Incoming Storms Could Bring Nearly 6 Feet of Snow to the Tahoe Mountains

Photo: CalTrans

For the past 8 months, we have been dealing with one of the worst droughts over the past 50 years. And just like that, it’s seemingly over.

We reported on the rare atmospheric river that could bring up to a foot of rain to its epicenter, but what does that mean for the mountains? Well, if you’re up near the Tahoe mountains, it means lots and lots of fresh snow. A brand-new forecast model from Tahoe Weather predicts up to nearly 6 feet of snow falling on the mountains between now and Tuesday. Yeehaw!

A smaller, warmer storm will move into the region Friday morning, forecast to bring snow all the way up to 10,000 feet elevations before eventually falling to 7,000 feet by Saturday. On Sunday comes the big one, dropping multiple feet of snow on the region as low as 5,500 feet. The east side of Tahoe could see up to 60 inches, while the western Crest are (Kirkwood, Boreal, Sugar Bowl) could receive up to 71 inches over 9,000 feet. Here’s the full snow forecast through Tuesday from Tahoe Weather:

Expect travel delays throughout the area, including chain controls and potential closures over Highway 80 and U.S. 50 throughout the weekend and into next week.

When the storm finishes sometime on Monday night/Tuesday morning, the mountains will likely be covered in fresh powder, signaling the beginning of winter in Northern California. For skiers, there couldn’t be greater news. Here are all the opening dates for ski resorts throughout NorCal:

Boreal – Nov. 12th

Mammoth Mountain – Nov. 13th

Heavenly Ski Resort â€“ Nov. 19th

NorthStar Ski Resort – Nov. 19th

Palisades Tahoe – Nov. 24th

Sierra At Tahoe – TBD – Nov. 27th (Depending on Caldor Fire clean up operations)

Sugar Bowl – Nov. 29th

Kirkwood â€“ Dec. 3rd

Diamond Peak- Dec. 9th

Homewood – Dec. 12th

Mt. Shasta Ski Park – TBD – Mid-December

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