Snow dump, wind impacting Tahoe ski resorts

Tons of snow at the top of Grandview at Sierra-at-Tahoe at 7:50am Feb. 9. Photo/Sierra-at-Tahoe web cam

Mother Nature has finally turned on the spigot and with all the moisture comes mixed news.

For starters, ski resorts around Lake Tahoe are reporting multiple feet of snow in the past three days. However, with the temperatures being relatively warm, the white stuff was heavy.

Kirkwood Mountain Resort does not plan to open Sunday so ski patrol and mountain operations can make sure the slopes are safe.

Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows will not open the upper mountain today. Many lifts at Heavenly Mountain Resort are starting the day on wind hold. Check with the resort you planned to go to today to know conditions before you arrive.

The Sierra Avalanche Center says the danger level is high.

The good news it that with it being a holiday weekend in a week, it should bode well for resorts and other tourist entities in the Tahoe area.

A winter storm warning remains in effect through 4am Monday. The National Weather Service in Reno is calling for up to 8 inches at lake level, 1-2 feet above 7,000 feet and 2-4 feet above 8,000 feet west of Highway 89.

Winds will be from the southwest at 10-20 mph, while ridges could see gusts of 70 mph.

There is snow in the forecast through Thursday.

Driving is slushy on many streets in the basin where it has been more rain than snow at lake level since Thursday. Check the state icons on the home page of Lake Tahoe News to get the most up-to-date road conditions.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report