* WHAT...For the High Wind Warning, northwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. For the Cold Weather Advisory, very cold wind chills of 5 to 11 below expected. * WHERE...Avery County. * WHEN...For the High Wind Warning, until 7 AM Tuesday. For the Cold Weather Advisory, from 10 PM this evening to 10 AM Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. The cold wind chills as low as 11 below zero could result in hypothermia if precautions are not taken.
Beech Mountain Ski Resort welcomes skiers on December 29, 2025, with unseasonably warm overnight temperatures lingering at 50.5°F. Beech Mountain Ski Resort is a popular ski destination in North Carolina.
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The slopes are currently without natural snowpack—down a full 100% from seasonal averages—making fresh powder sparse. However, skiers can anticipate a light refresh with 0.36 inches of snow in the forecast over the next 24 hours, and a total of 0.46 inches expected within 72 hours. Snowmaking operations are underway to improve trail conditions, though coverage remains limited and terrain is restricted. Riders are encouraged to check lift status ahead of time, as only select runs are open.
In resort news, Beech Mountain is still under scrutiny following a widely reported accident where a broken hydrant sprayed freezing water onto skiers riding the lift. Although no citations were issued by state officials, the incident has raised concern among guests. Despite the mishap, the resort is pressing forward with its New Year’s Eve Fireworks Celebration, promising to end the year with a festive flare. Visitors should prepare for variable conditions and keep an eye on upcoming cold fronts that may bring better snow potential in early January.
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 Beech Mountain.
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 Beech Mountain Ski Resort.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Beech Mountain Ski Resort impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
Beech Mountain Ski Resort is located in North Carolina and is part of the Appalachian Mountain range. The resort is situated on Beech Mountain, which is the highest town in the eastern United States at an elevation of 5,506 feet. The ski resort offers a variety of slopes and trails for all levels of skiers and snowboarders, with the highest peak reaching 5,506 feet. The mountain features a vertical drop of 830 feet and receives an average annual snowfall of 80 inches, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
The resort boasts 17 trails and 8 lifts, with the most challenging runs being Oz Run and White Lightning. The resort also has a long and interesting history, having been founded in 1967 as the highest ski area east of the Rockies. For beginner skiers, the Powder Bowl and Southern Star trails offer gentle slopes to practice on. The resort's apres ski scene is vibrant, with a variety of bars and restaurants to choose from. For a cozy atmosphere and delicious drinks, head to the Beech Mountain Brewing Company.
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, rain likely, possibly mixing with snow after 8am, then gradually ending. patchy fog before 10am. otherwise, cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a temperature falling to around 16 by 5pm. wind chill values as low as -5. windy, with a west northwest wind 29 to 32 mph, with gusts as high as 55 mph. chance of precipitation is 60%. little or no snow accumulation expected.
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Skiers and snowboarders looking to carve fresh powder may want to turn their attention to Washington and Colorado, where recent snowfalls have dusted the slopes. In Washington, the Nohrsc Sawmill Ridge area reported a modest 2 inches of new snow over the past 24 hours. While this may not be a game-changer, the base of 170 inches is substantial, suggesting ... Read more