Snowfall Report
The upper mountain picked up 10 inches of new snow over the past 24 hours. That brings the 2-day total to 11 inches so far, and we’re just getting started. Rain fell at the base and on the lower mountain through Wednesday night. The snow continues to fall on the upper mountain, and it’s starting to change over to snow at the base as well!
Thursday – Thursday Night:
Heavy precipitation pushed in overnight and will continue Thursday with snow showers for Thursday night. The gusty winds continue with mountain top gusts continuing to be up to 90+ mph likely closing some upper mountain lifts again Thursday. Highs dropping into the 20s on the upper mountain. The snow levels look to fall through the day drop below permanently by the end of the day.
By early Friday morning, we could see 7-12 inches of new snow at the base (more if it turns to snow sooner) and 22-34 inches of additional snowfall on the upper mountain. The snow ratios increase Thursday night with the snow falling on the mountain becoming drier and more powdery.
Friday – Friday Night:
The snow may wind down for a little while Friday afternoon into Friday evening with lighter or scattered snow showers possibly. Snow levels crash Friday below 5000 ft. by Friday evening which means cold powdery snow is falling on the mountain. The snow intensity could pick up again early Saturday morning as the next storm moves in.
Highs drop into the 20s at the base Friday and teens up top. Mountaintop gusts could continue to be up to 80+ mph Friday. That could continue to close some upper mountain lifts. Another 5-10 inches are possible at the base and 7-13 inches on the mountain by Saturday morning.
The Weekend:
Saturday we should see moderate to heavy snow with gusty winds continuing. Ridgetop gusts up of up to 90+ mph from the southwest which could continue through Sunday, possibly continuing to close some upper mountain lifts. Highs in the 20s at the base and teens up top with the wind making it feel even colder.
We could see another lull Sunday with lighter or scattered snow showers. Then things pick back up Sunday night as another storm moves in. Low snow levels & high snow ratios continue with snow levels below 3500 ft., that’s over 2500 ft. below the base.
We could see an additional 2-3 feet of snow at the base over the weekend and 2.5 – 4 feet on the mountain. In total up to 5-8 feet of new snow is possible on the mountain by Monday and 3.5 – 5 feet at the base.
Monday Storm:
The next storm moves in by later Sunday night into Monday. Snow showers could linger through Monday night. It’s another cold storm that could drop up to a foot+ of new snow. We will update with more details through the weekend.
Long-Range:
The forecast models are split on whether we start a drier pattern Tuesday. Or if we continue snow showers with another storm possible Wednesday. We continue to watch the trends as we get closer…
There is better agreement we could see a cold but drier pattern later next week into the New Year.
BA
HELPFUL TRAVEL LINKS
Please be advised that chain controls, road closures, poor visibility, and extreme delays will likely be a part of this week’s travel. Please know before you go, and use your best judgment in deciding when to travel.
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 simply must travel for the holidays, here are some things to remember.
- Have extra water, food, medications, 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.
PALISADES TAHOE CONDITIONS INFORMATION
AS MENTIONED ABOVE, THE STORM CYCLE WILL LIKELY IMPACT LIFT OPERATIONS. THIS IS WHERE YOU’LL FIND THE BEST INFORMATION ON MOUNTAIN CONDITIONS.
- Download the Palisades Tahoe App for real-time info on weather, lift status and parking.
- Follow the Mountain Ops Twitter for up-to-the-minute updates.
- Check the Palisades Tahoe Snow & Weather report
- Check the Lift & Grooming Status
- Check the Palisades Tahoe Weather Blog (updated daily)
