2026-02-18T22:00:00-08:00
* WHAT...Heavy snow with total snow accumulations 3 to 5 feet above 6,000 feet with 5 to 7 feet over the highest elevations and 1 to 2 feet down to 4,000 feet. Winds could gust as high as 60 mph. * WHERE...A portion of central California. * WHEN...From 10 PM this evening to 10 PM PST Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning and evening commutes. Strong winds could cause tree damage. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels will begin at 5,500 to 6,000 feet on Sunday night and lower to 4,000 feet Tuesday morning. Light snow accumulations down to 3,000 feet Tuesday night into Wednesday.
Summary
Snow conditions today are machine-groomed with fresh dusting, providing smooth, fast runs with a light layer of fresh snow to carve into. Overnight air temps hovered around 35.5°F, so expect firmer morning conditions softening as the day goes on—excellent for intermediates and cruisers.
Looking ahead, the next 72 hours bring exciting news for powder chasers: a massive 53.72 inches of snow is in the forecast, with even more in the five-day outlook. With a snow water equivalent of 0.83 and storm systems lining up, this weekend is shaping up to be epic. While the base is still on the lower side, today is a great warm-up for what’s coming. If you're eager to beat the crowds and grab early runs before the big dump, today is definitely worth the trip.
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Humidity
15-Day Snow Forecast
Snowfall Accumulations
5-Day Hourly Forecast Detail
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 Nohrsc Tamarack Summit.
Regional Snowpack Depth
Snow levels measured from Nohrsc Tamarack Summit
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 China Peak (Sierra Summit).
Historical Air Temperature
Temperature fluctuations at China Peak (Sierra Summit)
Recent air temperature fluctuations at China Peak (Sierra Summit) impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
About the Area
China Peak Ski Resort, located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California, has several prominent peaks and mountain aspects that make it a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders.
1. Mountain Ranges:
- The resort is situated in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, which is one of the most iconic mountain ranges in California.
- The Sierra Nevada range stretches over 400 miles along the eastern side of California, with peaks reaching heights of over 14,000 feet.
2. Peaks:
- China Peak Ski Resort is located near the peak of 8,709-foot high Chinese Peak, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- The resort's slopes also offer access to other nearby peaks such as Kaiser Peak and Huckleberry Mountain, providing a variety of terrain for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.
3. Mountain Aspects:
- The resort's slopes are known for their diverse terrain, including groomed runs, tree skiing, and challenging expert terrain.
- With an average snowfall of over 300 inches per year, the resort offers excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions throughout the winter season.
- The resort's location in the Sierra Nevada range also provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests, making it a picturesque setting for a day on the slopes.
The resort offers 1,679 acres of skiable terrain with 7 lifts and 45 trails, including the popular Exhibition and Ridge Run. The resort also has a snowboard park and a tubing area. An interesting fact is that the resort was originally developed in the 1950s by a group of local businessmen, and was sold to the current owners in 1989. For beginners, the High Trail and the Lower Academy runs are ideal for building confidence. Apres ski, the Peak Bar is a popular spot for drinks and live music.
Night Skiing | No |
Lift Count | 11 Lifts |
Hourly Lift Capacity | 9242 per hour |
Base Elevation | 2143 Meters |
Terrain Park | Yes |
Acreage | 430 Acres |
Established | 1958 |
Run Count | 45 Trails |
China Peak (Sierra Summit) FAQ
Where does our China Peak (Sierra Summit) snow data come from?
This snow report combines on-mountain observations, regional SNOTEL sensors, and weather model data specific to China Peak (Sierra Summit) and the surrounding region.
How much snow did China Peak (Sierra Summit) receive over the past day?
The ski area received 2" of new snowfall since yesterday.
What's the weather like at China Peak (Sierra Summit) today?
Weather today, mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 41. wind chill values as low as 31. light southeast wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning. winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
How much new snowfall is forecasted for China Peak (Sierra Summit) this week?
China Peak (Sierra Summit) is expected to receive up to 63.4" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
What are ski area conditions in California like right now?
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
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