Industry News
A powerful Sierra storm has overwhelmed expectations and forced Palisades Tahoe to shut down operations mid-day on February 17 after more than 30 inches of snow fell in just 12 hours at 8,200 feet. Resort officials said the storm “escalated well beyond early expectations,” delivering intense snowfall, strong winds, and rapidly deteriorating visibility across both Palisades and Alpine Meadows.
Cold air wrapping into the system has produced exceptionally light, low-density snow—“a true midwinter treat,” according to the resort—but that same combination of wind and heavy accumulation has created a highly complex and hazardous operating environment.
After opening lifts Tuesday morning, the resort was forced to close by midday as winds intensified and visibility worsened. “Increasing winds, deteriorating visibility, and continued heavy snowfall created complex conditions for both lift operations and snow safety,” the resort said in a statement, noting the closure was made for the safety of both guests and employees.
The storm currently pounding California is part of a powerful Pacific system that has tapped into cold air and deep moisture, bringing heavy snow to the Sierra Nevada and unusually low snow levels. Snow levels are expected to drop to near 1,000 feet, with overnight temperatures falling into the teens over the coming days—conditions more typical of midwinter than late season.
If forecasts verify, Palisades Tahoe could see an additional 50 inches of snow by week’s end, pushing storm totals into truly massive territory. While powder seekers may celebrate, the storm’s intensity poses serious operational challenges.
Avalanche danger remains considerable as fresh snow continues to rapidly load onto an existing snow surface that is not strongly bonded. That combination requires extensive mitigation work before terrain can reopen.
Resort officials emphasized that significant on-mountain travel restrictions are currently in place. Ski patrol, lift operations, grooming crews, and mountain operations teams are working continuously, but access has become the primary obstacle. “No snowcats will be able to run tonight,” the resort stated, meaning crews are limited in their ability to maintain or restore primary mountain access routes. Patrol currently has only limited ability to reach terrain and conduct avalanche control work.
With ridgetop winds howling and heavy snowfall continuing through the heart of the storm cycle, conditions remain dynamic and potentially dangerous.
For now, the focus is on safety and storm management. If the forecast holds, the Sierra could emerge from this cycle buried under feet of cold smoke powder—but only once crews can safely regain control of the mountain.
