* WHAT...Heavy snow possible. Accumulation amounts uncertain at this time but may range from around a foot at 5500 feet and up 4 feet at highest elevations. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County/Lassen Park including Interstate 80 and Highway 50. * WHEN...From Tuesday evening through Friday morning. * IMPACTS...Dangerous travel conditions with chain controls and road closures possible. Low visibility due to combination of wind and heavy snow. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow accumulations will remain near or above pass level through Tuesday, then drop to around 5500 feet during the day Wednesday.
Bluebird skies greet skiers and riders at Dodge Ridge Ski Area this Saturday, December 20, 2025, but the slopes are still waiting for winter to arrive in full force. Dodge Ridge Ski Area is a ski resort located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, United States.
Wind
Humidity
With an overnight low of 34.5°F and a meager 2" snowpack—just 6.25% of the seasonal average—terrain remains extremely limited. The current Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) sits at 0.8", indicating dry conditions. However, there's a glimmer of hope: while only 0.13" of precipitation is forecasted in the next 24 hours, an impressive 43" is expected in the coming three days, and an eye-popping 85" is forecasted over the next five. This could mark a dramatic turnaround for the season.
In the news, Dodge Ridge is catching attention with its addition to the Indy Pass, making it a more appealing stop for budget-conscious powder chasers. The resort, one of California’s last family-owned ski areas, is also undergoing changes in ownership, potentially signaling new developments. Recent wind damage from Mono Winds has been addressed, and nearby scenic routes like Sonora and Ebbetts Pass are still open, offering beautiful winter drives. While the slopes are still mostly bare, a significant storm cycle on the horizon could make this the last weekend of dry trails—stay tuned and wax those skis.
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 Ebbetts Pass.
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 Dodge Ridge Ski Area.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Dodge Ridge Ski Area impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
Dodge Ridge Ski Area is located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California. Some of the pertinent mountain ranges and aspects of Dodge Ridge Ski Area include:
1. Sierra Nevada Range: Dodge Ridge Ski Area is situated in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, which is a major mountain range in the western United States. The Sierra Nevada range runs north-to-south along the eastern side of California.
2. Summit Elevation: The summit elevation of Dodge Ridge Ski Area is approximately 8,200 feet above sea level. This elevation provides for excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions during the winter months.
3. Mountain Aspects: Dodge Ridge Ski Area has a variety of mountain aspects, including north-facing slopes that typically hold snow for longer periods of time and provide excellent skiing conditions. The resort also has east-facing and west-facing slopes that offer diverse terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
4. Stanislaus National Forest: Dodge Ridge Ski Area is located within the Stanislaus National Forest, which provides a beautiful natural setting for outdoor activities. The forest is home to a diverse range of wildlife and plant species, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.
Overall, Dodge Ridge Ski Area offers a unique mountain experience with stunning views, diverse terrain, and excellent skiing conditions for visitors to enjoy.
The resort offers 862 acres of skiable terrain with 12 lifts and 67 trails suitable for skiers of all levels. The best trails include the Lower Creekside, Stagecoach, and Upper Boulders. A little-known fact is that Dodge Ridge used to have a ski train that ran from Tuolumne to the resort, transporting skiers in the 1930s and 1940s. For beginners, the gentle slopes of Aspen Grove and the Magic Carpet are recommended. After a long day on the slopes, the Creekside Bar & Grill is a great option for apres ski drinks and food.
Night Skiing | No |
Lift Count | 10 Lifts |
Hourly Lift Capacity | 15700 per hour |
Base Elevation | 2012 Meters |
Terrain Park | Yes |
Acreage | 815 Acres |
Established | 1950 |
Run Count | 59 Trails |
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, rain and snow likely. snow level 8700 feet. mostly cloudy, with a high near 41. breezy, with a southwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. chance of precipitation is 60%. little or no snow accumulation expected.
Dodge Ridge Ski Area is expected to receive up to 85.49" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
California ski areas are gearing up for a major storm cycle, with the eastern Sierra and Central Sierra seeing the biggest snow totals. Leavitt Lake, near Sonora Pass, leads the state with a staggering 95 inches forecast over the next five days, with Sonora Pass itself not far behind at 90 inches. Forestdale Creek and Ebbetts Pass are also expecting ... Read more