2025-12-26T22:00:00-08:00
* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Accumulations up to a foot between 4500 to 5500 feet. 4 to 8 feet, with locally higher amounts above 5500 feet. Wind gusts up to 60 mph. * WHERE...West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County/Lassen Park Counties. * WHEN...Until 10 PM PST Friday. * IMPACTS...Dangerous travel conditions with chain controls and road closures. Localized tree damage, power outages, and low visibility due to the combination of heavy wet snow and strong winds. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels will be around 4500 to 5500 feet today through Friday. Snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour at times.
Squaw Valley Ski Report
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 24, 2025
Bluebird skies gave way to a light dusting overnight at Squaw Valley, with 1 inch of fresh snow gracing the slopes and 32°F air temperatures keeping conditions soft but rideable. Squaw Valley ski resort in the United States offers over 3,600 acres of skiable terrain, including some of the best trails in North America.
Snowfall Totals & Snow Forecast
Hourly Snowfall
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mph
Wind
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Humidity
Summary
The snowpack stands at 13 inches—well below seasonal norms at -66%—but that’s about to change in dramatic fashion. A powerful storm system is barreling in, with nearly 17 inches of snow anticipated in the next 24 hours and a staggering 77+ inches predicted through the weekend. Powder hounds should ready their gear: this could be the biggest dump of the season.
Despite recent tragedy—a deadly avalanche reported near Palisades Tahoe—resort operations are cautiously moving forward with safety top of mind. Patrol teams are in full force, monitoring terrain and managing avalanche risks. Groomers are carving their magic on lower elevations, offering splashy steeps and sun-kissed runs. As the snowfall intensifies, expect deep powder, limited visibility, and potential lift delays. Stay tuned for updates, and if you're heading up for Christmas Eve turns, bring your fat skis and your holiday cheer—freshies await!
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 Squaw Valley G.C..
Regional Snowpack Depth
Snow levels measured from Squaw Valley G.C.
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 Squaw Valley.
Historical Air Temperature
Temperature fluctuations at Squaw Valley
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Squaw Valley impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
About the Area
Squaw Valley ski resort in California is situated in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The resort is surrounded by several prominent peaks and mountain features, including:
1. Squaw Peak: The resort's namesake peak, Squaw Peak, is a prominent mountain in the Sierra Nevada range. It offers stunning views of the surrounding area and is a popular destination for hikers and skiers.
2. KT-22: Known for its steep terrain and challenging runs, KT-22 is a famous peak at Squaw Valley. It is a favorite among advanced skiers and snowboarders for its challenging terrain and deep powder.
3. Granite Chief Wilderness: Located adjacent to Squaw Valley, the Granite Chief Wilderness is a protected area of the Sierra Nevada range known for its rugged terrain, alpine lakes, and diverse wildlife. It offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, skiing, and backpacking.
4. Palisades: The Palisades are a series of steep cliffs and chutes at Squaw Valley known for their challenging terrain and breathtaking views. This area offers some of the most challenging skiing and snowboarding in the resort.
5. Emigrant Peak: Another prominent peak near Squaw Valley, Emigrant Peak offers stunning views of the surrounding area and is a popular destination for backcountry skiing and snowboarding.
Overall, Squaw Valley ski resort is surrounded by stunning mountain ranges and features that offer endless opportunities for outdoor adventure and exploration.
The resort's longest trail, Mountain Run, spans 3.2 miles and boasts stunning views of Lake Tahoe. As a fun fact, Squaw Valley hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics, which was the first time the Olympics were held in the United States. For beginners, the resort offers a variety of gentle, beginner-friendly runs such as First Venture and Red Dog Ridge. For après ski, the Auld Dubliner Irish Pub offers a cozy atmosphere, live music, and a selection of craft beers and hearty pub fare.
Night Skiing | Yes |
Lift Count | 34 Lifts |
Hourly Lift Capacity | 49000 per hour |
Base Elevation | 1890 Meters |
Terrain Park | Yes |
Acreage | 4000 Acres |
Established | 1949 |
Run Count | 170 Trails |
Squaw Valley FAQ
How much snow did Squaw Valley receive over the past day?
The ski area received 1" of new snowfall since yesterday.
What's the weather like at Squaw Valley today?
Weather today, rain and snow, becoming all snow after 7am. the rain and snow could be heavy at times. temperature falling to around 30 by 5pm. windy, with a south southwest wind 26 to 31 mph decreasing to 17 to 22 mph in the afternoon. winds could gust as high as 60 mph. chance of precipitation is 100%. new snow accumulation of 5 to 9 inches possible.
How much new snowfall is forecasted for Squaw Valley this week?
Squaw Valley is expected to receive up to 78.09" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
What are some ski resorts near Squaw Valley?
Alpine Meadows Ski Area
Granlibakken Ski Resort
Sugar Bowl Resort
Northstar
What are ski area conditions in California like right now?
Nationwide, skiers and snowboarders are eyeing the latest snowfall reports and forecasts as resorts prepare for a fresh dusting. In Washington State, Nohrsc Sawmill Ridge has received 2 inches of new snow over the past 24 hours, with a base depth of 170 inches. While not a ski resort, the nearby Crystal Mountain Resort will surely benefit from this snowfall, ... Read more
Tahoe State Recreation Area
Donner Memorial State Park
West End Beach Park
Granite Chief Wilderness
Bill Rose Park