2026-02-18T22:00:00-08:00
* WHAT...Heavy snow Expected. Accumulation amounts range from up to 1 foot around 2000 to 2500 feet, 1 to 2 feet at 2500 to 3500 feet and 4 to 8 feet at higher elevations. Wind gusts of 45 to 55mph expected. * WHERE...West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County/Lassen Park including Interstate 80 and Highway 50, northern Shasta County including portions of Interstate 5, the Coastal Range, and foothill regions of the Sierra Nevada. * WHEN...From 10 PM Sunday to 10 PM PST Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Dangerous to near impossible travel conditions with chain controls and road closures. Low visibility due to a combination of wind and heavy snow. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels will be around 4500-5500 feet Sunday night through Monday. 2500 to 3500 feet snow levels by Monday night and 1500 to 2500 feet Tuesday into Wednesday. Potential to see snow levels as low as 1000 feet for areas along the Coastal Range, around Shasta County, and in the southern Cascades.
Donner Ski Ranch Ski Report
Leave a RatingLast Updated: February 15, 2026
Today’s Donner Ski Ranch snow report: Donner Ski Ranch received 1 inch of fresh snow overnight, bringing the base depth to 28 inches.
Summary
Snow conditions today are groomed with light powder on top, offering a smooth ride with a touch of fresh. While the snowpack remains well below average for this time of year, cooler overnight temps at 31.8°F have helped preserve snow quality. Only a trace (0.17 inches) of additional snow is expected in the next 24 hours.
Looking ahead, the skies are preparing a major comeback—over 62 inches of snow is forecast in the next 72 hours, with almost 70 inches likely over the next five days. That means this weekend could transform Donner Ski Ranch into a powder haven. If you're debating whether to ski today, it’s worth it for a mellow, uncrowded ride and freshly groomed runs—but keep your powder skis waxed and ready. A winter storm is on the horizon, and Donner is about to get deep.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
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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 Css Lab.
Regional Snowpack Depth
Snow levels measured from Css Lab
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 Donner Ski Ranch.
Historical Air Temperature
Temperature fluctuations at Donner Ski Ranch
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Donner Ski Ranch impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
About the Area
The Donner Ski Ranch ski resort in California is located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The resort is situated near Donner Summit and overlooks Donner Lake. Some of the prominent peaks in the area include Mount Judah, Mount Lincoln, and Donner Peak. The terrain at Donner Ski Ranch offers a mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs, making it a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
The resort offers 500 acres of ski terrain with 52 trails, featuring a mix of beginner, intermediate and expert runs. The popular trails include Snowbird, Apache, and Buckhorn. An interesting fact about the resort is that it was founded in 1937 and is one of the oldest ski resorts in California. For beginners, the resort offers a dedicated learning area with gentle terrain and a magic carpet lift. The best apres ski bar is Summit Bar & Cafe, offering panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada mountains and a cozy atmosphere.
Night Skiing | No |
Lift Count | 6 Lifts |
Hourly Lift Capacity | 7800 per hour |
Base Elevation | 2143 Meters |
Terrain Park | Yes |
Acreage | 505 Acres |
Established | 1937 |
Run Count | 52 Trails |
Donner Ski Ranch FAQ
Where does our Donner Ski Ranch snow data come from?
This snow report combines on-mountain observations, regional SNOTEL sensors, and weather model data specific to Donner Ski Ranch and the surrounding region.
How much snow did Donner Ski Ranch receive over the past day?
The ski area received 1" of new snowfall since yesterday.
What's the weather like at Donner Ski Ranch today?
Weather today, a 30 percent chance of snow after 4pm. mostly sunny, with a high near 40. south southwest wind 7 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. new snow accumulation of around an inch possible.
How much new snowfall is forecasted for Donner Ski Ranch this week?
Donner Ski Ranch is expected to receive up to 69.38" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
What are some ski resorts near Donner Ski Ranch?
Boreal Mountain Resort
Sugar Bowl Resort
Soda Springs
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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