Our Gold Sponsors

PLEASE CONSIDER USING OUR CONCIERGE CUSTOM FORECASTING FOR THE UPCOMING SEASON:

https://powderchasers.com/concierge

Powderchaser Luke here  filling in once again  for Steve while he's out of town. It's been a long time coming but the big Sierra snowstorm is finally in our sights. The Northern Sierra has seen nearly no snowfall or precipitation of  any kind this month. Even since the water year began on October first there hasn't been much, evidenced by the water year data for the station at Squaw Valley at 8k feet, which shows no precipitation or snow water equivalent (water contained within the snowpack). Dismal. 

\"\"

(Image courtesy of NRCS)

As mentioned, that's about to change in a BIG way! The highlights of this storm will be big snows, cold temperatures, and low snow levels, affecting the Sierra including Tahoe from Tuesday to Wednesday.

Keys to the Chase

Tahoe and much of the Sierra are finally going to get a classic big cold Winter Storm! Overall, upper elevations of most resorts will see 2-3 feet, with up to 4 feet along the crest! The snow should begin falling in Tahoe Tuesday afternoon, and temperatures will be cold enough for plenty of snow down at at Lake level, with snow levels falling to ~2000 feet. The snow will be heavy Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday, and by Thursday, Squaw Valley, Kirkwood, Sugarbowl, Dodge Ridge, Sierra at Tahoe, and the other resorts North of 80  should have 2-3 feet. The other mountains around the lake including Heavenly, Homewood, Northstar, etc should do well too, with 1.5-2 feet by the time the storm winds down. Mammoth Mountain will also see 1.5-3 feet. There are some signs of additional storms during the first week of December as well, so let's hope that comes to pass. Truckee and Lake Tahoe should see 16-24\" out of this storm also. As we've been saying for a few days now on our forecasts, things are going to look a lot different one week from now.

Details for the Weathernerds

Much of what is going on in the upper atmosphere for this event was explained in our post about Utah yesterday. Please follow this link to learn about how this storm is unfolding. https://powderchasers.com/forecasts/1-2-Punch-Will-Bring-Winter-Back-to-Northern-Utah-

We won't leave you completely empty handed though regarding some features for this storm. One aspect we did not touch on was the strong surface low associated with this system that will slam the Northern California coast with high winds before delivering the dump to the Sierra. Those are some very powerful gusts as the surface low comes ashore, as seen in the EURO below. Gusts will probably not be as high as this model predicts (~80s), but 60mph gusts are certainly possible. 

\"\"

(Image courtesy of Weatherbell)

You can see where the surface low pressure is in the image below, as well as the rain/snow that will be coming onshore during this time. Far Northern California will get hammered  as well, with considerable low elevation snowfall.

\"\"

(Image courtesy of Tropical Tidbits)

Certainly a powerful storm. The other features we mentioned in the previous post, the broad longwave trough over the Western US,  a cut off low developing that pulls in gulf moisture, strong lift and a low moving storm, all apply to the Sierra as well. You can see strong synoptic lift and favorable SW winds in the vorticity map below. This would equate to very heavy snowfall during this time.

\"\"

(Image courtesy of Tropical Tidbits)

Ok, we're going to leave it at that for this one. This one will be fun to watch, and it'll be great for the Sierra to get on the board. Stay tuned for more updates this week!

PLEASE CONSIDER USING OUR CONCIERGE CUSTOM FORECASTING FOR THE UPCOMING SEASON: https://powderchasers.com/concierge

Powderchaser Luke

DONATE TO POWDERCHASERS

Thank you so much, we couldn't do what we do with support from our readers.

Support our work
click here to donate

Our expertise gets you direct contact with our weather team to boost your next powder chases. From 2 to 14 chases, pick the concierge package that satisfies your powder hound!

  • Minute-to-minute snow + weather data
  • Tips + hacks on how to score first chair + where to park, stage + eat
  • Direct access to our Powederchasers
  • Sweet merchandise

POWDERCHASERS PASS OPTIONS - Buy + Save 10% on Concierge Trip Planning Packages

SHOP POWDERCHASERS GEAR

View all

ASK A POWDERCHASER

POWDERCHASERS SPONSORS

POWDERCHASERS PARTNERS

eco friendly ski/snowboard wax

Purl Wax

Purl Wax creates eco-friendly ski wax and snowboard wax with superior speed and durability. Biodegradable | No PFC's | No Toxic Chemicals | Made in the USA ...
Alaska Backcountry Guides

Alaska Backcountry Guides

Alaska Backcountry Guides, is a team of dedicated industry veterans. We offer semi-private and private heliski/snowboard trips in the heart of the Chugach mountains. With a maximum of 2 groups per helicopter, we are more nimble to explore the endless terrain that is at our doorstep, and you will never be waiting for the helicopter to take your next run. Alaska is known for its steep terrain, but we have plenty of intermediate terrain as well, and are able to cater to a range of ability levels. These trips are designed with the pandemic era in mind; we have private lodging, a personal chef, regular covid testing for staff/guides/guests, and small group riding to ensure an intimate and safe experience.

Beaver Mountain Ski Area

Beaver Mountain Ski Area

Beaver Mountain Ski Area has been family owned and operated for 81 years. Located in northern Utah we receive that great Utah powder. A great ski and snowboard experience without the prices or crowds of the big resorts.

Unofficial Networks

Unofficial Networks

In 2010, UnofficialNetworks.com was launched to cover the global ski scene with the rollout of local reporters in ski towns across North America. Since that time, the website has recorded hundreds of millions of sessions and has been linked to by numerous publications including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, The San Francisco Chronicle, and ESPN.

Indy Pass

Indy Pass

Chase powder to over 120 uncrowded, authentic destinations across the globe that offer you two ski days at each destination. 23/24 pass sales currently on hold!

TIRERACK.com

TIRERACK.com

TireRack.com is Powderchasers’ preferred tire supplier and their tires get us to the powder every single time. They’re America’s largest independent tire tester and consumer-direct source for tires, wheels and performance accessories.

This year, they’re making winter tire and wheel shopping even easier with their new Recommended Package feature. All you have to do is tell them a little bit about your vehicle, and they’ll automatically create a winter package for you. Find your Recommended Package.

Selkirk Powder

Selkirk Powder

Selkirk Powder provides hybrid backcountry ski tour options in the Idaho Selkirks. Selkirk Powder has been guiding backcountry skiers in the Selkirks for over 21 years and is also an AIARE avalanche education provider. Selkirk Powder operates out of Priest River, Idaho with a snowcat to help assist skiers and riders approach 6,250 acres of new permit area.Email Selkirk if you have questions and remember to follow them on Instagram

The Mountain Collective

The Mountain Collective

The Mountain Collective™ boasts 25 dream ski destinations across the globe.


The pass includes two days of skiing or riding with no blackout dates at each of the 25 partners (50 total days), 50 percent discount on all additional days.

ZOLEO

ZOLEO

Meet ZOLEO, the affordable accessory that extends your smartphone messaging coverage to everywhere on Earth and provides a safety system you can count on. Ruggedly designed, location-aware and Iridium-based, the ZOLEO satellite communicator device will keep you connected and secure when venturing beyond cell coverage.

POWDERCHASERS POWDER CONCIERGE

View all