Month: March 2018

Feels like a miracle has happened in the Tahoe backcountry. Photo by Grant Kaye.

Mother Nature continued to save the soul and spirits of Tahoe riders with another massive one-two punch snowstorm over the course of four days. By the time it stopped snowing ski areas were digging out from 100 inches of new snow. Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows received over 40 inches in 24 hours. People were claiming Saturday to be one of the deepest days of their lives. What started as one of the worst seasons on record seems poised for a dramatic comeback. With over 150 inches of new snow this month we can start officially calling it a Miracle March. More snow is forecast for later this week so it seems the gift will keep on giving. Enjoy!

Stairway to heaven.

Alpine Meadows on Friday afternoon, March 16, 2018.

Grant Kaye floats through nearly 100 inches of new snow near Donner Pass.

Skier: Rob McCormick. Photo by Grant Kaye.

Deeeeeeep. Skier: Grant Kaye

Winter has finally arrived in Tahoe. Skier: Mark Durgin

Tahoe riders are celebrating five to seven feet of snow that fell in the last week. The multi day storm cycle started with wet, dense snow and transitioned to ultra light fluff with snowfall rates approaching four inches an hour on Friday night. Valley floors received over three feet of snow finally bringing lower elevation trailheads into play. Conditions have been spectacular though not without hazards that frequently accompany tremendous snowfall in a short time frame. A snowboarder was reported missing at Squaw Valley on Thursday night and found dead Friday morning (cause of death still undetermined). Friday afternoon an in-bounds avalanche below the Olympic Lady chairlift at Squaw Valley overtook five skiers. Some sustained injuries but no-one died in the incident. Backcountry skiers should be aware of a deep slab avalanche problem throughout the region. Large destructive avalanches have occurred over the past several days.

Check out more on this concern the Sierra Avalanche Center: https://www.sierraavalanchecenter.org/advisory

Deep slab avalanche crown visible on top of Schallenberger Ridge.

Donner Pass on March 4, 2018.

The Palisades at Sugar Bowl.

82 inches of new snow has Squaw Valley looking like it’s normal winter self.

Elevation 7,400 feet was still dirt just a few weeks ago.