More snow is in the forecast this week for Lake Tahoe ski resorts. But regardless how much snow falls, it’s already been a “Miracle March” for the popular ski resort area.
Last week, some Lake Tahoe ski resorts were reporting 4 feet of snow during a 48-hour period that had skiers and snowboarders rejoicing. That storm and several others made a huge difference for the region, which seemed headed for a bad ski season in terms of snow totals and was likely leading toward some early closings, especially among the smaller resorts.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) was reporting March 1 that the Tahoe Basin had approximately 28 percent of the medium water count of a normal year. In less than three weeks, that total had jumped to 63 percent by March 20.
The huge snow totals this month have brought back the term “Miracle March.” That term was first used in 1991 during what was expected to be the driest Lake Tahoe winter on record. Many Lake Tahoe ski resorts were contemplating pulling the plug on the season when a huge snowstorm – starting March 1 – dumped 50 inches of snow. It was the start of a great month as the snow continued throughout March.
In 1991, the snowpack went from 17 percent of normal on March 1 to 79 percent by April 1.
Although only at the halfway point last week, March has already been a great month for snow totals. At least four Lake Tahoe ski resorts received more than 100 inches of snow by March 15, creating multiple powder days for skiers and snowboarders.
Significant amounts of snow that accumulated by March 16 pushed four Lake Tahoe ski resorts – Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, Heavenly Mountain, Northstar California, Kirkwood Mountain – over the 100-inch mark for March.
Entering this week, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows received 12 feet (144 inches) of snow, making it already the third biggest March in the last 20 years. March 1 ushered in a 7-foot storm and last week’s storm dumped more than 5 feet on the resort.
“With ‘Miracle March’ in full swing, the resort is gearing up for 2½ more months of skiing and riding,” stated a Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows Press release.
Closing day for Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows has been scheduled for May 28 (Memorial Day), weather and conditions permitting. The High Camp Hot Tub, a spring skiing tradition, will open March 31, if the weather cooperates.
Twelve Lake Tahoe ski resorts received 20 or more inches of snow on the morning of March 16. Diamond Peak led all resorts with 36 inches and Soda Springs had 30.
Weather forecast: According to the National Weather Service, a winter storm watch is in effect for the greater Lake Tahoe area from Wednesday afternoon (March 21) through late Thursday night, above 7,000 feet.
Total accumulation could be 2-3 feet of snow primarily above 7,500 feet. There could be as much as 4 feet near the crest of multiple Lake Tahoe ski resorts.
