A Storm is Coming! Tips for Travel & Parking This Weekend

Winter Storm Warning for Thursday

Get ready! It’s going to snow all day on Thursday, with strong winds and up to 17″ falling throughout the day. Travel impacts and whiteout conditions are expected. By midday on Friday, the sky should be clearing up, and the breeze should be dying down as well. Please be aware that Saturday night could also have a small storm that impacts travel too.

There will be chain controls, slow-moving traffic and road closures as the snow flies starting early on Thursday morning. Check out the weather, road status, snow reports, and lift status as we move into a dynamic weather pattern. Here are some helpful tips & links to help you save your weekend and time your travel accordingly. Please travel safely!

What to Expect from this Storm

Thursday: Heavy snow, whiteout conditions on roads, & some wind.

Thursday night: Steady snow, likely stopping before 4am.

Friday morning: Potential light snow in the morning. Partly sunny.

Saturday: Potential for snow again. Breezy.

Sunday: Sunny & clear

Helpful Travel Links

Save these links & use them to plan your travel day.

For the most in-depth, detailed forecast, visit the NOAA Weather forecast for Olympic Valley. Adjust the location according to your route.

To view highway webcams, closure, chain control, and incident information in California, use the Caltrans Quickmap Website & App

To view highway webcams, closure, chain control, and incident information in Nevada, use the NV Roads 511 Website & App

To check the status of California highway closures, use Caltrans Highway Status

For local information, check the CHP – Truckee Facebook Page. They are an active, responsive, and informative resource.

Winter Driving

Winter driving conditions in the Sierra can change rapidly, leading to whiteouts, accidents, and traffic delays.

If you are planning on traveling on Thursday, here are some things to remember.

Have extra water, food, necessary medication and warm clothing in the car with you. Be prepared to be waiting for long periods of time.

Carry chains and know how to use them.

Do not leave the area without a full tank of gas.

Become familiar with this list of Winter Driving Tips.

Squaw Alpine Conditions Information

This is where you’ll find the best information on mountain conditions.

Download the Squaw Alpine App for real-time info on weather, lift status and parking.

Follow the Mountain Ops Twitter for up-to-the-minute updates.

Check the Squaw Alpine Snow & Weather Report

Check the Lift & Grooming Status

Check the Squaw Alpine Weather Blog (updated daily)

Parking & Getting Around Squaw Alpine

On storm weekends, traffic and parking can be tricky in the Tahoe area. Utilize the following resources to improve your experience.

Get an early start in the morning, and CARPOOL if you can! Carpoolers get access to our premium Protect Our Winters parking lot by Plumpjack.

Park at the Tahoe City Transit Center and take the TART bus to either mountain for FREE!

If you’re staying at a hotel, home, or vacation rental in either valley, you can summon Mountaineer for a FREE ride to the lifts instead of driving!

To go between Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley without driving, use the Squaw Alpine Shuttle.

For general parking information, please visit this page.