December 24, 2012 at 2:09 AM
Heavy Snow
Current Temp
Wind
Today's Forecast
"A'Mac" Update 12:45 Weather Discussion: A strong westerly jet stream is directing a moist, rapidly developing storm system inland across California. This has returned snow to the Lake Tahoe Basin earlier this morning. This frontal precipitation will give way to snow showers by the mid afternoon as this system wastes little time in advancing across the North State. Nevertheless, snow accumulations will still end up decent along Sierra Nevada crest where 1-3 feet are possible. Regional winds should remain quite strong through the frontal passage but will ease the remainder of the day. This shower activity will become more isolated after midnight before finally concluding tomorrow morning as transitory ridging begins to work its way along the West Coast in advance of this next fast approaching weather system. This ridging should return some sun to the Lake Tahoe Basin tomorrow afternoon. This next disturbance could return snow to the Lake Tahoe Basin is due to arrive Christmas evening. Also a fast mover, this second system will bring another round of decent but hardly spectacular accumulations of snow to the Lake Tahoe Basin by its conclusion Wednesday afternoon. A few cold nights will follow as subsequent storm activity is expected to take a less than straight forward way inland across the state. Current indications are that a late week system will bring no more than clouds to the Lake Tahoe region as it passes by largely offshore before rotating inland across the southern end of the state.
Snow Stats
| Base | Summit | |||
| Last 24 Hours | 26" | 44" | Last 7 Days | 50-70" |
| Last 48 Hours | 26" | 44" | Seasonal Total Range | 154-200" |
| Storm Total | 26" | 44" | Base Depth | 64-90" |
The data for this real-time snow and weather report is obtained directly from the snow weather plots at Kirkwood Mountain Resort and the surrounding areas. Snow totals and snow accumulation are consistently 15 to 20% more than reported as a result of wind, micro squalls and snow loading. Weather patterns at Kirkwood Mountain Resort are exceedingly difficult to predict – when venturing into the mountain, be prepared for rapid, dramatic weather changes.
Surface Conditions
Powder & skier/rider packed pow with machine groomed. Mid-Winter Conditions top to bottom!
Road Conditions: Chains
| Hwy. 88 via Tahoe: | SR 88 [IN THE CENTRAL CALIFORNIA & SIERRA NEVADA] CHAINS ARE REQUIRED ON ALL VEHICLES EXCEPT 4-WHEEL-DRIVE VEHICLES WITH SNOW TIRES ON ALL 4 WHEELS FROM COOK'S STATION (AMADOR CO) TO 3.5 MI EAST OF WOODFORDS (ALPINE CO) |
| Hwy. 88 via Jackson: | SR 88 [IN THE CENTRAL CALIFORNIA & SIERRA NEVADA] CHAINS ARE REQUIRED ON ALL VEHICLES EXCEPT 4-WHEEL-DRIVE VEHICLES WITH SNOW TIRES ON ALL 4 WHEELS FROM COOK'S STATION (AMADOR CO) TO 3.5 MI EAST OF WOODFORDS (ALPINE CO) |
Lift Operations
| Lift | Status | Groomed Runs | |
| #1 SnowKirk |  |
Scheduled | |
| #2 Caples Crest |  |
Scheduled | |
| #3 Iron Horse | |
Scheduled | |
| #4 Sunrise |  |
Scheduled | |
| #5 Solitude | |
Scheduled | |
| #6 Cornice Express | |
Scheduled | |
| #7 TC Express | |
Scheduled | |
| #9 Bunny | |
Scheduled | |
| #10 Wagon Wheel "The Wall" |
 |
Scheduled | |
| #11 The Reut | |
Scheduled | |
| #14 Vista | |
Scheduled | |
| #15 Covered Wagon | |
Scheduled |
Lifts open from 9am-4pm.
* Lifts 12 & 13 are our Magic Carpets at Timber Creek. These are for exclusive use by the Tahoe Learning Center during lessons and not open to the public.
* Lift operation is dependent on weather conditions and snow safety and therefore subject to change at any time.
High Angle Grooming
Open Bowls
Expedition: Kirkwood
Looking to explore Kirkwood's famous secret stashes? Spend an hour or two with one of our Private Guides! Call E:K today to book your favorite EK Guide for the holidays. 209.258.7360.
Parks & Pipes
| Race Course - Large (Chair 5) | Closed |
| Mokelumne - Medium (Chair 5) | Closed |
| Free and Easy - Small (Chair 7) | Closed |
Timber Creek Learning Center Open
Timber Creek is now OPEN. All Ski and Ride School lessons are available here! Looking to brush up for the holidays? Ask us about Private Lessons.
Mountain Village Open
Tickets and passes plus rentals and repair/tuning services are available in the Village Plaza. Kirkwood Mountain Sports on the Village Plaza is now open daily!
Kirkwood Cross Country & Snowshoe Center Open
Did you know you can add unlimited Cross Country to any Epic Pass for just $89! Head to the Season Pass Office to upgrade today. The Cross Country Center is open with 40km of groomed track. Now taking reservations for our holiday Full Moon Snowshoe Treks - Dec 26, 27 & 28 - call 209.258.7248.
Special Events & Remarks
Holidays are approaching fast...book your holiday clinics, lessons, lodging and more at kirkwood.com!
