2025-12-26T22:00:00-08:00
* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. total accumulations up to a foot between 4500 to 5500 feet. 4 to 8 feet, with locally higher amounts above 5500 feet. Wind gusts up to 60 mph. * WHERE...West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County/Lassen Park Counties. * WHEN...Until 10 PM PST Friday. * IMPACTS...Dangerous travel conditions with chain controls and road closures. Localized tree damage, power outages, and low visibility due to the combination of heavy wet snow and strong winds. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels will be around 4500 to 5500 feet today through Friday. Snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour at times.
Kirkwood Ski Report
4.8/5 (2 Ratings)Nearby: Sierra at Tahoe
Last Updated: December 25, 2025
Merry Christmas from Kirkwood, California, where the mountain is gifting skiers and riders with a powder-packed holiday! Kirkwood ski resort, located in California, is known for its high elevation and extensive terrain.
Snowfall Totals & Snow Forecast
Hourly Snowfall
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Wind
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Humidity
Summary
After a chilly overnight low of 26°F, conditions are primed for fresh turns. With a current snowpack depth of 32 inches—slightly below the seasonal average—the resort is about to get a serious boost: 20+ inches of new snow is forecast in the next 24 hours, and over 43 inches expected in the next 72 hours. Powder hounds, get ready—Kirkwood is on the edge of a deep cycle that could transform the terrain into a winter wonderland through the holiday weekend.
Despite recent reports of wild weather across the region—including lift delays and avalanche concerns at other resorts—Kirkwood has maintained steady operations. With expanded winter lift offerings and newly improved trail systems announced for the 2025–26 season, the resort is well-positioned to handle the incoming stormage. Skiers can expect increasingly deep conditions, especially by the weekend, as the 120-hour forecast holds steady at over 43 inches of fresh snow. Whether you're carving groomers or chasing storm-day lines, Kirkwood is about to deliver a memorable holiday experience. Strap in—it’s going to be a white Christmas like no other.
Snowstake Cam
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 Carson Pass.
Regional Snowpack Depth
Snow levels measured from Carson 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 Kirkwood.
Historical Air Temperature
Temperature fluctuations at Kirkwood
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Kirkwood impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
About the Area
Kirkwood ski resort in California is located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The resort is known for its steep terrain, deep snow, and challenging runs. Some of the key mountain aspects of Kirkwood ski resort include:
1. The Sisters: A group of three prominent peaks located near the resort, offering challenging terrain for expert skiers and snowboarders.
2. Thunder Mountain: A popular area for advanced skiers and snowboarders, featuring steep chutes, cliffs, and deep powder.
3. Red Cliffs: A series of cliffs and rock formations that provide some of the most difficult terrain at the resort.
4. The Cirque: An expansive bowl area with a mix of steep chutes, open powder fields, and tree runs, perfect for advanced and expert skiers.
5. Palisades: A collection of steep, rocky chutes and cliffs that offer some of the most challenging terrain at Kirkwood.
Overall, Kirkwood ski resort is known for its rugged mountain terrain, varied snow conditions, and challenging runs that attract advanced and expert skiers and snowboarders looking for a thrilling mountain experience.
The resort boasts 86 runs, with the best trails being Cornice Express, Sentinel, and Zachary. An interesting fact is that Kirkwood was founded in the 1960s by an Olympic skier, and was one of the first ski resorts in the United States to allow snowboarding. For beginner skiers, a great suggestion is to take the Timber Creek Express lift to access easier runs like Lower Monte Wolfe and Conestoga. As for apres ski, The Wall Bar & Grill is a popular spot with a lively atmosphere and delicious food.
Night Skiing | No |
Lift Count | 14 Lifts |
Hourly Lift Capacity | 19205 per hour |
Base Elevation | 2377 Meters |
Terrain Park | Yes |
Acreage | 2300 Acres |
Established | 1972 |
Run Count | 65 Trails |
Kirkwood FAQ
How much snow did Kirkwood receive over the past day?
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
What's the weather like at Kirkwood today?
Weather today, snow. the snow could be heavy at times. high near 28. windy, with a south southwest wind 29 to 34 mph decreasing to 20 to 25 mph in the afternoon. winds could gust as high as 65 mph. chance of precipitation is 100%. new snow accumulation of 17 to 23 inches possible.
How much new snowfall is forecasted for Kirkwood this week?
Kirkwood is expected to receive up to 43.15" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
What are ski area conditions in California like right now?
California is experiencing a major winter storm with impressive snowfall totals across the Sierra Nevada and Eastern Sierra regions. The heaviest 24-hour snowfalls are being recorded at Bloods Creek (199"), Forni Ridge (181"), and Kaiser Point (169"), though these extreme values may be outliers. More moderated but significant totals include 40" at Tioga Pass-Dana Meadows, 35" at Mammoth Pass (near ... Read more