2026-01-05T10:00:00-08:00
* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 2 and 6 inches between 6,000 and 7,000 feet. 2 to 4 feet of accumulated snowfall above 8,000 feet. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...Grant Grove Area, Sequoia NP, and South End of the Upper Sierra. * WHEN...From 1 AM Saturday to 10 AM PST Monday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute.
Alta Sierra At Shirley Meadows Ski Report
Rate this placeLast Updated: January 1, 2026
Fresh powder is on the horizon at Alta Sierra at Shirley Meadows this New Year’s Day, with 6.32 inches of snow forecasted in the next 24 hours and a promising 21 inches expected over the next five days. Alta Sierra at Shirley Meadows ski resort in the United States offers a range of trails for skiers of all levels, with the best runs for intermediate and advanced skiers.
Snowfall Totals & Snow Forecast
Hourly Snowfall
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Wind
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Humidity
Summary
The overnight temperature dipped to a crisp 29.4°F, keeping conditions ideal for snow preservation. The current snowpack sits at 46.37 inches—about 72% of the seasonal average—providing a solid base across the mountain. With 9.04 inches of snow water equivalent, the snow is dense and ski-ready, offering great turns from top to bottom.
All trails are set for some exhilarating riding, and with more snow inbound, conditions are only getting better. Groomers will be working overnight to ensure smooth, fast runs, while tree skiing is still accessible thanks to consistent early-season snowfall. No major news or advisories have been reported locally, making this a perfect time to escape to the slopes. Whether you're carving through fresh corduroy or hunting powder stashes, January 1st promises to deliver memorable turns under partly cloudy skies.
Weather Forecast
Seasonal Comparison
Year over year snow water equivalent
Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) shows how much water the snow holds. This is ideal for year-to-year tracking of real snowfall and water resources. Measurements from Cottonwood Lakes.
Regional Snowpack Depth
Snow levels measured from Cottonwood Lakes
Snowpack depth measures how much snow has accumulated in the area. This is a key indicator of powder quality, trail coverage, and how epic your runs are going to be this season at Alta Sierra At Shirley Meadows.
Historical Air Temperature
Temperature fluctuations at Alta Sierra At Shirley Meadows
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Alta Sierra At Shirley Meadows impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
About the Area
The Alta Sierra at Shirley Meadows ski resort in California is located in the southern Sierra Nevada mountain range. The resort is surrounded by several prominent peaks and mountain ranges, including:
1. Greenhorn Mountains: The Greenhorn Mountains are located to the east of Alta Sierra at Shirley Meadows and provide a stunning backdrop to the resort.
2. Breckenridge Mountain: Breckenridge Mountain is located to the northwest of the resort and offers challenging terrain for advanced skiers and snowboarders.
3. Alta Peak: Alta Peak is a prominent peak in the Sierra Nevada range located to the north of the resort. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
4. Shirley Peak: Shirley Peak is a peak located near the resort which offers skiers and snowboarders a variety of runs and terrain to explore.
Overall, Alta Sierra at Shirley Meadows ski resort is surrounded by a diverse range of mountains and peaks, providing a stunning backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.
The resort is known for its affordable prices and lack of crowds, making it a great destination for a quieter ski experience. A little-known fact is that Shirley Meadows was once a prominent mining town during the California Gold Rush in the mid-19th century. For beginner skiers, the Bunny Hill is recommended for its gentle slope and easy terrain. The best apres ski bar is the Alta Sierra Pizza and Pub, which offers a cozy atmosphere and delicious food and drinks.
Night Skiing | No |
Lift Count | 3 Lifts |
Hourly Lift Capacity | 2400 per hour |
Base Elevation | 2042 Meters |
Terrain Park | No |
Acreage | 80 Acres |
Established | 1982 |
Run Count | 8 Trails |
Alta Sierra At Shirley Meadows FAQ
How much snow did Alta Sierra At Shirley Meadows receive over the past day?
The ski area received -2" of new snowfall since yesterday.
What's the weather like at Alta Sierra At Shirley Meadows today?
Weather today, snow showers before 3pm, then a slight chance of snow showers after 4pm. the snow could be heavy at times. high near 36. southwest wind 16 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. chance of precipitation is 100%. new snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.
How much new snowfall is forecasted for Alta Sierra At Shirley Meadows this week?
Alta Sierra At Shirley Meadows is expected to receive up to 21.37" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
What are ski area conditions in California like right now?
California ski resorts are gearing up for an impressive storm cycle, with the Sierra Nevada set to receive some of the heaviest snowfall in the West. Bloods Creek leads with a massive 179 inches in the past 24 hours and 92 inches forecasted over the next five days. This surge will significantly impact nearby Bear Valley Resort and Dodge Ridge, ... Read more
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