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

Good Morning Lake Tahoe Skiers & Riders…

Fresh Powder reported at all Resorts for your Presidents Day Weekend… Resorts will be on Delayed openings today… Winter Storm Warning in effect thru 12 pm Sunday… Expect Upper Mtn. Wind Holds and Lift Closures. Road Controls Posted for all roadways with chain restrictions posted. Hwy 88 & Emerald Bay Road Closed… Stay out of the Backcountry! Avalanche Danger is High! Be Safe!

TODAY’S WEATHER: Expect Snow. Snow accumulation 3-7” with 4-10” above 7000 Ft. Highs: 23F-28F. (13F-18F on the slopes) Southwest Winds 15-20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. Ridge gusts up to 80 mph decreasing to 60 mph in the afternoon.

TONIGHT: Snow likely. Snow accumulation of 1-4”, with 2-6” above 7000 Ft. Lows: 9F-19F. Southwest winds 10-15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph in the evening. Ridge gusts up to 55 mph.

WINTER STORM WARNING:

WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON PST SUNDAY…

* CHANGES…Updated remaining additional snow accumulations. No changes to the overall expected snowfall amounts.

* WHAT…Heavy snow. Additional snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches, except 1 to 2 feet above 7000 feet. Winds gusting as high as 80 mph across Sierra ridges and up to 40 mph in valleys.

* WHERE…Greater Lake Tahoe Area. * WHEN…Until noon PST Sunday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Periods of moderate to heavy snowfall expected through this afternoon and Sunday morning with a brief lull this evening. Blowing snow may produce whiteout conditions this morning.

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. The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

Avalanche Warning
The following message is transmitted at the request of the Forest Service Sierra Avalanche Center.

The Sierra Avalanche Center in Truckee has continued a BACKCOUNTRY AVALANCHE WARNING for the following areas: NWS Reno NV – NVZ002 (Greater Lake Tahoe)… CAZ072 (Greater Lake Tahoe (CA)) * TIMING…In effect until Sun 07:00 PST.

* AFFECTED AREA…Central Sierra Nevada mountains between Yuba Pass (Hwy 49) on the north and Ebbetts Pass (Hwy 4) on the south, including the greater Lake Tahoe area.

* AVALANCHE DANGER…HIGH avalanche danger exists in the mountains.

* REASON/IMPACTS…Heavy snow and gale force winds will create dangerous avalanche conditions. Expect a mix of wind slab and storm slab avalanche problems affecting all elevations. Natural avalanches and human-triggered avalanches are expected. Some avalanches may be large and destructive.

* PRECAUTIONARY / PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…Travel in, near, or below avalanche terrain is not recommended. Consult: https://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 Warm, 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 (100% UV protection) Goggles (yellow-bronze-rose tinted). Don’t forget to stay hydrated at altitude!

SURFACE CONDITIONS: Surface Conditions are primarily Powder with Machine Groomed Packed Powder…

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. Stay away from Tree Wells… Slow Down and observe safety signs on trails with a 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 the side of the run where it is safe and always check uphill for skiers and riders before restarting downhill.

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

HIGH avalanche danger continues for another 24 hours at all elevations. Travel in or below avalanche terrain is not recommended. Maintain awareness of your location relative to avalanche terrain and keep a wide margin for error. Remain clear of avalanche runout zones.

SOUTH SHORE LAKE TAHOE & SURROUNDING AREAS

*HEAVENLY MOUNTAIN RESORT: Reports 28” of new snow and a mid-elevation base of 122”. 26 Lifts are scheduled to operate on DELAYED Opening (9-4)-WWP, including Mtn. access from the Heavenly Gondola & 4 Lifts & Tows including Tamarack Express & (Big Easy on SNOW HOLD); California Base with 11 Lifts including the Tram, Gunbarrel, Powderbowl, Canyon Express & (Sky Express on SNOW HOLD); And, 9 Lifts & Tows on the Nevada Side with Stagecoach & Boulder Access. (Comet, Dipper, Northbowl, Galaxy & Mott Canyon on SNOW/WIND HOLD). 97 Trails to open (44MG). Mott & Killebrew Canyon Gates scheduled to open. Re-Mix & Groove T-Parks open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 20F / Snow / Mod-Strong Winds). Gondola Site Seeing is on HOLD (9-4). Tubing on HOLD (11-4) & Ridge Rider Coaster Closed (10-4). Guided UTV Tours Closed (11-4). Free Parking at Stagecoach Lodge, Cal Base Lodge & Boulder Base with Free Shuttle Buses running every 15 minutes. (Hwy 207: R2): Call Ahead: 1-800-HEAVENLY / Twitter: @HVConditions / www.skiheavenly.com

*SIERRA AT TAHOE:(Hwy 50: R2) Reports 18-24” of new snow on a base of 107-184”. 11 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (8:30-4)-WWP, with Grandview, Nob Hill & Easy Rider. Short Stuff to the back side & West Bowl. 42 Trails are open (23MG). Terrain Parks Closed. Huckleberry Canyon not likely to open today. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 17F / Snow/ Mod Winds). Snow Play & Snowshoe trails adventures open. Snow Tubing Hill delayed. 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: Closed) 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: R2 / Pickett’s Junction: R2) Is planning to open (10-4). Call Ahead. They have 10” of new on a base of 48-60” from Picketts Junction to Red Lake. 10 miles of marked & skier packed XC & Snowshoe trails. Burnside Lake Trail open. XC & Snowshoe rentals available cash or check please as they are off the grid. $10 Donations for trails use is requested… Hosting Presentation… “Daily Flow for Avalanche Risk Management” this Saturday, at 4:30 pm. For more info: 530-721-2015 / www.hopevalleyoutdoors.com

*KIRKWOOD MOUNTAIN RESORT:(Hwy 88: CLOSED – R2) Reports 24” of new on a base of 126”. 11 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, ALL LIFTS ON HOLD… Including 5 Lifts out of the Village including Chair #1, Chair #5, Chair #6, Chair #11 & #10; 3 Lifts, Chairs #2, Chair #3 & #4 to the Back Side scheduled. 2 Lifts & Tows, including Chairs #7 & #9 out of Timber Creek Lodge. 85 Trails are open (8MG). Outlaw & Bandit T-Parks CLOSED. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 17F / Snow / Mod-Strong Winds). XC Center is open with 40km of trails for XC & Snowshoeing. For updates: 877-KIRKWOOD / Twitter: @KWConditions / www.kirkwood.com

NEVADA & EAST SHORE RESORTS

*DIAMOND PEAK:(Hwy 28: R1) Reports 8” of new on a base depth of 80-104”. 5 Lifts are scheduled to operate today (9-4)-WWP, including Schoolhouse, Lodgepole, Lakeview and Crystal Express scheduled for delayed opening. 31 Trails to open (22MG). 3 T-Parks scheduled to open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 25F / Snow / Lt-Mod Winds). Bring Your Other Pass and get a lift ticket for $69, midweek, $79 weekends… For more info, call: 775-831-1177 / www.diamondpeak.com

*MT. ROSE SKI TAHOE: (Hwy 431: R2) Is open! They Reports 7” of new on a base of 115-158”. 7 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with Wizard, Galena, Lakeview & NW Magnum 6 to the top of the Rose Side; Blazing Zephyr on the Slide Bowl Side (& Chuter Lift serving the Chutes CLOSED). 49 Trails to open (25MG). T-Parks closed. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 10F / Snow/ Mod-Strong Winds). Call Ahead for updates. 800-SKIROSE / www.mtrose.com

TRUCKEE AREA RESORTS

*NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA: (Hwy 267: R2) Reports 18-24” of new on a base of 91-174”. 18 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (8:30-4)-WWP, accessing the Front Side, Back Side & Look Out Mountain… 100 Trails to open (58MG) + 6 T-Parks open with 92 features, Pipe Closed. All 7 Glades are open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 20F / Snow / Mod Winds). XC & Snowshoe Center open (9-4). Tubing Center Closed (10-4). Village Ice Rink is Closed (12-9pm). For updates call: 530-562-1330 / www.northstarcalifornia.com

*TAHOE DONNER SKI AREA: Is open. They report 31” of new on a base of 115”. 4 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to turn (9-4) on delayed opening… including Eagle Rock & the new Snowbird Chair. 16 Trails are open (0MG). Mini Size T-Park Closed. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 30F / Snow / Lt -Mod 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 28” of new on a base of 85”. They have 12 XC Trails + Snowshoe Trails open, offering 10+km of trails for XC Skiing & Snow Shoeing. Dogs allow today but no Fat Tire bikes allowed. (24F / Snow / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info: 530-587-9484 / www.skitahoedonner.com

DONNER SUMMIT RESORTS

*BOREAL MOUNTAIN RESORT: (I-80: R2) Is open… They report a base of 280”. 3 Lifts & Tows will operate with Accelerator Express Closed & Castle Peak Lift from (9am-9pm); (Cedar Ridge Closed (9-3); California Cruiser Lift (9-6); (Dutchman Closed (11-3). 2 Trails are open (2MG). 4 T-Parks Closed (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 15F / Snow / Mod Winds). Playland Tubing Park closed. 530-426-3666 / www.rideboreal.com

*SODA SPRINGS WINTER RESORT:(HWY 40: R2) is open Thursday-Mondays… They report 40” of new on a base of 280”. 5 lifts & tows are scheduled to operate (9:30-4)-WWP, with Lions Head & Crystal Bowl Chairs turning… 18 Trails are open (18MG). Planet Kids open for Family Fun (9:30am-4pm) with Tube Carousel & Sleigh Rides. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP/ 28F / Snow/ Lt-Mod Winds). Open Thursdays-Mondays in January. 530-426-3901 www.skisodasprings.com

*SUGAR BOWL SKI RESORT:(Hwy 40 from I-80: R2/ Hwy 40 from Truckee: CLOSED) Is digging out to open. They report 19-20” of new on a base of 119-190”. 9 Lifts are scheduled to operate (9-4) on delayed opening-WWP, including Christmas Tree, Judah & Jerome Hill. Plus, Gondola. 47 Trails open (17MG). 2 T-Parks closed. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 22F / Snow/ Mod-Strong Winds). Access is from the Gondola to the Village & the Judah Portal. For more info: 530-426-1111 / www.sugarbowl.com

*ROYAL GORGE XC: Operated by Sugar Bowl, is CLOSED (8:30-4). They are CLOSED Today! They report 19” of new on a base of 70”. They have 0 Trails open, offering 0 km of groomed trails for classic XC striding and skating. Dog Trails open. (19F / Snow / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info: 530-426-3871 / www.royalgorge.com

*DONNER SKI RANCH:(Hwy 40: R2) Is CLOSED Today – Scheduled to ReOpen Sunday. They have 20” of new on a base of 130-180”. All Lifts & Tows are CLOSED (9-4), including Chairs #1, #2, 3, #4 & #6. 0 trails to open (0MG). Snow Tubing Closed (10am-4pm). (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 20F / Snow / Mod Winds). Old School pricing Tues-Thurs with $40 Lift Tickets. 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: Closed / Hwy 89: R2) Is open and report 18-30” of new on a base of 60-150”. 7 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, including the Madden Chair, Ellis Chair, Quail Chair & Old Homewood Express for top to bottom skiing & riding… Magic Carpet, South Carpet operating… 61 Trails are open (19MG). T-Park closed. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 22F / Snow / Lt-Mod Winds). $69 First Time Learn to Ski or Board package offered. For more info: 530-525-2900 / www.skihomewood.com

*GRANLIBAKKEN RESORT:(Hwy 89: R2) Ski Hill & Sledding is open Friday thru Monday (9-4). They are scheduled to open today and report 20” of new on a base of 24”. 2 Lifts… The Poma Lift & Bunny Rope Tow are scheduled to open (9-4) for skiing & riding. (PWDR, MGPP / 20F / Snow / Lt-Mod Winds). XC Trails, Sledding & Snow Play area open daily. Call Ahead: 530-581-7533 / www.granlibakken.com

*TAHOE XC CENTER:(Hwy 28: R2) Is scheduled to open today. (8:30-5) for XC Skiing & Snow Shoeing. They have 10” of new on a base of 30”. Grooming out trails this morning. 7 Green Trails & 1 Yellow Trails open offering 10km of groomed XC & Snowshoe trails open, including Dog Trails open with restrictions. (21F / Snow / Lt-Mod Winds). No access to trails other than on XC Skis & Snowshoes… For more info, Call: 530-583-5475 or www.tahoexc.org

*TAHOE CITY WINTER SPORTS PARK. Located in Tahoe City: Due to Current Conditions & Weather, they are CLOSED today. The Ice Rink is Closed (10am-8pm). Café Zenon closed. Sledding, XC & Snowshoeing trails Closed. Fat Tire Bikes Allowed, conditions permitting. For more info: 530-583-5475 / https://wintersportspark.com

*SQUAW VALLEY:(Hwy 89: R2) Is open and reports 17-30” of new on a base of 130-213”. 19 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, ALL LIFTS ON ANTICIPATED WEATHER IMPACT OR CLOSED… Lifts & Tows from the bottom scheduled to turn, including (The Aerial Tram & Funitel on anticipated weather impacts); Plus, Far East, Red Dog, Squaw Creek scheduled. 6 beginner tows will operate in the SnoVentures / Squaw Kids area (9-4). All Lifts on the upper mountain, Closed or anticipated weather impacts. 2 Trails to open (2MG). T-Parks Closed. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 25F / Snow / Mod-Strong Winds). Squaw-Alpine Shuttle Bus is operating (8-4pm). For more info: 530-452-4335 / www.squawalpine.com

*ALPINE MEADOWS:(Hwy 89: R2) Is open… They report 19-23” of new on a base of 131-181”. 12 Lifts are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, ALL LIFTS ON ANTICIPATED WEATHER IMPACT… including Big Carpet, Little Carpet & Subway… Hot Wheels & Meadow, Roundhouse, Yellow, Kangaroo. Summit, Lakeview, Scott & Sherwood. 23 Trails to open (15MG). Terrain Park Closed. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 21F / Snow / 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: R1) Is open and reports 17-27” of new on a base of 150-225”. 19 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (8:30-4)-WWP, with 9 Lifts out of the Main Lodge including the Lower Gondola. 8 Lifts out of Canyon Lodge including the Village Gondola… And, 2 Lifts out of Eagle Lodge. 49 Trails are to open (55MG); Plus, 7 T-Parks open + 13FT Pipe. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 9F / Snow / Mod-Strong Winds). For more info, Call Ahead: 888-766-9778 / www.mammothmountain.com

*JUNE MOUNTAIN:(Hwy 395: R1) Is open… They report 19-30” of new on a base of 60-120”. 6 Lifts are scheduled to operate, including J1, J2, J3, J4, J6 & J7, (9-4)-WWP, with 32 Trails open (MG). (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 16F / Snow / Mod Winds). For more info call: 760-934-2224 / www.junemountain.com

*YOSEMITE SKI & SNOWBOARD AREA: Is scheduled to open today. Call Ahead… They report 6-12” of new on a base of 36”. 4 Lifts are scheduled to turn (9-4)-WWP, with 10 runs open (PWDR, MGPP / 15F / Snow/ 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 planning to open and reports 13-18” of new on a base of 96-110”. 10 Lifts & Tows will operate (9-4)-WWP. 67 Trails are open (33MG). T-Park to open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 22F / Snow / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info: 209-536-5300 / www.dodgeridge.com

*BEAR VALLEY MOUNTAIN RESORT: Is open… They report 10” of new on a base of 160”. 4 Lifts and Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, accessing both the front & backside of the mountain. 37 Trails are open (16MG). (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 24F / Snow / Lt-Mod Winds).Snow Tubing open weekends (10-4).Call: 209-753-2301 #2 / www.bearvalley.com

*BEAR VALLEY XC CENTER: Is CLOSED Today (9-4:30). They report 29” of new on a base of 124”. 0 trails are open = 0 km of groomed XC trails available. (24F / Snow / Lt-Mod Winds). Sledding & Snow Tubing Closed (9-4). For more info: 209-753-2834 / www.bearvalleyxc.com

CURRENT ROAD CONDITIONS: (as of 8:15 am)

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): R2

Hwy 89 (Luther Pass): R2

Hwy 88 (Carson Pass): R2 – CLOSED

Hwy 88 (Woodfords to Picketts): R2

Hwy 88 (Gville-CA State Line): R1

Hwy 207 (Kingsbury Grade): R2

Hwy 89 (Emerald Bay Rd): Closed

Hwy 89 (West Shore): R2

Hwy 89 (Tahoe City-Truckee): R2

Hwy 28 (North Shore-Incline): R2

Hwy 28 (East Shore): R2

Interstate 80 (Donner Summit-Truckee): R2

Hwy 267 (Brockway Summit): R2

Hwy 431 (Mt Rose Summit): CLOSED – R2

Hwy 50 (Stateline-Spooner): R2

Hwy 50 (Spooner-Carson City): R2

Hwy 395 (GVille-Bridgeport): R1

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