The storm door has opened. It is snowing in the mountains, starting at 4,000ft. The current weather prediciton is for more snow overnight and into Sunday, with a possibility of lingering snow showers on Monday.
Skiers will find fresh snow at all of the resorts just east of Sacramento.
The conditions range from good to getting a lot better.
Kirkwood reports 8 inches at base level, with 12-15 inches up top. Squaw Valley has 6 inches at the Village, with 10 inches+ on the upper mountain. Alpine Meadows, next door to Squaw, reports 18 inches on the lower slopes, with 22 inches up top. Sierra-at-Tahoe is reporting a 10 to 22 inch base with about 27inches higher up. Homewood has a 16 inch base all around, with Heavenly reporting 18+ inches. Diamond Peak says they have 28 inches at base with 42 inches at the top.
Other resorts are reporting similar conditions. With more snow predicted tonight, the conditions on the slopes will only get better. The storm coming in tonight is a cold one. The snow that has fallen today will stay in place, with good powder on top of it.
CalTrans has put up chain controls on US 50, I 80, and SR 88, and will continue to assess the snow conditions on the roads. Keep in mind that they are checking tire tread depth on all-wheel and 4 wheel drive vehicles. If there isn't enough tread on your tires, you will either have to chain up or turn around.
Check your tread depth with a penny. Put the penny in-between the treads, with Lincolns head pointed down. If you can see the top of his head, your tires no longer qualify as mud and snow rated.
It's been a long wait for the snow to start flying again. It's time to ski. Drive safely to ensure that you get to the slopes in one piece.
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