* WHAT...Heavy snow expected above 5000 feet. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 2 feet above 5000 feet, with 2 to 5 feet above 6000 feet. Locally higher amounts at highest peaks. Winds gusting as high as 55 mph. * WHERE...West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County/Lassen Park Counties. * WHEN...From 10 PM this evening to 4 PM PST Monday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact this evening through Monday morning commutes. Strong winds could cause tree damage. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels 6500-7500 feet tonight into Saturday morning, lowering to 5000 to 6000 feet Saturday afternoon into Sunday, and further to around 4500 to 5500 feet by early Monday morning. Heaviest snow expected on Sunday.
Boreal Mountain Resort kicks off 2026 with a promising powder-packed start. Boreal Mountain Resort is a popular ski resort in the United States located in California's Sierra Nevada range.
Wind
Humidity
After a mild overnight low of 35°F, the snowpack sits at 32 inches—still catching up to the seasonal average, but with major reinforcements on the way. A fresh 4 inches is expected today, setting the stage for an explosive week ahead: forecasters predict an impressive 48 inches over the next three days and a whopping 96 inches over the next five. With excellent snowmaking conditions and active El Niño patterns fueling storms across the Sierra, Boreal is poised for a dramatic snowpack recovery after early-season drought concerns.
On the slopes, skiers are already reveling in the winter revival following a snowiest November in 14 years. After a lively New Year’s Day turnout, Boreal remains one of California’s most affordable and accessible resort options. Recent blizzards have turned "The Glacier" terrain into a must-ride zone, and night skiing under the lights continues to be a crowd favorite. As climate concerns loom, Boreal’s early opening and safety enhancements reflect a proactive embrace of sustainable operations and skier well-being. With more snow on the horizon and growing stoke in the air, 2026 is shaping up to be one for the books.
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 Css Lab.
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 Boreal Mountain Resort.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Boreal Mountain Resort impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
The pertinent mountain ranges and mountain aspects of Boreal Mountain Resort in California are:
1. Donner Summit: Boreal Mountain Resort is located on Donner Summit, which is part of the larger Sierra Nevada mountain range in California.
2. Terrain Parks: Boreal is known for its terrain parks, which feature a variety of jumps, rails, and other features for skiers and snowboarders to enjoy.
3. Night Skiing: Boreal is one of the few resorts in California that offers night skiing, allowing guests to hit the slopes after dark.
4. Woodward Tahoe: Boreal is also home to Woodward Tahoe, an indoor training facility with trampolines, foam pits, and other features to help skiers and snowboarders improve their skills.
5. Family-Friendly: Boreal is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, with a dedicated beginner area and lessons for all ages and abilities.
Overall, Boreal Mountain Resort offers a variety of terrain and amenities for skiers and snowboarders of all levels to enjoy.
The resort boasts a range of trails suitable for all levels of skiers, with the best options being the Castle Peak and the Cliff Runs. Few people know that Boreal Mountain Resort was the first ski resort in California to install a chairlift in 1958. For beginner skiers, the resort offers a dedicated learning area with expert instructors. Don't miss out on the chance to visit the Last Chair Bar, which is the perfect spot for an apres ski drink and delicious bites.
Night Skiing | Yes |
Lift Count | 10 Lifts |
Hourly Lift Capacity | 13200 per hour |
Base Elevation | 2195 Meters |
Terrain Park | Yes |
Acreage | 380 Acres |
Established | 1965 |
Run Count | 41 Trails |
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, rain and snow before 3pm, then rain likely between 3pm and 4pm, then rain and snow after 4pm. high near 39. south southwest wind 6 to 8 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. chance of precipitation is 100%. new snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Boreal Mountain Resort is expected to receive up to 96.12" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
Donner Ski Ranch
Soda Springs
Sugar Bowl Resort
California is in the midst of a significant snow cycle this week, with the heaviest 5-day snowfall forecast centered around the Central and Northern Sierra. The CSS Lab sensor near Sugar Bowl and Boreal Mountain predicts up to 96 inches, while nearby resorts like Palisades Tahoe and Northstar are expecting 60–80 inches, making the Lake Tahoe region the clear standout. ... Read more