2026-01-05T16:00:00-08:00
* WHAT...Heavy snow expected above 5000 feet. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 2 feet above 5000 feet, with 2 to 5 feet above 6000 feet. Locally higher amounts at highest peaks. Winds gusting as high as 55 mph. * WHERE...West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County/Lassen Park Counties. * WHEN...From 10 PM this evening to 4 PM PST Monday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact this evening through Monday morning commutes. Strong winds could cause tree damage. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels 6500-7500 feet tonight into Saturday morning, lowering to 5000 to 6000 feet Saturday afternoon into Sunday, and further to around 4500 to 5500 feet by early Monday morning. Heaviest snow expected on Sunday.
Bear Valley Mountain Resort Ski Report
Rate this placeLast Updated: January 2, 2026
Bear Valley Mountain Resort is welcoming skiers into 2026 with a fresh coat of winter magic. Bear Valley Mountain Resort is a ski resort located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California.
Snowfall Totals & Snow Forecast
Hourly Snowfall
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Overnight temperatures held steady at a mild 34.7°F, preserving a solid 28" snowpack despite being nearly 15" below seasonal averages. But Mother Nature is making a comeback: the resort received 2” of fresh snow overnight, and a massive 48” is expected over the next 72 hours—with a jaw-dropping 85” in the five-day forecast. Conditions are expected to shift rapidly from packed powder to deep, fresh powder, making this a perfect week for powder hounds and storm chasers.
Under new ownership by the Dodge Ridge group, Bear Valley is entering a new era, and the energy on the mountain reflects it. The resort has already made headlines with record-breaking snowfalls earlier this season, and the upcoming storm could push totals even further. With 7.4 inches of Snow Water Equivalent, the base is solid and primed for more accumulation. As storm cycles intensify across the Sierra, Bear Valley stands out as a must-visit destination this week. Get your gear ready—this New Year storm is poised to deliver some of the best turns of the season.
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 Blue Lakes.
Regional Snowpack Depth
Snow levels measured from Blue Lakes
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 Bear Valley Mountain Resort.
Historical Air Temperature
Temperature fluctuations at Bear Valley Mountain Resort
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Bear Valley Mountain Resort impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
About the Area
Bear Valley Mountain Resort is located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California. The resort features various mountain aspects, including:
1. The Mokelumne Peak: This peak stands at an elevation of 9,332 feet and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valley.
2. Mount Reba: At an elevation of 8,600 feet, Mount Reba is a popular spot for skiing and snowboarding at the resort.
3. The Sierra Buttes: The Sierra Buttes are a prominent feature of the Sierra Nevada range and can be seen from various vantage points at Bear Valley Mountain Resort.
4. The Ebbetts Pass: This mountain pass is located near the resort and offers access to scenic hiking trails and backcountry skiing options.
Overall, Bear Valley Mountain Resort is surrounded by stunning mountain ranges and offers a variety of terrain for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.
It boasts a diverse range of terrain across 1,680 skiable acres and is particularly known for its powder skiing. The best trails are considered to be Grizzly Bowl and Mokelumne, which offer challenging terrain for advanced skiers. An interesting fact about the resort is that it was originally founded in 1967 by a group of San Francisco businessmen who wanted to create a ski resort accessible to the Bay Area. For beginners, the Cub Meadow trail is recommended. The Sky High Pizza and Pub is a popular apres ski spot, known for its wood-fired pizza and selection of craft beer.
Night Skiing | No |
Lift Count | 10 Lifts |
Hourly Lift Capacity | 12000 per hour |
Base Elevation | 2012 Meters |
Terrain Park | Yes |
Acreage | 1280 Acres |
Established | 1967 |
Run Count | 67 Trails |
Bear Valley Mountain Resort FAQ
How much snow did Bear Valley Mountain Resort receive over the past day?
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
What's the weather like at Bear Valley Mountain Resort today?
Weather today, rain before 7am, then rain and snow between 7am and 1pm, then snow likely after 1pm. high near 35. south southwest wind 6 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. chance of precipitation is 100%. new snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
How much new snowfall is forecasted for Bear Valley Mountain Resort this week?
Bear Valley Mountain Resort is expected to receive up to 85.01" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
What are ski area conditions in California like right now?
California is in the midst of a significant snow cycle this week, with the heaviest 5-day snowfall forecast centered around the Central and Northern Sierra. The CSS Lab sensor near Sugar Bowl and Boreal Mountain predicts up to 96 inches, while nearby resorts like Palisades Tahoe and Northstar are expecting 60–80 inches, making the Lake Tahoe region the clear standout. ... Read more