Lake Tahoe area ski and weather news: The Mountain Resort Report©

Good morning Lake Tahoe skiers and riders! If you are visiting, welcome to Lake Tahoe.

Today is Monday, December 12.

A GOOD MOTIVATION MONDAY TO GET OUT ON THE MOUNTAIN AND ENJOY PRE-HOLIDAY SEASON TURNS… A BREAK IN WEATHER TODAY AND MORE COMING THRU STARTING TOMORROW WITH A WINTER STORM WATCH POSTED.

TODAY’S WEATHER (NWS GREATER LAKE TAHOE AREA): Mostly Cloudy. Highs: 41F to 46F. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph. Ridge gusts up to 60 mph.
TONIGHT: Mostly Cloudy. Slight chance of snow and rain after midnight. Snow level: 6500 feet lowering to lake level. Lows: 23F to 33F. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph. Ridge gusts up to 50 mph.
TUESDAY: Snow likely in the morning, then snow and rain in the afternoon. Snow accumulation up to 3 inches. Highs: 35F to 45F. Southwest winds around 10 mph. Gusts up to 30 mph in the afternoon. Ridge gusts up to 70 mph increasing to 85 mph in the afternoon.
WINTER STORM WATCH:
THE WINTER STORM WATCH IS NOW IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY MORNING THROUGH LATE TUESDAY NIGHT.
TIMING: SNOW WILL BEGIN BY LATE TUESDAY MORNING AND CONTINUE INTO TUESDAY NIGHT. SNOW MAY BE HEAVY AT TIMES TUESDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING IN THE SIERRA.
SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: POTENTIALLY A FOOT OR MORE ABOVE 8000 FEET WITH 4 TO 12 INCHES BETWEEN 7000 AND 8000 FEET. 2 TO 6 INCHES ARE POSSIBLE BELOW 7000 FEET.
WINDS: SOUTHWEST 10 TO 20 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 35 MPH. SIERRA RIDGE GUSTS UP TO 95 MPH.
SNOW LEVELS: NEAR LAKE LEVEL ON TUESDAY THEN RISING TO ABOVE 7500 FEET LATE TUESDAY EVENING.
IMPACTS: SNOW, HEAVY AT TIMES, MAY CREATE ICY AND SNOW COVERED ROADS. GUSTY WINDS OVER THE PASSES MAY RESULT IN LOCALIZED WHITE-OUT CONDITIONS.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
NOW IS THE TIME TO PREPARE AN EMERGENCY KIT FOR YOUR HOME AND CAR. IF TRAVELING, CONSIDER ALTERNATE PLANS, 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 Good Jacket or Shell. Take a hat, beanie, and wear a Helmet for Safety. Also wear good Sunglasses or Goggles and warm gloves. Don’t forget to use Sunscreen when the sun is out and Stay Hydrated at altitude!
SURFACE CONDITIONS: Surface Conditions are Variable with a mixture of Natural Snow & Machine Made. Machine Groomed & Skier-Rider Packed Snow and Some Areas of Firm Packed Snow.
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! 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 open reporting a base of 20-23”. 9 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (8:30-4)-WWP including Mountain Access from the Gondola & Stagecoach, accessing Big Easy, Tamarack Express, Dipper & Comet Express. 23 Runs are open (18MG) including Orion’s, Dipper & Lil Dipper. (MG & SKRPP / 28F / PCldy / Mod-Strong Winds). (Hwy 207:) Call Ahead for updates: 1-800-HEAVENLY / www.skiheavenly.com

*SIERRA AT TAHOE: (Hwy 50:) Is open reporting on a base depth of 12-29”. 8 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (8:30-4) including Grandview Express to the top, Easy Rider Express, Rock Garden, Nob Hill & West Bowl open. 30 trails are open (20MG), Plus Broadway Park. (MG & SKRPP / 26F / PCldy / Lt Winds). Blizzard Mtn. Snow Tubing & Snow Play Areas open today. For more info call: 530-659-7475 / www.sierraattahoe.com

HOPE VALLEY OUTDOORS / CROSS COUNTRY: (Hwy 88/89:) Luther Pass – Pickett’s Junction:) Is waiting on snow and will open when conditions permit. For more info: 530-721-2015 / www.hopevalleyoutdoors.com

*KIRKWOOD MOUNTAIN RESORT: (Hwy 88:) is open reporting a base depth of 25-38”. 7 Lifts are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with Chairs #1, Chair #5 & Chair #11 & Chair #6 open out of the Village. Plus, TC Express #7 & Chair #9 open with Timer Creek Lodge access. 31 runs are open (22MG). (MG & SKRPP / 26F / PCldy / Lt Winds). Kirkwood XC Center is also open with 12km of track in the Meadow. Call Ahead for updates: 877-KIRKWOOD / www.kirkwood.com

NEVADA & EAST SHORE RESORTS

DIAMOND PEAK: (Hwy 28:) Is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year. They are scheduled to open on Dec. 15. Mid Week and Full Season Passes are available from $69 to $469. Hosting Pass Holders Party with Film “Here and Now” on December 16. For more info call: 775-831-1177 / www.diamondpeak.com

*MT. ROSE SKI TAHOE: (Hwy 431:R1) Is open and report a base of 40”. 6 lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, including Wizard, Galena, Flying Jenny & Lakeview. Plus, Northwest 6 & Blazing Zephyr on Slide Bowl Side for top to bottom skiing & riding. 43 runs are open (36MG). (MG & SKRPP/ PCldy /19F / Mod-Strong Winds). Call Ahead for updates: 800-SKIROSE / www.mtrose.com

TRUCKEE AREA RESORTS

*NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA: (Hwy 267:) is open reporting n a base depth of 18-22”. 13 Lifts are scheduled to operate (8:30-4) with Front Side, Back Side & Lookout Mtn open. 23 Runs are open (21MG). Pinball T-Park open. (MG & SKRPP / 28F / MCldy / Mod Winds). XC Center is open with 3 Trails & 3km of groom track as well as the Village Ice Rink. Call Ahead for updates: 530-562-1330 / www.northstarcalifornia.com

*TAHOE DONNER SKI AREA: is open. They report a base depth of 12-246”. 3 Lifts & Tow are scheduled to operate (9-4) with 1 run open. (MGPP / PCldy / 27F / Lt Winds) Unrestricted Season Passes available for downhill skiing from $159 to $304. Or Combine downhill with XC from $79 to $419.

TAHOE DONNER XC: is Closed due to rain washing away most of the snow coverage. ( PCldy / 27F / Lt Winds). No Dogs allowed today. For more info Call: 530-587-9484 / www.skitahoedonner.com

DONNER SUMMIT RESORTS

*BOREAL MOUNTAIN RESORT: (I-80:) Is open and reports a base depth of 30”. 4 Lifts are scheduled to operate (9-4) with Castle Peak Quad, 49er Chair, Nugget Chair & Accelerator to the top open till 9:00pm. They have 20 runs open (7MG) & 2 Small Parks open with 11 features. (MG & SKRPP / PCldy / 21F / Lt-Mod Winds). Playland Tubing Park open (10-4). Call Ahead. Woodward Tahoe training open daily. 530-426-3666 / www.rideboreal.com

SODA SPRINGS WINTER RESORT: (I-80 to Hwy 40:) Is Closed midweek to reopen on Friday, Dec. 16. They have a base of 20”. 1 Chair, Lion’s Head will operate (10-4) with 1 run open. Plus, Planet Kids… Lil’ Mamma’s Carpet, Planet Kids & Tube Carousel open as well as Tube Town will operate. (MG/ MCldy / 24F / Lt Winds) Call Ahead. 530-426-3901 www.skisodasprings.com

ROYAL GORGE XC: (I-80 to Hwy 40:) Is CLOSED (8:30-4). Rain and standing water has deteriorated the snow pack. (PCldy / 27F / Lt 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:) Is Open! They report a Base of 12-24”. 3 Lifts & Access Gondola are scheduled to turn (9-4), to offer top to bottom skiing & riding, including Mt. Lincoln, Christmas Tree & Nob Hill. 22 Runs are open (12MG). (MG & SKRPP / PCldy / 23F / Lt Winds). Access will be from the Judah Portal & Gondola. For more info: 530-426-1111 / www.sugarbowl.com

DONNER SKI RANCH: (Hwy 40:) is CLOSED this Weekend Due to Rain. They Plan to start full time operation on Dec. 16. For more info: 530-426-3635 / www.donnerskiranch.com

WEST SHORE / NORTHLAKE TAHOE RESORTS

*HOMEWOOD MOUNTAIN RESORT: (Hwy 89:) is now Open! They report a base depth of 14-26”. 3 Surface Lifts will operate (9-4) with 4 beginner runs open. (MG /MClear / 30F / Lt Winds). Season Passes range from $219 for Child to $589 Adult. For more info: Guest services: 530-525-2992. Snow Phone: 530-525-2900 / www.skihomewood.com

GRANLIBAKKEN RESORT: (Hwy 89:) Ski & Snowboard will open in December 16, or when conditions permit. Their Sledding & Snow Play is Closed and is scheduled to open Dec 16. (9-4:30). (MClear/ 26F / Lt Winds) Call Ahead: 530-581-7533 / www.granlibakken.com

TAHOE XC CENTER: (Hwy 28:) Is CLOSED TODAY – They will reopen as conditions permit. (MClear / 30F / Lt Winds).

*TAHOE CITY WINTER SPORTS PARK: (Hwy 28, Tahoe City) Will continue to be operated by Tahoe XC with TCPUD. XC Trails, Snow Play are Closed. The new 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:) Reports a base of 25”. 7 Lifts & Tows scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with Kangaroo, Roundhouse, Hot Wheels & Big Carpet with [Summit Six on Patrol HOLD]. 17 Runs are open (8MG). (MG & SKRPP / 30F / 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 open reporting a base of 25”. 15 Lifts & Tows are scheduled to operate (9-4)-WWP, with 9 lifts from the lower mountain including Aerial Tram & The Funitel, Far East, Red Dog & Squaw Creek; Plus 4 tows in the SnoVentures- Squaw Kids Beginners Area open. And, 6 Lifts on the Upper Mountain including Belmont, Bailey’s, Big Blue, Gold Coast & Shirley (9-3:30). 13 Trails open (10MG). Gold Coast T-Park open. (MG & SKRPP / 30F / MCldy / Mod Winds). For more info: 530-452-4335 / www.squaw.com

CENTRAL SIERRA RESORTS

*MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN: (Hwy 395:) Is open and reports a base ranging from 30-84”. Top to Bottom Skiing & Riding is offered with 11 Lifts scheduled to operation (8:30-4)-WWP, out of the Main Lodge, including Chairs #1, #2, #3, #5, #6, #10 & #11; plus Lower & Upper Panorama Gondola. Plus, Chair 4, turning out of Canyon Lodge. 57 Trails are open (40MG), Plus the Main & Forest Trail Terrain Parks. (Powder, MG & SKRPP / 27F / PCldy / Lt-Mod Winds). 888-766-9778 / www.mammothmountain.com

JUNE MOUNTAIN: (Hwy 395:) Is scheduled to open on December 14 or when conditions permit. For more info call: 760-934-2224 / www.junemountain.com

YOSEMITE SKI & SNOWBOARD AREA: is scheduled to open on December 16. For more info Call: 209-372-1000 #5 / www.yosemitepark.com/dailysnowreport.aspx

DODGE RIDGE: (Hwy 108) Will open when conditions permit. They received 16” of snow from the last storm. Adult Season Passes available for $479 thru November 30. For more info – Snow Phone: 209-536-5300 / www.dodgeridge.com

BEAR VALLEY MOUNTAIN RESORT: (Hwy 4 – Ebbetts Pass) Is Closed Midweek and reopen daily for the season on Dec. 17. (MG PP / MClear / 27F / Lt Winds). For more info: 209-753-2301 #2 / www.bearvalley.com

BEAR VALLEY XC CENTER: (Hwy 4) Is Open and reports a base depth of 8-15”. 10 trails are open = 11km of groomed track & Skating lanes. Sledding & Tubing Areas are Closed today (9-4). ( MClear / 24F / 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:
R1= Chains or Snow Tires Required: Hwy 431 – Mt Rose Hwy
R2= Chains Mandatory with exception of 4WD with 4 Snow Tires:
All Other Roadways in and around Lake Tahoe are open and Free of Controls. Call Ahead for updates. Or log on to www.nvroads.com

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