2026-01-05T10:00:00-08:00
* WHAT...Heavy snow. Snow accumulations of 1 to 3 feet above 7000 feet with 4 to 10 inches at lake level. Ridgetop winds gusting to over 100 mph at times. Wind gusts of 40 mph and wave heights of 1 to 3 feet on Lake Tahoe. * WHERE...Greater Lake Tahoe Area. * WHEN...From 12 AM PST Saturday to 10 AM PST Monday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions will impact weekend travel in and across the Sierra. Strong winds could cause damage to trees and power lines.
Northstar Ski Report
Rate this placeNearby: Granlibakken Ski Resort Squaw Valley
Last Updated: January 1, 2026
Northstar, California kicks off 2026 with fresh excitement and snow in the forecast. Northstar ski resort in Lake Tahoe, California offers over 100 trails for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
Snowfall Totals & Snow Forecast
Hourly Snowfall
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Overnight temperatures held steady at 32.5°F, maintaining a snowpack depth of 23 inches—slightly below seasonal average by 4.9 inches. However, skiers and riders can rejoice: the next five days promise a serious comeback with 3.12 inches of fresh snow expected in the next 24 hours, 16.87 inches over the next 72 hours, and a staggering 64 inches projected over the next five days. The base is holding firm with 5.3 inches of snow water equivalent, ensuring quality turns throughout the day. Expect improving conditions by midweek, with powder days likely on the horizon.
On the resort front, Northstar is buzzing with activity. The resort is hiring 1,200 seasonal workers, ensuring full operations and smooth lift lines. New upgrades across the mountain are enhancing the guest experience, further solidifying Northstar's status as one of the top family-friendly ski destinations in the U.S. With a recent surge in regional ski participation, now is the time to hit the slopes. Visitors should stay updated on weather advisories, as heavy snowfall may impact travel and off-piste conditions. Northstar is ready for a thrilling start to 2026—don’t miss it.
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 Truckee #2.
Regional Snowpack Depth
Snow levels measured from Truckee #2
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 Northstar.
Historical Air Temperature
Temperature fluctuations at Northstar
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Northstar impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
About the Area
Northstar ski resort in California is located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The resort is surrounded by several prominent mountain peaks, including Mount Pluto, Lookout Mountain, and Sawtooth Ridge. The terrain at Northstar offers a variety of mountain aspects, with slopes facing north, south, east, and west providing diverse skiing and snowboarding experiences for visitors. The highest point at Northstar is at an elevation of 8,610 feet, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Tahoe.
The resort boasts some of the best groomed runs in the area, with the Big Dipper and The Burn being popular with advanced skiers. An interesting fact about Northstar is that it was originally founded as a private ski resort for the exclusive use of a San Francisco-based club in 1972. For beginners, the beginner terrain park, Pioneer, is a great place to start. The best après ski bar is the Tavern 6330' which offers great drinks and live music.
Night Skiing | No |
Lift Count | 18 Lifts |
Hourly Lift Capacity | 32500 per hour |
Base Elevation | 1929 Meters |
Terrain Park | Yes |
Acreage | 2904 Acres |
Established | 1972 |
Run Count | 89 Trails |
Northstar FAQ
How much snow did Northstar receive over the past day?
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
What's the weather like at Northstar today?
Weather today, rain before 4pm, then rain and snow likely. snow level 9000 feet lowering to 7500 feet in the afternoon . high near 42. calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the morning. chance of precipitation is 90%. little or no snow accumulation expected.
How much new snowfall is forecasted for Northstar this week?
Northstar is expected to receive up to 64.4" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
What are some ski resorts near Northstar?
Granlibakken Ski Resort
Squaw Valley
Tahoe Donner
Alpine Meadows Ski Area
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
Truckee Regional Park
Truckee-Donner Recreation and Park District 1
North Tahoe Regional Park
Burton Creek State Park
Bill Rose Memorial Park