2025-12-26T10:00:00-08:00
* WHAT...For the Winter Weather Advisory, heavy wet snow. Additional snow accumulations between 2 to 5 inches above 8,000 feet and up to 1 inch below 8,000 feet. Ridgetop gusts as high as 35 mph. For the Winter Storm Warning, heavy snow. Snow accumulations between 1 to 2 feet at lake level with 3 to 5 feet above 7,000 feet. Ridgetop gusts as high as 100 mph. * WHERE...Greater Lake Tahoe Area. * WHEN...For the Winter Weather Advisory, until 4 PM PST this afternoon. For the Winter Storm Warning, from 10 PM Tuesday to 10 AM PST Friday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning and evening commutes. The combination of strong winds and the weight of heavy snow accumulations could damage trees and power lines.
Alpine Meadows Ski Area Ski Report
4.6/5 (2 Ratings)Nearby: Squaw Valley Granlibakken Ski Resort
Last Updated: December 22, 2025
A wild winter week is shaping up at Alpine Meadows Ski Area as a major storm system barrels in just in time for the holidays. Alpine Meadows Ski Area is a popular ski resort located in California, USA.
Snowfall Totals & Snow Forecast
Hourly Snowfall
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°F
mph
Wind
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Humidity
Summary
While Monday morning reveals a minimal snowpack at just 1 inch—staggeringly 96% below average—change is in the air. The overnight low hovered around 40°F, but colder air is expected to settle in as the system arrives. Forecasters are calling for a dramatic turnaround, with nearly 13 inches of fresh snow expected in the next 24 hours, over 39 inches in 72 hours, and a staggering 107 inches forecasted in the next five days. Powder hounds, prepare for a very white Christmas.
Current base conditions are thin, and terrain remains limited, so early season caution is advised. However, with snowfall intensifying, resort crews are racing to open additional runs and lifts. Visitors should remain alert, as recent headlines remind us of the area's sobering avalanche history—this month marks 35 years since the deadly Alpine Meadows slide. Avalanche danger could rise again with incoming snow on a weak base. As always, check for avalanche advisories and stay within bounds. If the forecast holds, Alpine Meadows could be on track for an epic late December rebound.
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 Ward Creek #3.
Regional Snowpack Depth
Snow levels measured from Ward Creek #3
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 Alpine Meadows Ski Area.
Historical Air Temperature
Temperature fluctuations at Alpine Meadows Ski Area
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Alpine Meadows Ski Area impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
About the Area
The Alpine Meadows Ski Area is located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California. Some of the pertinent mountain ranges and aspects of the ski resort include:
1. Sierra Nevada Range: The ski resort is situated within the Sierra Nevada mountain range, which spans across California and Nevada.
2. Granite Chief Wilderness: The ski resort is located near the Granite Chief Wilderness, a designated wilderness area within the Tahoe National Forest.
3. Alpine Meadows Peak: The ski resort's highest point is Alpine Meadows Peak, which reaches an elevation of 8,637 feet.
4. Pacific Crest Trail: The famous Pacific Crest Trail runs near Alpine Meadows Ski Area, providing opportunities for hiking and backcountry skiing.
5. Lake Tahoe: The ski resort is located near the shores of Lake Tahoe, offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Overall, Alpine Meadows Ski Area is surrounded by beautiful mountain ranges, wilderness areas, and natural landscapes, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
The resort boasts over 100 trails, with the best trails being Scott Chair, Lakeview, Sherwood, and Kangaroo. Few people know that Alpine Meadows was the first ski resort to permit snowboarding in California, and it has since become a popular destination for snowboarders. For beginners, the resort offers the Subway and Meadow Chairlifts, which provide access to gentle runs perfect for learning. After a day on the slopes, the best apres ski bar is the Alpine Bar, which offers live music, drinks, and a cozy atmosphere. Overall, Alpine Meadows Ski Area is a must-visit destination for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
Alpine Meadows Ski Area FAQ
How much snow did Alpine Meadows Ski Area receive over the past day?
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
What's the weather like at Alpine Meadows Ski Area today?
Weather today, rain and snow. snow level 8000 feet. high near 37. southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. chance of precipitation is 90%. new snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
How much new snowfall is forecasted for Alpine Meadows Ski Area this week?
Alpine Meadows Ski Area is expected to receive up to 107.08" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
What are some ski resorts near Alpine Meadows Ski Area?
Squaw Valley
Granlibakken Ski Resort
Homewood Mountain Resort
Northstar
What are ski area conditions in California like right now?
California’s Sierra Nevada is bracing for a major snow event, with the heaviest accumulations projected over the central and northern ranges. The Tahoe region, in particular, is forecast to receive significant snowfall over the next five days. Squaw Valley (Palisades Tahoe), near the CSS Lab and Ward Creek sensors, is expecting up to 134 cm of new snow, making it ... Read more
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