* 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.
Get ready for an exhilarating start to the new year at Dodge Ridge Ski Area this January 2, 2026. Dodge Ridge Ski Area is a ski resort located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, United States.
Wind
Humidity
With a current snowpack depth of 34 inches and more snow on the way, conditions are shaping up for a solid mid-week ride. Though the snowpack remains about 25% below the seasonal average, overnight air temps held steady at 36°F, preserving base conditions. Dodge Ridge is expecting 2 inches of fresh snow today, but the real excitement lies ahead—with a whopping 48 inches forecast over the next 72 hours and up to 71 inches in the next five days. Powder hounds, your time is near.
The resort has been making headlines, recently joining the Indy Pass network, adding even more value for skiers seeking an authentic, family-friendly mountain experience. While Dodge Ridge recently weathered some high winds, the mountain remains fully operational and ready for a fresh coat of powder. Previous storms brought 14 inches overnight, setting a great tone for what’s to come. With the long-term forecast calling for significant snowfall, now is the time to plan your trip. Expect increasingly soft turns, deepening powder, and some of the best skiing of the season just around the corner.
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 Ebbetts Pass.
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 Dodge Ridge Ski Area.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Dodge Ridge Ski Area impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
Dodge Ridge Ski Area is located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California. Some of the pertinent mountain ranges and aspects of Dodge Ridge Ski Area include:
1. Sierra Nevada Range: Dodge Ridge Ski Area is situated in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, which is a major mountain range in the western United States. The Sierra Nevada range runs north-to-south along the eastern side of California.
2. Summit Elevation: The summit elevation of Dodge Ridge Ski Area is approximately 8,200 feet above sea level. This elevation provides for excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions during the winter months.
3. Mountain Aspects: Dodge Ridge Ski Area has a variety of mountain aspects, including north-facing slopes that typically hold snow for longer periods of time and provide excellent skiing conditions. The resort also has east-facing and west-facing slopes that offer diverse terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
4. Stanislaus National Forest: Dodge Ridge Ski Area is located within the Stanislaus National Forest, which provides a beautiful natural setting for outdoor activities. The forest is home to a diverse range of wildlife and plant species, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.
Overall, Dodge Ridge Ski Area offers a unique mountain experience with stunning views, diverse terrain, and excellent skiing conditions for visitors to enjoy.
The resort offers 862 acres of skiable terrain with 12 lifts and 67 trails suitable for skiers of all levels. The best trails include the Lower Creekside, Stagecoach, and Upper Boulders. A little-known fact is that Dodge Ridge used to have a ski train that ran from Tuolumne to the resort, transporting skiers in the 1930s and 1940s. For beginners, the gentle slopes of Aspen Grove and the Magic Carpet are recommended. After a long day on the slopes, the Creekside Bar & Grill is a great option for apres ski drinks and food.
Night Skiing | No |
Lift Count | 10 Lifts |
Hourly Lift Capacity | 15700 per hour |
Base Elevation | 2012 Meters |
Terrain Park | Yes |
Acreage | 815 Acres |
Established | 1950 |
Run Count | 59 Trails |
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, rain and snow, becoming all snow after 1pm. snow level 8800 feet lowering to 7500 feet in the afternoon . high near 36. south wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. chance of precipitation is 100%. new snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.
Dodge Ridge Ski Area is expected to receive up to 71.51" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
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