com

*ROYAL GORGE XC: (I-80: to Hwy 40:) Is open (8:30-4). They have a base of 60”. 23 Tracks = 36Km of groomed trails open. (Cldy/ 28F / 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:– Hwy 40 from Truckee:) Is reporting 1-2” of new on a base of 109-173”. 11 Lifts & Tows, plus Access Gondola are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with Disney, Christmas Tree, Nob Hill & Judah, Jerome Hill & Lincoln. 93 Runs are open (42MG) (MG & SKRPP / MCldy / 28F / Lt-Mod Winds). Access will be from the Judah Portal & Gondola. For more info: 530-426-1111 / www.sugarbowl.com

*DONNER SKI RANCH: (Hwy 40: from I-80 / from Truckee:) is open. They report a base of 105-125”. 6 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP. 35 Runs are open (20MG). (MG & SKRFP / MCldy / 29F / Lt-Mod Winds). Old School Days Tues-Thurs with $40 Lift Tickets. Tubing Hill is open (10-4). For more info: 530-426-3635 / www.donnerskiranch.com

WEST SHORE / NORTHLAKE TAHOE RESORTS

*HOMEWOOD MOUNTAIN RESORT: (Hwy 89: / Emerald Bay Road:) is open from the North Lodge. They report 1” of new on a base depth of 78-159”. 7 Lifts & tows are scheduled to turn (9-4)-WWP, including Madden Chair, Quail Chair, Old Homewood Express & Ellis Chair. 60 runs are open (26MG). T-Parks Closed. (& SKRPP / MCldy / 31F / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info: Guest services: 530-525-2992. Snow Phone: 530-525-2900 / www.skihomewood.com

*GRANLIBAKKEN RESORT: (Hwy 89:) Ski & Snowboard Hill is open (9-4:30) Fridays thru Mondays… They have a base of 54”. 2 Beginner Tows and terrain are open. Their XC Trails, Sledding & Snow Play are open daily. (9-4:30). (PCldy / 33F / Lt Winds) Call Ahead: 530-581-7533 / www.granlibakken.com

*TAHOE XC CENTER: (Hwy 28:) Is open. They report a base of 70”. They have 65km of groomed Trails for Classic XC, Ski Skating & Snowshoeing open. Plus, 3 Dog Trails and 3 warming huts open. (MCldy / 34F / Lt Winds).

*TAHOE CITY WINTER SPORTS PARK: (Hwy 28: Tahoe City) Will continue to be operated by Tahoe XC with TCPUD. Open for Ice Skating, Sledding & Dining… XC Trails & Snowshoe Trails are open and Dogs trails are open. The 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:) is reporting 2” of new on a base of 166”. 13 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to turn (9-4)-WWP on the Front Side & Back Side… Including Summit Six; Hot Wheels & Roundhouse. (Sherwood on Delayed opening) (Lakeview, Scott & Alpine Bowl All on WIND HOLD). 50 Runs are open (17MG). (MG & SKRPP / 28F / MCldy / Mod Winds). Squaw-Alpine Express Shuttle Running between resorts offered. For more info: 530-581-8374 / www.skialpine.com

*SQUAW VALLEY: (Hwy 89:) is reporting 2” of new on a base of 177”. 25 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with 13 from the Base including (Aerial Tram on WIND HOLD), Funitel, KT22, Far East, Red Dog & Squaw. 12 Lifts scheduled on the Upper Mtn. with all on HOLD with Big Blue, Gold Coast & Shirley turning. 47 Trails open (20MG). (MG & SKRPP / 26F / MCldy / Mod Winds). For more info: 530-452-4335 / www.squaw.com

CENTRAL SIERRA RESORTS

*MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN: (Hwy 395:) Is reporting a base ranging from 150-300”. 21 Lifts & Tows scheduled to operate (8:30-4)-WWP, with 12 Lifts out of the Main Lodge, Plus, Village Gondola & 7 Lifts turning out of Canyon Lodge, and 3 lifts out of Eagle Lodge. 157 Trails are open (87MG), Plus 6 Terrain Parks open. (MG & SKRPP / 32F / MCldy / Mod-Strong Winds). 888-766-9778 / www.mammothmountain.com

*JUNE MOUNTAIN: (Hwy 395:) Is reporting n a base of 48-120”. 6 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4). 41 trails open. (MG & SKRPP/ 19F / MCldy / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info call: 760-934-2224 / www.junemountain.com

*YOSEMITE SKI & SNOWBOARD AREA: is OPEN. They have a base of 60”. 4 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4) with 9 trails open (7MG) Nordic Center is open for XC & Snowshoe Rentals. (MG PP / MCldy/ 31F / Lt Winds). Tubing hill open. For more info Call: 209-372-1000 / www.yosemitepark.com/dailysnowreport.aspx

*DODGE RIDGE: (Hwy 108:) is reporting a base of 131-151”. 12 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to turn (9-4)-WWP. 68 Trails are open (45MG) + 2 T-Parks. (MG & SKRPP / Cldy / 25F / Lt Winds). For more info call: 209-536-5300 / www.dodgeridge.com

*BEAR VALLEY MOUNTAIN RESORT: (Hwy 4:) – (Ebbetts Pass from Markleeville is Closed) is reporting 1” of new on a base depth of 115”. 8 Lifts & Tow are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, on the Front Side and Backside with 53 Trails open (30MG) + 2 T-Parks are open. (MG & SKRPP / MCldy/ 29F / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info: 209-753-2301 #2 / www.bearvalley.com

*BEAR VALLEY XC CENTER: (Hwy 4:) Is reporting a base depth of 94-96”. 24 trails are open = 30km of groomed track & Skating lanes. Sledding & Tubing Areas are open today (9-4). ( MCldy / 26F / 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:
All Roadways in and around Lake Tahoe are open with no controls with exception to those listed below…
Carry Tire Chains. Call Ahead for updates. Or log on to www.nvroads.com
R1= Chains or Snow Tires Required: Hwy 431 Mt Rose
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 www.bikeandskitahoe.com.