With a dangerous and potentially deadly snowstorm bringing high winds, frigid temperatures and an avalanche warning, even some Northern California ski resorts are urging people to stay away for now.
“We know you are as excited as we are about this massive amount of snow, but please make safe decisions when it comes to travel,” Palisades Tahoe posted online after announcing that both Alpine and Palisades would be closed for the day.
Wind gusts reached 145 mph overnight, the resort posted on Facebook, and conditions were expected to be even stronger Friday night.
A new snow storm might sound appealing to those eager to see fresh powder or hitting the slopes over the weekend, but local officials and law enforcement were urging people to stay off the road and not travel. during what could be a life-threatening snow storm.
The National Weather Service said the powerful winter storm is approaching from the Pacific Northwest and issued a blizzard warning over the Sierra Nevada, and the worst of the storm will continue to hit the region through noon Saturday. The range's highest peaks could see up to 12 feet of snow on Sunday.
By early Thursday night, California Highway Patrol officials said conditions had already worsened and snow was affecting visibility in some areas.
“Last night, conditions deteriorated in Donner Summit causing traffic chaos,” the CHP office in Truckee posted on Facebook, along with video of patrol cars, tow trucks and semi-trucks stopped on Interstate 80 as snow battered vehicles.
In the Great Lake Tahoe area, the weather service was expecting between 3 and 6 feet of snow, and up to 10 feet of snow in areas above 7,000 feet.
Wind gusts of up to 70 mph could be seen at higher elevations, the agency warned, increasing the risk of falling trees and poles.
Snowfall could be so heavy at some point that the weather service said road conditions would be “near zero visibility at times.”
Several ski resorts in the Lake Tahoe area had closed Friday morning due to high winds, heavy snow and expectations that there was still more to come.
Sugar Bowl announced it would have to close all elevators at 10 a.m.
“Our team gave it their all,” the ski resort wrote in a post to visitors. “In the end, the weather won.”
Boreal Mountain & Woodward, as well as Homewood, closed Friday, citing hazardous weather conditions. It remained to be seen if skiers would have a chance on the slopes on Saturday.
“We continue to evaluate conditions and may extend this closure through Saturday,” the Homewood complex said in an online statement.
Sierra in Tahoe and kirkwood also cited blizzard conditions for its decision to close and asked visitors to check to see if it could open Saturday.
Mt. Rose noted that “damaging winds” prevented them from operating any of their lifts during the day.
As of noon Friday, the Northstar, Heavenly and Diamond Peak resorts had some of their elevators operating, but asked visitors to continue checking for updates throughout the day.
The Sierra Avalanche Center in Truckee also issued an avalanche warning in the greater Lake Tahoe area until 5 p.m. Sunday.
“We really recommend that people not come,” said Mike Brown, CHP officer with the Lake Tahoe office. “It's a safety issue and it may not be worth it.”
Those who must travel, Brown said, should be prepared to install chains on their vehicles.
People should also carry food, water, extra clothing and blankets in their cars in case they get stuck or a road is closed for an extended time, he said.
Chains were required on most roads in the area. Since weather conditions change rapidly throughout the day, Brown said, travelers should check road closures and conditions.
On Thursday, Yosemite National Park also announced it would close at least through Sunday due to the storm, urging those in the park to “leave as soon as possible.”
Mammoth Mountain warned visitors that the mid and upper lifts could be affected due to wind and snow, but as of noon Friday, several of the lifts were still operating, according to the resort.
Still, the resort urged people to check conditions regularly.
