Skiers have ideal holiday weekend before Sierra storm — what to expect on slopes
Lake Tahoe ski resorts were gearing up for one of the busiest weekends of the season ahead of a major winter storm system forecast to arrive Sunday, bringing gusty winds followed by heavy Sierra snow next week.
The National Weather Service in Reno said Friday that relatively fair weather would hold through much of Sunday, giving skiers a window to hit the slopes before what forecasters described as the most significant series of winter storms since the holiday season.
“Plan on large impacts to travel due to periods of heavy snow and wind, including the lower elevations, through most of the work week,” the weather service said in its forecast discussion.
The National Weather Service in Sacramento echoed that message, warning that holiday weekend travel will be impacted Sunday through Wednesday, with the heaviest Sierra snow expected Monday and Tuesday.
“Expect hazardous mountain travel late Sunday through at least Wednesday,” Sacramento forecasters said. “Major impacts are expected during this time with the potential for chain controls, road closures and whiteout conditions.”
What to expect this weekend
Saturday and most of Sunday were expected to bring mild temperatures, light winds in lower elevations and good visibility across the Tahoe Basin.
Ridgetop winds were forecast to increase Saturday, with gusts strengthening Sunday as 700-millibar winds reached 35 to 45 knots, which could affect upper mountain lifts.
Rain and snow were expected to begin late Sunday, mainly across the northern Sierra from the Tahoe Basin northward. Early accumulations were forecast to be light through Sunday evening.
The more significant impacts were expected Monday through Wednesday, when forecasters said there was a 60% to 90% chance of more than 3 feet of snow along the Sierra crest. Sierra communities around lake level, including along U.S. Highway 395, had a 50% to 90% chance of exceeding 18 inches of snow.
Snow levels in the Sierra were expected to fall Monday, bringing accumulating snow to Lake Tahoe and higher elevations through midweek. Gusts topping 45 mph Tuesday along exposed ridgelines and Sierra passes could affect lift operations and make travel over Donner Summit and Echo Summit hazardous.
For Sacramento-area residents planning to drive to Tahoe, chain controls and travel delays were likely beginning Monday and continuing through midweek.
Caltrans District 3 officials warned on social media that the storm is “looking to be a big hit just in time for the end to a holiday weekend” and urged motorists to prepare now.
Transportation officials encouraged drivers to check Caltrans QuickMap for real-time chain controls, road closures and traffic conditions before heading into the mountains.
Resorts prepare for crowds, incoming snow
Palisades Tahoe officials said conditions heading into the weekend remained solid, with a base depth ranging from 26 to 45 inches and nearly 90% of its terrain open.
Palisades will be busy with events all weekend, but the main feature will be the fresh snow, said resort spokesman Patrick Lacey.
“Five inches of new snow on the base and 9 inches up top of the mountain,” he said. “With 9 inches of new snow, it’s pretty fluffy,” Lacey added. With cool nights and warmer days over the holiday weekend, follow the sun for the best conditions on the slopes.
Across the Tahoe Basin, most major resorts reported strong coverage and high lift operations as of Friday:
Heavenly Mountain Resort: 24 to 41 inches base, 100% of trails open.
Palisades Tahoe: 26 to 45 inches base, 58% of terrain open.
Northstar California: 28 to 60 inches base, 100% of terrain open.
Kirkwood Mountain Resort: 42 to 56 inches base, 100% of trails open.
Sugar Bowl Resort: 28 to 54 inches base, 98% of terrain open.
Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe: 40 to 60 inches base, 100% of trails open.
Sierra-at-Tahoe: 26 to 53 inches base, 100% of trails open.
Most resorts reported recent snowfall within the past 72 hours, helping freshen up packed powder and groomed runs ahead of the holiday crowds.
Air travel into Tahoe
Truckee Tahoe Airport officials said they were monitoring flight activity ahead of the holiday weekend and the incoming storm system.
Travel outlook
While most of the weekend was expected to be manageable for most travelers, conditions were forecast to deteriorate late Sunday into Monday as snow levels dropped and winds increased.
Palisades Tahoe expects a full 16 inches of new snow Monday with the storm, warning visitors to be safe on their trip home.
“It’ll be easy going up the mountain, but going down the hill, check Caltrans’ QuickMap, said Palisades’ Lacey. “The weather changes pretty quickly.”
The National Weather Service said snow levels in the Sierra Nevada were expected to drop steadily Monday, with heavy snow likely across the Tahoe Basin and along the Sierra crest through midweek. Wind gusts over 45 mph were possible Tuesday along exposed ridgelines and Sierra passes, which could affect lift operations and create hazardous travel conditions over Donner Summit and Echo Summit.
Forecasters cautioned that timing and snowfall totals could shift over the weekend but urged residents and visitors to prepare for multiple days of winter driving conditions.
For skiers and snowboarders, the message was clear: get up early, check road conditions before heading over Donner Summit or Echo Summit, and be prepared for changing weather as the Sierra transitions from a calm holiday weekend to a high-impact winter pattern.
Storm safety reminders
The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services urged travelers to plan ahead, noting that winter storms can last hours or even days and may block roads or cause power outages.
Officials reminded drivers to carry chains, install proper winter tires and keep an emergency kit in their vehicle that includes jumper cables, blankets, a phone charger, sand or cat litter for traction and extra supplies in case they become stranded.
Forecasters said the best window for travel into the Sierra would be Friday through Sunday morning before conditions deteriorate late Sunday.
“Plan ahead when heading to the mountains,” the National Weather Service said.
For skiers and snowboarders, the message was clear: enjoy the calm conditions early in the weekend, monitor forecasts closely and prepare for significant winter weather as the Sierra transitions into a high-impact storm pattern.
Tahoe conditions on Presidents Day weekend
Heavenly Mountain Resort
- Base depth: 24–41 inches
- Terrain open: 100% (111 of 111 trails)
- Lifts: 23 of 27
- Forecast: 2-4 feet possible
- Conditions: Variable, groomed runs available
Northstar California
- Base depth: 28-60 inches
- Terrain open: 100% (100 of 100 trails)
- Lifts: 16 of 20
- Forecast: 1½-3 feet possible
- Conditions: Packed powder
Kirkwood Mountain Resort
- Base depth: 42-56 inches
- Terrain open: 100% (84 of 84 trails)
- Lifts: 12 of 13
- Forecast: 3-4+ feet possible
- Conditions: Packed powder
Sugar Bowl Resort
- Base depth: 28-54 inches
- Terrain open: 98% (103 of 105 trails)
- Lifts: 10 of 12
- Forecast: 2-4+ feet possible
- Conditions: Packed powder
Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe
- Base depth: 40-60 inches
- Terrain open: 100% (70 of 77 trails)
- Lifts: 7 of 8
- Forecast: 3+ feet possible
- Conditions: Machine groomed
Sierra-at-Tahoe
- Base depth: 26-53 inches
- Terrain open: 100% (46 of 46 trails)
- Lifts: 10 of 14
- Forecast: 2-4 feet possible
- Conditions: Packed powder
Palisades Tahoe
- Base depth: 26-45 inches
- Terrain open: 58% (156 of 270 trails)
- Lifts: 27 of 44
- Forecast: 2-4 feet possible
- Conditions: Machine groomed
The Bee’s Daniel Hunt and SnoCountry.com contributed to this story.
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