Snowfall Report
We were expecting 22-34 inches of snow in the past 24 hours through Thursday night. The upper mountain picked up 26 inches of new snow over the past 24 hours, so the storm brought exactly what we were expecting. That brings the 3-day storm total to 37 inches so far, and more to come through Monday!
Rain changed to snow at the base Thursday morning. 18 inches fell at the base through early Friday morning so far, and it’s still snowing!
Friday – Friday Night:
The heaviest snow shifts south of the area Friday morning. The snow may become lighter and more showery through the afternoon and into Friday night. Some heavier showers are possible and some breaks are possible as well. Then heavier snow could move back in later Friday night as the next storm moves in.
Highs drop into the 20s at the base for Friday and teens up top. Mountaintop gusts could continue to be up to 90+ mph Friday. That could continue to close some upper mountain lifts. Another 7-13 inches are possible at the base and 11-19 inches on the mountain by Saturday morning.
Christmas Day:
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 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.
The steady snow continues into Saturday night and becoming lighter into early Sunday. The snow ratios increase Saturday into Saturday night as much colder air pushes in. That will bring fluffy powdery snow to the mountain. We could see an additional 15-24 inches at the base and 19-32 inches on the mountain by Sunday morning.
Sunday – Monday Storm:
We could see another lull Sunday with lighter or scattered snow showers. Then things pick back up Sunday night as another storm moves in. The heaviest snow could fall Monday morning and then lighter for the afternoon. Then scattered snow showers lingering into Monday night.
Cold air, low snow levels & high snow ratios continue with powdery snow continuing to pile up on the mountains. Highs continuing to be the teens & 20s. But the ridgetop winds continue to gust up to 90+ mph Sunday. Monday we could see strong gusts in the morning, but the winds may finally come down into the afternoon, with gusts of only up to 50+ mph by afternoon. That could open some upper mountain lifts that have been on wind hold.
We could see an additional 29-39 inches of additional snowfall at the base during this 2-day period and 3 – 4 feet on the mountain. In total up to 4-6 feet of additional snowfall is possible at the base and 5-8 feet on the mountain by Tuesday.
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 for 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, with storms possibly returning around the 3rd-4th of January.
BA
What to Expect for Operations Today:
Expect delays and weather or wind impacts on lifts throughout the day. Roads are likely to be impacted as well. Here are a few ways you can stay up-to-date.
- 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)
You’ll also want to check back on our blog later today for an update on storm impacts and operations throughout the weekend.
