Snow continues to fall on Tahoe ski resorts, building up a reservoir that will be appreciated during the Christmas holidays, always the busiest time of year on the slopes.
Nine Tahoe ski resorts reached double figures in snow totals from Friday’s storm. Leading the way was Kirkwood, which received 16 inches by Saturday morning (Dec. 14) and has a two-day total of just under 2 feet (23 inches).
Boreal Mountain received 14 inches from the most recent storm and offered this warning to excited skiers and riders who will be on the mountain this weekend.
“It’s deep out there, make sure to ski with a buddy and look out for unmarked hazards,” stated the Boreal website warning.
On Friday, Tahoe Donner was the last Tahoe ski resort to open for the 2024-25 season. After getting 12 inches of snow by Saturday morning, the resort website said “we’re open (Saturday) with limited terrain, including Snowbird triple chair and the Caterpillar conveyor.”
A winter storm warning went into effect Friday afternoon and will likely last into Saturday evening. Friday’s snow was the second of three storm systems that are passing through the Tahoe basin. Sunday is predicted to be clear and sunny, while Monday a weak storm system is expected to pass through the Tahoe region.
Palisades Tahoe received 13 inches both Friday and Saturday and more is on the way.
TRAFFIC IMPLICATIONS: The national weather service warns these storm systems are impacting travel. The reports of snowfall, predicted increases, and sunny weather on Sunday will likely make this a good weekend to be skiing. But note that traffic impacts from people traveling into the mountains are possible.
As of 11:30 am Saturday morning, all eastbound traffic was being held at Colfax due to spinouts. Chains are required on all vehicles except four-wheel-drive vehicles with snow tires on all four wheels from the Nevada State Line to Applegate (near Colfax).
AVALANCHE DANGER: The Sierra Avalanche Center in Truckee has issued a Backcountry Avalanche Warning for the Greater Lake Tahoe area and the Central Sierra Nevada Mountains, effective through Sunday morning.
The warning, which is in effect through 5:15 a.m. Sunday, warns of high avalanche danger in the backcountry due to a combination of heavy snowfall and strong winds.
“High intensity snowfall combined with strong winds is expected to produce widespread areas of unstable snow both above and below the treeline,” stated the Sierra Avalanche Center. “Natural avalanches are very likely in the backcountry at this time.”
TAHOE SNOW REPORT (2-day totals)
- Palisades Tahoe: 13-13 – 26 inches
- Boreal: 11-14 – 25 inches
- Soda Springs: 10-14 – 24 inches
- Sugar Bowl: 11-12 – 23 inches
- Kirkwood: 7-16 – 23 inches
- Tahoe Donner: 6-12 – 18 inches
- Northstar: 8-8 – 16 inches
- Sierra-at-Tahoe: 6-8 -14 inches
- Diamond Peak: 4-10 – 14 inches
- Mt. Rose: 2-10 – 12 inches
- Heavenly: 3-4 – 7 inches
- Granlibakken: 7-NA – NA inches
- Homewood: Closed for the season
