Tahoe Backcountry Breakdown: 2.5 Feet of Fresh to Heat

Keegan Kliman | Post Tag for BackcountryBackcountry | Post Tag for Conditions ReportConditions Report

Well, we haven’t gotten the big dump that we need yet this year, but the few small storms that have broken through the RRR (ridiculously resilient ridge) have made for some great powder skiing. Last week we finally got a cold storm that dropped up to 2.5 feet of snow in areas and made for awesome conditions in our local backcountry zones.

Sasha skinning up for another lap
Sasha skinning up for another lap

We took advantage of the prime conditions and checked out some of Tahoe’s classic terrain north of the lake. After a patchy approach full of bush whacking, creek crossing, and boulder hopping we were rewarded with some of the best turns of the season.

Slashing every lip north of Donner Pass
Slashing every lip north of Donner Pass

Temperatures have warmed significantly in the last couple days, but there is still soft snow to be found on sheltered north aspects thanks to the cool clear nights that have helped to keep the snowpack in good shape. 

Fun terrain on the northwest corner of the lake yesterday
Fun terrain on the northwest corner of the lake yesterday

The forecast doesn’t look good, so it might be time to start searching for corn. Also, with the higher sun angles coming into play this time of the year it is important to get after it soon after fresh snow falls. For now, recycled powder and corn are going to be the name of the game until the next storm arrives. If your cravings for cold powder are too much to handle, then book a flight to Colorado for now.

Colorado was epic last week; basically every turn looked like this
Colorado was epic last week; basically every turn looked like this
It does snow in Tahoe
It does snow in Tahoe

Related Articles

Got an opinion? Let us know...