Storms dump snow across Sierra Nevada. See season totals at Tahoe ski resorts
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Storms dumped heavy Sierra snow, raising avalanche danger and travel risk.
- Tahoe resorts report season totals from 168 to 240 inches.
- Forecasters predict more snow through Feb. 24 with road closures and delays.
Rolling thunderstorms and powerful winds swept across California as the “coldest storm of the season” dumped heavy snowfall on the Sierra Nevada.
As snow continues to accumulate at higher elevations, avalanche danger is rising.
The National Weather Service issued an avalanche warning Tuesday, Feb. 17, urging caution in mountain areas.
The Sierra Avalanche Center rated avalanche danger in the central Sierra Nevada as “high,” or level 4 out of 5, on Tuesday — meaning “large to very large avalanches” were very likely. The nonprofit organization issued a backcountry avalanche warning through early Thursday, Feb. 19.
Snowfall is expected to continue, according to the National Weather Service.
“(A) lull in activity will continue through a majority of the day, with isolated to scattered snow in the mountains and foothills,” the weather agency’s Sacramento office said Wednesday, Feb. 18, on X. “Increasing precipitation late this afternoon and evening with heavy snow tonight and into tomorrow.”
Recent storms have already delivered significant snowfall across the Sierra Nevada, including the Lake Tahoe region.
As of Wednesday, the Sierra Nevada had received an average of 194 inches of snow so far this season, according to the latest data from UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Laboratory, a research field station in the Sierra Nevada.
The UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Laboratory at Donner Pass reported 68.7 inches of snow over the past seven days.
Here’s a look at how much snow has fallen so far in the Tahoe area — and how much more is in the forecast:
Can I travel through Lake Tahoe?
Travelers should use caution when heading to the Lake Tahoe region due to winter storms and elevated avalanche danger, according to the National Weather Service.
Interstate 80 and Highway 50 were among the major roadways that closed temporarily as heavy snow blanketed Northern California.
As of Wednesday, some roads had started to reopen as conditions improve.
However, chain requirements, delays and sudden closures remain possible.
The California Department of Transportation recommends drivers to check the latest road conditions and forecasts before traveling through the Sierra Nevada and to be prepared for rapidly changing winter weather.
Are Tahoe ski resorts open?
Travelers should also beware that ski resorts around Lake Tahoe can experience delayed openings, lift closures or limited terrain due to ongoing storms and avalanche concerns.
Officials at Palisades Tahoe said the resort received 44 inches of new snow in 24 hours and 76 inches over 72 hours, dramatically reshaping the mountain, “completely transforming the mountain and setting the stage for some incredible powder skiing.”
“With this much snow in a short period of time, please anticipate potential delayed openings over the next few days,” officials with Palisades Tahoe wrote in a statement to The Sacramento Bee. “Our teams are working at the speed of safety to complete avalanche mitigation, digging, lift checks and grooming so we can open terrain responsibly and get everyone out enjoying the fresh snowfall.”
Another 4 inches of snow were forecast to fall across the ski resort on Wednesday, with another 19 inches forecast for Thursday, officials said.
As of 11 a.m. Wednesday, lower-mountain terrain was open at Palisades Tahoe. However, officials said, “anything is subject to change at any time.”
At Kirkwood Mountain Resort, five of 13 lifts and 26 of 84 trails were open Wednesday.
Heavenly Mountain Resort reported 15 lifts and 109 trails operating.
Sugar Bowl Resort said all uphill routes were closed.
Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe reported one lift closure and closed terrain parks.
Northstar California Resort reported 12 lifts and three trails closed Wednesday.
Visitors should check directly with their resort for the latest updates before heading to the slopes, as conditions can change quickly during active winter weather, ski resort officials said.
What’s in store for Sierra Nevada weather?
Several inches of snow could accumulate across the Sierra Nevada as the result of the latest weather system, the National Weather Service said in an area forecast discussion on Tuesday.
According to the weather agency, snow levels could fall to around 500 feet in Shasta County and about 1,000 feet in the Sierra foothills on Wednesday.
While it’s still unlikely that lower-elevation cities including Redding and Auburn will see measurable snowfall, the weather agency said, there is about a 20% chance of at least a half-inch of snow.
“Any additional low snow would continue to exacerbate travel impacts,” the National Weather Service said.
Snow and rain showers will continue in the Sierra Nevada through Wednesday — but they will be more scattered.
Another weather system is expected to arrive on Thursday, bringing more widespread rain, mountain snow and gusty winds across Northern California.
“Rain and snow totals will be less than what we saw over the past few days,” the National Weather Service said in an area forecast discussion on Tuesday, Feb. 17.
What’s in the forecast for Lake Tahoe?
According to the National Weather Service, the latest weather forecast for Lake Tahoe indicates that new snow accumulation is possible.
On Wednesday, there was an 80% chance of snow in the Tahoe area, with 2 to 4 inches of possible new snow. The high temperature will near 23 degrees and a low temperature will be around 10 degrees, the weather agency said.
Winds will sweep around 10 mph, with gusts reaching 25 mph.
According to the National Weather Service, there is a 100% chance of snow on Thursday, Feb. 19. About 6 to 10 inches of snowfall is possible.
The high will be around 25 and the low will be around 4.
Skies will be “mostly sunny” on Friday, with a high near 30 and a low around 8, the weather service said.
The weather service is predicting a “chance of snow” on Saturday, when the high will near 38 and the low will be around 19.
Snow is in the forecast through Tuesday, Feb. 24.
How much snow has fallen in Tahoe ski resorts?
As of Wednesday, Feb. 18, here’s how much snow has fallen so far this season at Tahoe’s ski and snowboarding resorts, according to their websites:
- Sugar Bowl Ski Resort: 240 inches of snowfall
- Kirkwood Mountain Resort: 232 inches
- Heavenly Mountain Resort: 170 inches
- Palisades Tahoe: 239 inches
- Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe: 168 to 211 inches
- Northstar California Resort: 225 inches
This story was originally published February 18, 2026 at 2:55 PM with the headline "Storms dump snow across Sierra Nevada. See season totals at Tahoe ski resorts."
