Tahoe Ski Resort Records Extreme Winds of 206 MPH
Kirkwood Mountain Resort near Lake Tahoe experienced an extraordinary weather event last night as winds reached a staggering 206 mph at the summit.
The gusts were recorded at Kirkwood’s summit weather station, located at an elevation of about 9,800 feet. This isn’t the first time the resort has seen such extreme winds. In February 2020, winds were recorded at 209 mph, which would be a California record, but the National Weather Service questioned the validity of the reading.
Here are the readings from the mountain:
Either way, the reading last night would be close to the California record, if valid.
Due to its unique topography and high elevation, Kirkwood is particularly susceptible to intense gusts during winter storms. But winds surpassing 200 mph are a rarity even for this rugged resort.
High winds can also bring operational challenges to any ski resort. Lifts can be forced to close for safety reasons, and the potential for wind-loaded snow increases avalanche risk in certain areas. These winds can also cause dangerous conditions on roads leading to the resort, such as Highway 88, a common route for Kirkwood visitors.
The resort, like others in the Tahoe region, has been enjoying a robust winter season thanks to consistent storms delivering heavy snowfall. Just watch out for the wind!
