2025-12-20T04:00:00-08:00
* WHAT...Southwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph. Ridge top gusts 80 to 100 mph. On Lake Tahoe, gusts up to 50 mph with wave heights 2 to 5 feet. * WHERE...Greater Lake Tahoe Area. * WHEN...Until 4 AM PST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. Small boats, kayaks and paddle boards will be prone to capsizing and should remain off lake waters until conditions improve.
Alpine Meadows Ski Area Ski Report
4.6/5 (2 Ratings)Nearby: Squaw Valley Granlibakken Ski Resort
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Alpine Meadows Ski Area greets skiers on December 19, 2025, with a light dusting of fresh snow—1 inch overnight—offering a teasing preview of what's to come. Alpine Meadows Ski Area is a popular ski resort located in California, USA.
Snowfall Totals & Snow Forecast
Hourly Snowfall
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Wind
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Humidity
Summary
Despite mild overnight temperatures hovering around 43°F and a meager snowpack depth of just 1 inch (an astonishing 96% below average), there's hope on the horizon. The next 24 hours promise nearly 4.5 inches of new snow, with an impressive 43 inches forecasted over the next five days. While conditions remain thin at the base, eager skiers and riders can expect rapidly changing terrain as storm systems begin to stack up across the Sierra.
This early-season dry spell is being met with state-level strategies like cloud seeding, underscoring California’s ongoing battle with weather extremes. Yet amidst the uncertainty, optimism brews: the long-term snow forecast hints at a potential rebound just in time for the holiday rush. Skiers should exercise caution and stay on marked trails, as base coverage remains minimal and off-piste hazards are likely. In a region marked by the memory of the deadly 1982 avalanche, safety remains paramount. Keep an eye on updated avalanche advisories and weather reports—Alpine Meadows could be transitioning quickly from bare to buried.
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 1" of new snowfall since yesterday.
What's the weather like at Alpine Meadows Ski Area today?
Weather today, a chance of snow before 10am, then rain and snow. snow level rising to 7600 feet in the afternoon. high near 39. breezy, with a southwest wind around 25 mph, with gusts as high as 45 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 43.46" 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 snowfall expected in the central and southern Sierra. Leavitt Lake and Sonora Pass are forecast to receive up to 127 cm and 119 cm of snow respectively over the next five days, positioning nearby resorts like Bear Valley and Dodge Ridge for significant powder days. Mammoth Mountain, ... Read more
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