Weather
Forecast created at 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 11, 2024
An active pattern is unfolding across the California mountains, with a series of storms bringing multiple rounds of snowfall through the next several days. The first and most substantial storm will arrive Thursday and continue through Saturday night, delivering moderate to heavy snowfall to many resorts. A subsequent, somewhat lighter storm from Sunday into Monday night will refresh surfaces, followed by a smaller, quick-hitting event on Tuesday night. Snow levels will begin relatively low during the first storm, then rise somewhat during the weekend system before lowering again early next week. Moderate to strong winds will accompany the storms at times, potentially affecting upper mountain lift operations.
Conditions will shift dramatically starting Thursday as a potent system ushers in widespread snowfall across the Sierra. Snow levels will hover around 3500-4,500 feet for the initial round, ensuring ample coverage on most resort slopes. Expect steady, accumulating snowfall through Saturday night, with some resorts picking up hefty multi-day totals. Temperatures will remain wintery, though not brutally cold, and brisk winds could reduce visibility and create challenging conditions on upper elevations.
By Sunday into Monday night, another storm system will sweep through, though generally less intense than the first. Snow levels will rise to around 4,000-5,000 feet, still favoring mostly all-snow conditions at resort elevations. While totals will be lighter, this system should provide a modest refresh, improving surface quality and maintaining solid coverage at the start of the new week.
Late Monday into Tuesday night, a weaker disturbance will brush the region, offering only a dusting to a few inches at select resorts. Winds and temperatures will fluctuate slightly but generally remain consistent with wintery norms. After this final wave exits, conditions may turn quieter midweek, allowing for improved stability and the opportunity to enjoy the newly fallen snow.
Storm-by-Storm Resort Snowfall Totals
Thursday (12/12)-Saturday night (12/14)
- Kirkwood: 17-29 inches
- Sugar Bowl: 16-28 inches
- Palisades Tahoe: 14-25 inches
- Mammoth: 10-20 inches
- Northstar: 7-13 inches
- Heavenly: 4-10 inches
- Mt Rose: 4-9 inches
Sunday (12/15)-Monday night (12/16)
- Sugar Bowl: 3-6 inches
- Kirkwood: 2-5 inches
- Palisades Tahoe: 2-5 inches
- Mammoth: 1-4 inches
- Northstar: 0-3 inches
- Heavenly: 0-2 inches
- Mt Rose: 0-2 inches
Tuesday night (December 17)
- Kirkwood: 0-2 inches
- Palisades Tahoe: 0-2 inches
- Sugar Bowl: 0-2 inches
