How much snow has Tahoe gotten this season? Here’s a look at totals before the weekend
This year’s winter has dropped astounding amounts of snow across California, and the Tahoe region is seeing one of its snowiest seasons ever.
Here’s how this winter season is stacking up for snow totals:
Snowpack levels
In the latest official snowpack measurement for the state on March 3, water officials said levels were “hovering just below” the 1983 record.
Several more feet have been recorded across the region since the beginning of the month.
The UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab has recorded 677.36 inches — or 56 feet — so far this water year, which started on Oct. 1.
The snow lab is roughly 11 feet from the snowiest season on record in 1952.
Stations across California have maintained above average levels throughout the season.
According to the California Department of Water Resources, 48 stations in the Central Sierra reported 229% of normal on March 20. The average snow water is equivalent to 58.6 inches.
In the southern Sierra, 29 stations reported 278% of normal. Followed by 30 stations in the Northern Sierra reporting 181% of normal.
Statewide, the snowpack is 225% of the April 1 average, which is considered the peak of snow season.
Snowfall resorts season totals
Below are season snowfall totals at resorts throughout Tahoe region, as of March 20, according to resort websites:
- Sugar Bowl: 708 inches
- Kirkwood: 656 inches
- Heavenly: 538 inches
- Palisades: 670 inches
- Mt. Rose: 608 inches
- Northstar: 616 inches
The Central Sierra Snow Lab recorded 26.6 inches, or 2.21 feet, in the last seven days.
More snow in the forecast
More snow is on the way for the Central Sierra.
“Later Monday and into Wednesday we are expecting significant impacts for the mountains with travel delays, chain controls and possible road closures,” said Idamis Del Valle-Shoemaker, meteorologist at the National Weather Service.
Additional snowfall ranging from 4 to 8 inches of snow is forecast for areas above 4,000 feet, according to the weather service.
A winter storm watch will be in effect starting Tuesday.
For those traveling up the mountain, prepare for delays and chain controls. Tuesday is expected to be the heaviest snowfall day. Mountain temperatures will remain between mid 20s and high 30s for the week.
Will snowpack help the drought?
Snow levels have significantly helped California’s drought conditions, but according to the Department of Water Resources, we will need more than just one good year.
“Thankfully the recent storms combined with the January atmospheric rivers have contributed to an above-average snowpack that will help fill some of the state’s reservoirs and maximize groundwater recharge efforts. But the benefits vary by region, and the Northern Sierra, home to the state’s largest reservoir Lake Shasta, is lagging behind the rest of the Sierra,” said Director Karla Nemeth with the Department of Water Resources in a March 3 news release.
“It will also take more than one good year to begin recovery of the state’s groundwater basins.”
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, more than 63% of the state is drought free.
This story was originally published March 17, 2023 at 1:42 PM with the headline "How much snow has Tahoe gotten this season? Here’s a look at totals before the weekend."