A possible storm the second week of March could deliver much-needed snow to Tahoe ski resorts.
Bryan Allegretto, OpenSnow California forecaster, reports a West Coast system could bring significant snow to Tahoe ski resorts.
“(The system) doesn’t guarantee big storms, but it provides a trough for storms to drop into or spin up in and move into California,” writes Allegretto on his latest forecast. “So, we continue to wait about 10 more days to see if we could see a favorable pattern setup for storm development.”
Snow this weekend in Tahoe: Snow levels should start around lake level and drop quickly as plenty of cold air moves in Saturday night, with snow levels down below 4,000 feet by Sunday morning. Allegretto forecasts 1-3 inches of snow at lake level, and 3-6 inches on the mountains by Sunday afternoon.
Allegretto believes snow showers could linger into Sunday morning before clearing to the south through the day. They may linger a bit longer to the south of Lake Tahoe down to Mammoth. Winds for Sunday could continue gusting to 40-plus mph over the ridges with temperature highs only in the 20s on the mountains and 30s at lake level.
According to Allegretto, Tahoe ski resorts could see snow showers move in by Saturday evening (Feb. 29) and overnight, with the snow showers possibly lingering into Sunday morning before the system departs during the afternoon.
“A one-and-done storm for Sunday could bring the most snowfall we’ve seen since January,” Allegretto writes. “That’s followed by a warming about 10 degrees the second half of the week as high-pressure shifts over the West. And maybe a prolonged active pattern starting next weekend (March 7-8).”
Remember “Februburied? Snow totals are way down this year for all Tahoe ski resorts. Squaw Valley has received the most snow among Tahoe ski resorts with 207 inches. The snow total is far from its average and pales in comparison to a year ago when Squaw Valley received 313 inches in what was nicknamed “Februburied.” Squaw received the most February snow in resort history.
(SEE BELOW FOR CURRENT TAHOE SNOW TOTALS)
To the dismay of skiers and riders, there has been just one legitimate powder day in 2020 and tree skiing is a bit of a gamble because it’s typically slick. But the majority of chair lifts are running and groomers are plentiful. There have been multiple Tahoe bluebird days to enjoy where the sun is out and conditions are more spring-like that most February days in the past.
“We’ve got a base depth of more than 7 feet on the upper mountains, and of about 3 to 3½ feet at the bases of Squaw and Alpine,” said Squaw-Alpine spokesperson Liesl Hepburn. “Since temperatures are staying low overnight, we are in that classic spring melt-freeze cycle, so first runs of the day are best taken on groomers. But once the snow starts to warm up under the sun, the corn skiing has been great.”
Despite the lack of snow, the majority of chair lifts are running at Tahoe ski resorts and groomers have provided some solid skiing and riding for the past two months.
“The conditions are very spring-like – firm in the morning and slushy in the afternoon,” said Sugar Bowl spokesperson Jon Slaughter. “We have been getting some great spring corn snow in Judah Bowl the last few days which has made for really fun turns.
SNOW REPORT (season totals, Feb. 27)
- Squaw Valley: 207 inches
- Sierra-at-Tahoe: 204 inches
- Alpine Meadows: 198 inches
- Northstar California: 197 inches
- Boreal Mountain: 196 inches
- Sugar Bowl: 194 inches
- Kirkwood Mountain: 192 inches
- Soda Springs: 192 inches
- Heavenly Mountain: 183 inches
- Mt. Rose: 178 inches
- Homewood Mountain: 166 inches
- Diamond Peak: 113 inches
- Tahoe Donner: 111
