Thanks to a huge storm that descended on Lake Tahoe early Thursday morning (Feb. 13), there’s an abundance of fresh snow at Tahoe ski resorts this weekend.
While the 2 to 3½ feet of snow that arrived by Friday morning was a welcome sight, the large quantity also brings along some inherent danger. It’s important for skiers and snowboarders to be aware that deep snow conditions exist and to familiarize themselves with these helpful safety tips.
Last winter, Ski California released a new deep snow safety video as part of the award-winning Mountain Safety Guide to educate skiers and riders about the risks of deep snow immersion, how to avoid them, and what to do if you or someone you’re with becomes immersed.
“Ski California’s 36 member resorts in California and Nevada regularly see storm totals that are measured in feet, not inches,” said John Rice, Ski California president. “Our goal with this video is to educate skiers and riders about what they need to do and be aware of to avoid deep snow immersion situations that can be life threatening.”
Snow immersion suffocation can happen when a skier or rider falls into deep snow or a tree well, is unable to move, and ultimately suffocates. Without immediate rescue, a skier or rider can die from suffocation in as little as 60 seconds.
In the past 20 years, there have been more snow immersion deaths in California than any other state.
Tips for Skiing and Riding in Deep Snow:
- Always ski or ride with a partner and stay in control.
- Avoid tree wells by looking at the open spaces between trees, not at the trees.
- Keep your partner in sight and stay close enough to pull or dig out if either person falls.
- Use safety equipment to minimize risks, including a helmet, fully charged phone with fast access to ski patrol’s number, beacon and a whistle.
Snow immersion suffocation can happen when a skier or rider falls into deep snow or a tree well, is unable to move, and ultimately suffocates.
The Ski California deep snow video, produced by Generikal Design, features retired Olympian and professional skier Travis Ganong of Lake Tahoe. The rescue video footage was produced by Francis Zuber and Riley Flynn.
View the Ski California Deep Snow Safety video.
FRIDAY’S SNOW: Mt. Rose tops the list for one-day snow totals, reporting 42 inches at its summit and getting 40 inches at base level.
The resort, located off the Mt. Rose Highway and approximately 10 miles from Incline Village in North Lake Tahoe and 25 miles from Reno, had a whopping two-day total of 54 inches (4½ feet).
Mt. Rose received the most snow from the recent storm and not surprisingly tops of the list of most snowfall this season among Tahoe ski resorts. As of Friday, Mt. Rose had received 265 inches of snow this season, including 226 at its base area of 8,260 feet, the highest among all Tahoe ski resorts.
Overall, there are five Tahoe ski resorts that have exceeded the 200-inch mark for the season. Sugar Bowl is a close second to Mt. Rose with 258 inches, followed by Palisades Tahoe (244), Soda Springs (206 inches) and Boreal Mountain (202).
According to OpenSnow forecaster Bryan Allegretto, the weather looks nice for Saturday (Feb. 15) with mostly sunny skies and highs in the 40s for the lower elevations and 30s on the upper mountain.
There’s a chance of a few scattered snow showers Sunday and Monday. Strong winds could return on Sunday, with ridgetop gusts possibly reaching up to 60-80 mph, which could close some upper mountain ski lifts.
“Conditions should be prime for some amazing powder skiing,” Palisades Tahoe representative Madison Condon said.
TAHOE SNOW REPORT (Feb. 14)
- Mt. Rose: 42 inches
- Diamond Peak: 36 inches
- Tahoe Donner: 34 inches
- Northstar: 31 inches
- Granlibakken: 30 inches
- Boreal: 30 inches
- Sugar Bowl: 29 inches
- Soda Springs: 28 inches
- Palisades Tahoe: 25 inches
- Sierra-at-Tahoe: 24 inches
- Heavenly: 21 inches
- Kirkwood: 20 inches
- Homewood: Closed for season
