Extreme weather conditions in Lake Tahoe had some ski resorts closing Sunday or offering limited access to terrain for skiing and snowboarding.
A third storm arrived Sunday in the Lake Tahoe region, where many locals were hunkering down indoors and content with letting the latest day of difficult weather conditions pass. The heavy snow arrived this morning and is expected to continue through tonight. Snow is also predicted for Monday.
The weather definitely impacted driving throughout the day. On Sunday morning, Interstate 80 was closed at Applegate, but eventually opened. Highway 50, the access road to South Lake Tahoe, was closed in the morning due to avalanche control before opening later in the day.
Despite waking up to 29 inches of new snow Sunday morning, Sierra-at-Tahoe made the decision to shut down all day. On Twitter, Sierra wrote that “your safety is our prime concern.” A recorded message at the South Lake Tahoe ski resort noted the poor road conditions, facility issues and more.
Due to avalanche conditions, Alpine Meadows also didn’t open Sunday. Neighboring Squaw Valley did open for the day with five lifts running, including Squaw Creek and Red Dog.
Many other resorts had limited lifts available, including Sugar Bowl. Located off snow-laden I-80, Sugar Bowl had originally planned to close all day Sunday. Around noon it opened the Nob Hill and Christmas Tree lifts.
Diamond Peak in Incline Village was reporting 9 inches of new snow for skiing and riding. The resort had 22 inches in the past two days and a season snow total of 255 inches.
Kirkwood Mountain received 6 inches of new snow and reportedly offered limited access Sunday for skiers and riders. The resort off Highway 88 has received 61 inches over the past week. One of three Vail Resorts in the Tahoe region, Kirkwood is reporting 347 inches for the season.
Heavenly Mountain and Northstar California – both owned by Vail Resorts – had 16 inches of new snow this morning. For the month of January, Heavenly has received 268 inches, Northstar has 254 and Kirkwood is reporting and 250.
The good news for skiers and snowboarders is the snow will likely end Tuesday evening. Weather forecasters are calling for some sunny days, starting Wednesday and lasting through next weekend.
