Industry News
Heavy snow and high winds forced multiple ski resorts around Lake Tahoe and Mammoth Mountain to close today, February 17, as storm conditions battered the Sierra Nevada. Resorts cited poor visibility, avalanche risks, and deep snow for the shutdowns, with some areas postponing openings into Wednesday.
Soda Springs and Boreal Mountain Resort joined Palisades Tahoe and Mammoth Mountain in closing all lifts for the day. Sierra-at-Tahoe held operations pending clearance of U.S. 50 nearby.
Palisades Tahoe implemented temporary base area closures early Tuesday due to avalanche hazards after receiving 12-plus inches overnight, pushing storm totals to 41 inches at 8,000 feet. The resort announced full closure for February 17, with crews focused on mitigation, lift digging, and terrain assessment. A 2:45 p.m. update confirmed lift operations delayed to no earlier than 9 a.m. Wednesday, February 18, with further delays possible and no service from the Main Lodge.
Mammoth Mountain reported 31 to 45 inches of new snow, gusts exceeding 80 mph, heavy snowfall, and near-zero temperatures at 2:45 p.m., closing all lifts on Tuesday. Teams planned rolling openings on Wednesday from Canyon and Eagle Lodges, potentially including Roller Coaster Express, Chairs 7, 8, 20, 21, Eagle Express 15, Schoolyard Express 17, and Village Gondola, subject to conditions. Reservations for Tuesday and Wednesday required a call to 800-MAMMOTH or an online cancellation form.
Roads demanded chains or snow tires, with heavy snow creating icy conditions and low visibility from wind-whipped powder. Mammoth officials urged the use of the free Mountain Shuttle and cautioned against tree wells due to snow immersion suffocation risks, recommending partners for all skiing. Forecasts called for continued heavy snow on Wednesday, tapering by Thursday evening ahead of a sunny weekend.
The current avalanche rating is High, with the Sierra Avalanche Center warning, “Travel in, near, or below avalanche terrain is not recommended today. A widespread natural avalanche cycle is expected over the next 24 hours. Large avalanches may run through treed areas. If attempting travel today in non-avalanche terrain, be certain that there are no steeper slopes connected to the terrain you are traveling, either above or to the side.”
