A winter storm is supposed to descend on Lake Tahoe on Saturday, delivering more snow and high winds that could be so fierce they could shut down some Tahoe ski resorts.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a winter storm warning for Saturday, indicating there could be “heavy” snow paired with high winds. Projections say 4 to 8 inches of snow is possible during the day with 2 to 4 inches coming after sunset. There’s a 30-percent chance of snow expected Sunday. The long-term forecasts indicate more snow next week.
The possibility of perhaps a foot of new snow is great news for Tahoe ski resorts, who are all suffering from lack of snow to start the 2023-24 season. Last year at 8,000 feet, Palisades Tahoe received 50 inches of snow by the end of November – matching this year’s total through Friday (Jan. 5).
The NWS is predicting Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph and increasing to 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 55 mph in the afternoon. Ridge gusts could get up to 80 mph and increasing to 95 mph in the afternoon.
The top wind-protected ski resorts in Tahoe are Northstar, Sugar Bowl (mid mountain), Diamond Peak, Homewood, and Sierra-at-Tahoe.
SIZABLE STORM EARLIER THIS WEEK: The first legitimate snowstorm hit Tahoe ski resorts Tuesday evening and lasted into Wednesday morning, giving six resorts 8-13 inches of fresh snow.
The storm is the first in more than a month to bring snowfall measured in the double digits to area resorts, reported local forecaster Bryan Allegretto of OpenSnow.com.
“Mother Nature is making up for lost time with 10 inches of fresh powder overnight,” said a Wednesday blog on the Sugar Bowl website. “While we still have a way to go before our trust with the forecast is fully repaired, this is certainly a stride in the right direction.”
Sierra-at-Tahoe received the most snow among Tahoe ski resorts, getting 13 inches at its summit. Kirkwood was just shy of a foot of new snow, getting 11 inches. Both Boreal Mountain and Sugar Bowl reported 10 inches of fresh snow.
DODGE RIDGE OPENING: The much-needed snow Wednesday morning meant more to Dodge Ridge than perhaps any resort in California. Dodge Ridge received 12 inches of snow at its summit, which was enough to have the resort announcing its season-opener Friday (Jan. 6).
Dodge Ridge is located in the Central Sierra Mountain range off Highway 108 in Pinecrest (30 miles from Sonora).
Two other central valley ski resorts also were reporting high snow totals from the storm. Both Bear Valley and China Peak got between 10-14 inches of snow Wednesday morning.
DRY START TO SEASON: According to data collected by the Central Sierra Snow Lab, the October-December 2023 timeframe is tied for the fourth driest early season since at least 1970.
The lab made the measurements Tuesday morning (Jan. 2) and says 31.7 inches of snow fell during the recent three-month period, which is 27% of the 53-year average for October thru December.
The average snow-water equivalent statewide was reported at 2½ inches of water, down from 17½ inches at the same time in 2023. That’s 185% of the average for that time of year, according to officials.
The meager start to the snow year comes on the heels of one of California’s largest snowpacks ever measured after a series of storms brought statewide levels to 237% of normal statewide in April 2023.
HEAVENLY GONDOLA SHUT DOWN: The Heavenly mountain gondola has been shut down indefinitely due to a mechanical issue discovered Thursday morning (Jan. 4).
Heavenly officials said its maintenance team had found an issue “related to one of the bearings in the high-speed shaft” that would close the gondola “until it is fully repaired.” The gondola maintenance team worked with the lift manufacturer and project engineer to diagnose the problem.
It’s not clear when the gondola will be operating again. Heavenly says the gondola will not operate until it is fully repaired.
The gondola transports skiers, snowboarders and sightseers on a scenic 2.4-mile ride up the slopes overlooking the famed waters of Lake Tahoe. It serves as a convenient point of access to the slopes during peak winter days and allows guests to access the famed ski resort without having to get in their car. The gondola drops off skiers and riders on the Nevada side of the ski resort.
Heavenly will offer free shuttles to Kirkwood Mountain Resort Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The shuttle will begin loading at 7:15 a.m. at the Stateline Transit Center. The shuttles will leave Kirkwood at 4:30 p.m. Space is limited. Sign up here.
