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

Good Morning Lake Tahoe Skiers & Riders…

A Break before the next storm… Winter Weather Advisory now posted for late tonight thru Saturday… Resorts are Digging Out and preparing their Slopes for the weekend… A bit warmer and less winds expected today… Wind Holds and Patrol Holds reported on Upper Mountain Lifts… Plenty of Machine Groomed Pack Powder and Powder Turns to be had on newly opened terrain… Ski & Ride with Care & Be Safe!

TODAY’S WEATHER: Expect Mostly Cloudy Skies with a slight chance of Snow with Rain. Highs: 36F-46F. (26F-36F on the slopes) Southwest Winds 10-15 mph increasing to 15-25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. Ridge Gusts up to 75 mph.

TONIGHT: Chance of Snow and Rain. Snow accumulation of 1-3”. Lows: 23F-33F. South winds 10- 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph in the evening. Ridge gusts up to 65 mph decreasing to 50 mph after midnight.

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT:

Yet Another Winter Storm Saturday… The first couple days of meteorological spring will continue the active storm pattern we`ve seen in February. Our next storm Saturday into Sunday will bring rain and snow impacts to the region. Wind impacts do not look pronounced with this storm.

* Mountains and foothill areas above 5000-5500 feet can expect periods of snow starting pre-dawn Saturday lasting through Saturday afternoon. Peak snowfall rates will be Saturday morning. Significant travel impacts are possible with delays and chain controls likely. Road conditions may improve some Saturday afternoon if snow intensities lessen enough.

* Valleys of Western Nevada and eastern California will see a mix of rain and snow with variable snow levels pre-dawn Saturday. This will changeover to rain showers by Saturday afternoon. Snow accumulations on pavement are uncertain due to projected near or above freezing temperatures, however it`s best to plan on some travel delays Saturday morning. Non-paved surfaces will probably pick up some light snow accumulations. Road conditions should improve by Saturday afternoon.

* Saturday Night into Sunday precipitation intensities become lighter, with snow showers in the Sierra and mainly rain showers for valley areas. Some travel impacts due to snow remain possible in the Sierra on Sunday, but probably not as bad as Saturday. A few thunderstorms with pellet showers could occur in Western Nevada Sunday afternoon.

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 6 PM PST SATURDAY.

* CHANGE: Upgraded to Winter Weather Advisory.

* WHAT: Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches, except 12 to 20 inches above 7000 feet possible. Ridge winds could gust as high as 75 mph.

* WHERE: Greater Lake Tahoe Area and Mono County. * WHEN: From midnight tonight to 6 PM PST Saturday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS: Travel could be very difficult. Check with NDOT and CalTrans for current road conditions.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… A Winter Weather Advisory for snow means periods of snow will cause primarily travel difficulties. Expect snow covered roads and limited visibility and use caution while driving. The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

WHAT TO WEAR: Dress in layers with your windproof-waterproof Gore-Tex Jacket or Shell. Take good gloves, a hat or beanie, and wear a Helmet for Safety. Also wear Good Goggles (Yellow/Bronze/Rose) or Sunglasses (100% UV protection). Don’t forget to use sunscreen if the sun pops out and stay hydrated at altitude!

SURFACE CONDITIONS: Surface Conditions are primarily Fresh Powder, Machine Groomed & Skier-Rider Tracked & 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 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

MODERATE avalanche danger will exist at all elevations with wind slab and loose wet avalanche problems. Periods of intense sunshine along with rapid warming could increase the amount of avalanche activity today. Avalanche danger is expected to rise tomorrow as another storm impacts our forecast area.

SOUTH SHORE LAKE TAHOE & SURROUNDING AREAS

*HEAVENLY MOUNTAIN RESORT: Reports 3” of new and a mid- elevation base of 134”. 26 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, Heavenly Gondola & 5 Lifts Above; California Base with 11 Lifts scheduled, including Gunbarrel, Canyon Express & Sky Express); And, 9 Lifts & Tows on the Nevada Side with Stagecoach & Boulder Access with Comet & Dipper & Mott Canyon Scheduled. 97 Trails to open (54MG). Mott & Killebrew Canyon Gates to open. Groove & Re-Mix T-Parks open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 22F / PCldy / Mod-Strong Winds). Gondola Site Seeing is open (9-4). Tubing & Mini Tubing open (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:): Call Ahead: 1-800-HEAVENLY / Twitter: @HVConditions / www.skiheavenly.com

*SIERRA AT TAHOE: (Hwy 50:) Reports a base of 118-178”. 9 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4), with Grandview, Nob Hill & Easy Rider. Short Stuff to the back side & West Bowl Express scheduled. 43 Trail are open (26MG). 4 Terrain Parks open with 41 features. Check with Patrol on Huckleberry Canyon. (MG & SKRPP / 29F / MClear / Lt-Mod Winds). Snow Play & Snowshoe trails adventures open. Snow Tubing Hill open. Hosting Subaru WinterFest this weekend… USASA Events, KIND Day 2.0, Scout’s Weekend & Rice Brother Band… 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:) Is open (10-4). They have 2” of new on a base of 60-84” from Picketts Junction to Red Lake. 10 miles of groomed trails are open and 10 miles of marked & skier packed XC & Snowshoe trails accessible. 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. For more info: 530-721-2015 /www.hopevalleyoutdoors.com

*KIRKWOOD MOUNTAIN RESORT:(Hwy 88: R2) Reports 3” of new on a base of 134”. 11 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with 5 Lifts out of the Village including Chairs #1, #5, #6, #10 & #11. 3 Lifts, Chairs #2, Chair #3 & #4 to the Back Side on HOLD. 3 Lift & Tows, including Chairs #7 & #9 out of Timber Creek Lodge. 85 Trails to open (26MG). Bandit & Outlaw T-Parks to open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 29F / MCldy / Mod-Strong Winds). XC Center is grooming trails for XC & Snowshoeing. For updates: 877-KIRKWOOD / Twitter: @KWConditions / www.kirkwood.com

NEVADA & EAST SHORE RESORTS

*DIAMOND PEAK:(Hwy 28:) open and reports a base depth of 80-104”. 4 Lifts are scheduled to operate today (9-4), including Schoolhouse, Lodgepole, Lakeview and Crystal Express. 31 Trails to open (21MG). 3 T-Parks scheduled to open. (MG & SKRPP / 37F / MCldy / 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 Today! They Report 1” of new a base of 12-15 Feet. 7 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with NW Magnum & Blazing Zephyr to tope of both sides… Chuter Lift & the Chutes Gate CLOSED. 49 Trails open (31MG). 1 T-Park Open (PWDR & MGPP / 22F / MCldy / Mod-Strong Winds). Call Ahead for updates. 800-SKIROSE / www.mtrose.com

TRUCKEE AREA RESORTS

*NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA: (Hwy 267:) Reports 2-4” of new on a base of 86-164”. 17 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (8:30-4)-WWP, accessing the Front Side, Back Side & Look Out Mountain… 98 Trails to open (65MG) + 6 T-Parks open with 110 features + Cut Pipe open. All 7 Glades are open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 27F / Cldy / Mod Winds). XC & Snowshoe Center open (8:30-4). Tubing Center Closed (10-4). Village Ice Rink is open (12-9pm). For updates call: 530-562-1330 / www.northstarcalifornia.com

*TAHOE DONNER SKI AREA: Is open. They report 2” of new on a base of 145”. 3 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to turn (9-4), including Eagle Rock & the Snowbird Chair. 17 Trails are open (9MG). Mini Size T-Park Closed. (MG & SKRPP / 30F / MCldy / 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 2” of new on a base of 125”. They have 27 XC Trails + Snowshoe Trails on Delayed opening, offering 25+km of trails for XC Skiing & Snow Shoeing. Dogs allow today but no Fat Tire bikes allowed. (28F / MCldy / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info: 530-587-9484 / www.skitahoedonner.com

DONNER SUMMIT RESORTS

*BOREAL MOUNTAIN RESORT: (I-80:) Is planning to open… They report a base of 106-196”. 3 Lifts & Tows will operate with Accelerator Express & Castle Peak Lift from (9am-4pm); (Cedar Ridge (9-3) Closed); California Cruiser Lift (9-6) Closed; (Dutchman & 49er (11-3) Closed). 19 Trails are open (19MG). 4 T-Parks open (MG & SKRPP / 28F / Cldy / Lt-Mod Winds). Playland Tubing Park Closed. 530-426-3666 / www.rideboreal.com

*SODA SPRINGS WINTER RESORT:(HWY 40:) is open Thursday thru Monday… Open today! They report 2” of new on a base of 182”. 5 lifts & tows are scheduled operate (10-4), with Lions Head & Crystal Bowl Chairs turning… 18 Trails are open (18MG). Planet Kids open for Family Fun (10am-4pm) with Tube Carousel & Sleigh Rides. (MG & SKRPP/ 29F / Cldy / Lt-Mod Winds). Open Thursdays-Mondays. 530-426-3901 www.skisodasprings.com

*SUGAR BOWL SKI RESORT:(Hwy 40: R2 from I-80: R2/ Hwy 40 from Truckee: Closed) Is open. They report 1-2” of new on a base of 151-218”. 9 Lifts are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, including Nob Hill, Christmas Tree & Jerome Hill. 74 Trails to open (37MG). 2 T-Parks Closed. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 32F / Cldy / Lt-Mod 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 opening (8:30-4). They report 1” of new on a base of 80”. They are digging out… They have 13 Trails open, offering 8.8 km of groomed trails and continue to groom more trails for classic XC striding and skating. (34F / Cldy / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info: 530-426-3871 / www.royalgorge.com

*DONNER SKI RANCH:(Hwy 40: R2 / Closed from Truckee) Is open today… They have 2” of new a base of 140-180”. 2 Lifts & tows (9-4), including Chairs #4 & #6. Digging out other lifts. 30 trails to open (20MG). Snow Tubing on HOLD(10am-4pm). (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 29F / Cldy / Lt-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

NORTH LAKE TAHOE-TRUCKEE SNOWFEST KICKS OFF FEB. 28 – MARCH 10 with daily events on and off the slopes… Parades, Balls, Ice Carving, Pancake Breakfast and more… for the complete schedule check hear: www.tahoesnowfest.com

*HOMEWOOD MOUNTAIN RESORT:(Emerald Bay Rd: Closed/ Hwy 89:) Is planning to open and report a base of 60-153”. 6 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, including the Madden Chair, Quail Chari, Ellis Chair & Old Homewood Express… Magic Carpet & Alpine Platter operating… 61 Trails are open (25MG). 1 T-Park open. (MG & SKRPP / 38F / PCldy / 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:) Ski Hill & Sledding is open Friday thru Monday (9-4). They are open today and report a base of 34”. 2 Lifts… The Poma Lift & Bunny Rope Tow (9-4) are turning for skiing & riding. (MGPP / 35F / PCldy / Lt Winds). XC Trails, Sledding & Snow Play area open daily. Call Ahead: 530-581-7533 / www.granlibakken.com

*TAHOE XC CENTER:(Hwy 28:) Is scheduled to open today. (8:30-5) for XC Skiing & Snow Shoeing. They have 1” of new on a base of 48”. Grooming out trails this morning. 22 Trails are open offering 30km of groomed XC & Snowshoe trails open, including Dog Trails open with restrictions. (34F / MCldy / Lt-Mod Winds). Hosting start of the Great Race, Sunday, March 3… For more info, Call: 530-583-5475 or www.tahoexc.org

*TAHOE CITY WINTER SPORTS PARK. Located in Tahoe City is planning to open today. The Ice Rink is being cleared to open (10am-8pm). Café Zenon open. Sledding, XC & Snowshoeing trails are accessible 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 2” of new on a base of 138-214”. 19 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP with 12 lifts from the bottom scheduled including, the tram & Funitel… Exhibition, Red Dog, Squaw Creek & KT 22… 5 beginner tows are scheduled to operate in the SnoVentures / Squaw Kids area (9-4). 6 Lifts are scheduled for the upper mountain, including Big Blue, Gold Coast & Shirley Lake. 55 Trails to open (19 MG). T-Parks Closed. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 37F / Cldy/ Mod-Strong Winds). 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 2” of new on a base of 148-190”. 11 Lifts are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, including Hot Wheels, Meadow, Kangaroo & Subway…. Summit, Sherwood & Scott on HOLD. 31 Trails to open (16MG). Terrain Parks Closed (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 32F / Cldy / 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:) Is open… they report 2-3” of new on a base of 150-225”. 24 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (8:30-4)-WWP, 13 Lifts out of the Main Lodge including the Lower Gondola. 8 Lifts out of Canyon Lodge including the Village Gondola… And, 3 Lifts out of Eagle Lodge. 100 Trails are to open (74MG); Plus, 7 T-Parks open + 3 Half-Pipes. (PWDR & MGPP / 26F / PCldy / Mod Winds). For more info, Call Ahead: 888-766-9778 / www.mammothmountain.com

*JUNE MOUNTAIN:(Hwy 395:) Is open… They report a base of 72-132”. 6 Lifts are scheduled to operate, including J1, J2, J3, J4, J6 & J7 (9-4), with 38 Trails open (20MG). (MG & SKRPP / 38F / MCldy / 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 a base of 60”. 4 Lifts are scheduled to turn (9-4), with 10 runs open (MGPP / 30F / 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 2” of new on a base of 104-117”. 7 Lifts & Tows will operate (9-4). 67 Trails are open (38MG). T-Park to open. (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 34F / PCldy / Lt-Mod Winds). For more info: 209-536-5300 / www.dodgeridge.com

*BEAR VALLEY MOUNTAIN RESORT: Is open… They report 4” of new on a base of 143”. 7 Lifts and Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP. 49 Trails are open (26MG). (PWDR, MG & SKRPP / 34F / Cldy/ Lt-Mod 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 trace of new on a base of 130”. Grooming out 35 trails = 57 km of groomed XC trails available. (28F / MCldy / Lt-Mod Winds). Sledding & Snow Tubing open (9-4). For more info: 209-753-2834 / www.bearvalleyxc.com

CURRENT ROAD CONDITIONS: (as of 8:45am)

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): R2

Hwy 88 (Carson Pass): R2

Hwy 88 (Woodfords to Picketts):

Hwy 88 (Gville-CA State Line):

Hwy 207 (Kingsbury Grade):

Hwy 89 (Emerald Bay Rd): CLOSED

Hwy 89 (West Shore):

Hwy 89 (Tahoe City-Truckee):

Hwy 28 (North Shore-Incline):

Hwy 28 (East Shore):

Interstate 80 (Donner Summit-Truckee): R2

Hwy 267 (Brockway Summit):

Hwy 431 (Mt Rose Summit): R2

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