A sizable winter snow storm hammered the Lake Tahoe region over the weekend and into Monday, coming at a time when many of Tahoe’s ski resorts needed some fresh snow after a mostly dry, warm February.
The most snow at a Lake Tahoe ski resort was reported by Sugar Bowl ski resort. Located off Interstate 80 at Donnor Summit, Sugar Bowl reported 62 inches, which is just over five feet. Sugar Bowl now has a 165-inch base and is reporting 444 inches for the 2015-16 ski season.
“Any additional snow that we get in the Sierra is great for our snowpack, especially after some of the melting we received over the last month at lower elevations,” said Dustin Norman, a forecaster with the National Weather Service.
South Lake Tahoe reported 2-3 feet of snow at Heavenly Mountain Resort, Sierra-at-Tahoe and Kirkwood, giving powder hounds hope that there will be a “Miracle March.” Forecasters say the “Atmospheric River” weather phenomenon will continue with NOAA suggesting a new round of storms that could bring more snow throughout the week.
To date, Heavenly Mountain Resort has a season total of 291 inches, Sierra-at-Tahoe is reporting 386 inches, and Kirkwood Mountain Resort 366 inches for its season-to-date totals.
“Substantial snowfall in conjunction with major renovations has helped to deliver record-breaking business, and we anticipate the momentum to continue through spring and beyond,” said Carol Chaplin, executive director of the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority “With March as one of larger months for snowfall the season will provide optimal skiing and action-packed events through April.”
Jeffrey Weidel can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @jeffweidel and visit his website at www.tahoeskiworld.com.
