Tahoe-Truckee ski areas expect new snow this week

The Tahoe-Truckee ski areas are doing a “snow dance” for this week, when new snow and cold air is expected to come into the area.

The cold air is also welcome because it will clear the way for lots of snowmaking.

“A major weather pattern change will occur early this week as a strong cold front moves through the Sierra late Monday night into Tuesday,” according to the National Weather Service.

“A band of precipitation is expected to accompany the front as it moves south Monday night into Tuesday. Precipitation will begin as rain up to 6,000 feet but quickly change over to snow as snow levels lower to all Valley floors behind the cold front.

“A quick one to two inches of snow are likely with this band with up to 4 inches in the Sierra. Snow may continue through Tuesday afternoon across portions of western Nevada and eastern California near and south of I-80 with additional snow accumulation possible.

The “very cold” air mass will lead to temperatures running 15 to 25 degrees below normal on Wednesday to Friday. The temperatures in many Sierra valleys will fall below zero.

Tahoe-Truckee ski areas are open on a limited basis, including Boreal, Northstar, Squaw, Heavenly and Mt. Rose.

“Over the past week, we have pumped over 6 million gallons of water through our extensive snowmaking system,” Boreal said last week. “We are dedicated to making the most out of the early season and are confident that we have the best snow in Tahoe.”

Our upcoming winter issue will feature the mountain lifestyle and skiing at Homewood Mountain Resort and Sugar Bowl Resort, among others.

(photo: Ski Homewood)