For the first time since mid-January, Tahoe ski resorts can expect to see snow on their slopes.
According to Bryan Allegretto, OpenSnow California forecaster, the snow should arrive late Saturday (Feb. 29) afternoon around lake level and drop quickly as plenty of cold air moves in Saturday night. Snow levels should drop 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.
“A one-and-done storm for Sunday could bring the most snowfall we’ve seen since January,” Allegretto writes.
Allegretto believes snow showers could linger into Sunday morning before clearing to the south through the day. They may remain a bit longer to the south of Lake Tahoe down to Mammoth.
Winds are high Saturday and could reach guest of 60 mph in the afternoon. Sunday the gusting winds are likely to continue, reaching 40-plus mph over the ridges with temperature highs only in the 20s on the mountains and 30s at lake level.
The snow will be welcomed, and then by Tuesday the weather will return to spring-like with temperatures reaching the low 50s at many Tahoe ski resorts.
“The snow will be followed by a warming about 10 degrees as high-pressure shifts over the West,” predicts Allegretto.
More good news could be on the way. Allegretto believes a possible storm the second week of March could deliver more significant snow to Tahoe ski resorts, starting next weekend (March 7-8).
Remember “Februburied? As the curtain comes down on February 2020, it’s an appropriate time to glance in the rearview mirror and see what was taking place a year ago – snow, snow, and more snow!
A year ago, Squaw Valley received 313 inches in what was nicknamed “Februburied.” Squaw received the most February snow in resort history. It had 580 inches heading into March. This season Squaw has the most snow among Tahoe ski resorts, but the 207 inches is far below the average.
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.
“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 which has made for really fun turns.”
SNOW REPORT (season totals, Feb. 29)
- 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
