Today’s Alpine Meadows snow report: Alpine Meadows Ski Area received 1 inch of new snow overnight, bringing the base depth to 30 inches.
Snow conditions today are firm groomers in the early morning, softening by midday with mild temperatures hovering above freezing. With a snowpack sitting nearly 50% below average, coverage is modest but still skiable across most groomed runs.
While only 0.08 inches of precipitation is forecast in the next 24 hours, all eyes are on the dramatic 72-hour forecast calling for over 53 inches of snow, and 59 inches expected over the next 5 days. If these totals hold, Alpine Meadows could be on the brink of a major powder reset. Today might not be the deepest day on the mountain, but with a massive storm building on the horizon, it’s worth getting some turns in before the next wave of winter arrives.
Wind
Humidity
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.
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.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Alpine Meadows Ski Area impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
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.
This snow report combines on-mountain observations, regional SNOTEL sensors, and weather model data specific to Alpine Meadows Ski Area and the surrounding region.
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, a 30 percent chance of snow, mainly after 4pm. mostly sunny, with a high near 39. southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. new snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Alpine Meadows Ski Area is expected to receive up to 59.26" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
Squaw Valley
Granlibakken Ski Resort
Homewood Mountain Resort
Northstar
Heavy snowfall is on the way for California’s Sierra Nevada, with the most significant snow totals forecasted near key Lake Tahoe and Central Sierra resorts. Squaw Valley (Palisades Tahoe), Kirkwood, and Sugar Bowl are expected to receive 59–69 inches over the next five days, based on readings from nearby sensors like CSS Lab (69"), Ward Creek #3 (59"), and Independence ... Read more