Granite Chief, Glory Rock, and the lunar landscape today. image: snowbrains

I woke up in Tahoe City, CA in a cold, dense fog.

By the time I arrived at Squaw at 9am, the sun had torn through the clouds revealing a gorgeous alpine scene.

The Reverse Traverse and the Headwall terrain opened for the first time this season. Granite Chief Peak also opened for the first time this season… Both locations held fresh, untouched snow about 1-5″ deep.

The Headwall terrain was creamy, crunchy, occasionally icy, and fun.

Granite Chief Peak was stellar. Powder. Big arcing turns, steeps, and airs.

The Funnel off Emigrant was open as well.

Hogsback, Headwall today. — Hog’s back, Headwall today.

Squaw has quite a bit open right now with these chairs and zones open:

Red Dog
Squaw Creek
Funitel
Tram
Gold Coast
Big Blue
Shirley Lake
Granite Chief
Emigrant (The Funnel)
Reverse Traverse (Headwall terrain)
Granite Chief Peak
Palisades (National)

A storm is forecast to roll into Tahoe with big snow and big wind the next two days.

Major Storm to Impact Every Western State This Christmas | Up to 3-FEET of Snow Forecast

A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for Tahoe that is calling for 12-24″ of snowfall Friday and Saturday.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: 1 TO 2 FEET ABOVE 7000 FEET, WITH LOCALLY
  HIGHER AMOUNTS ALONG THE SIERRA CREST. 8 TO 16 INCHES AT
  LAKE LEVEL.
  - NOAA Reno, NV today

Right now, it appears that Christmas day with be THE DAY…