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.
Kirkwood Ski Report
4.8/5 (2 Ratings)Nearby: Sierra at Tahoe
Last Updated: February 15, 2026
Today’s Kirkwood snow report: Kirkwood Ski Resort received 0.08 inches of new snow overnight, holding the base depth at 43 inches.
Summary
Snow conditions today are packed powder with groomed runs across much of the mountain and occasional icy spots due to fluctuating overnight temps around 27.5°F. The current snowpack is running about 28% below average, but surface conditions remain enjoyable for most ability levels.
Looking ahead, the forecast is promising with a massive storm system expected to deliver 38 inches of fresh snow over the next 72 hours and up to 43 inches by early next week. Skiers and riders should take advantage of today’s relatively clear conditions before deeper powder returns. While base depth is modest for mid-February, the upcoming snowfall could transform Kirkwood into a powder haven just in time for the holiday weekend. It's a great day to hit the slopes, and an even better one to wax your skis for what’s coming.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
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Humidity
15-Day Snow Forecast
Snowfall Accumulations
Snowstake Cam
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 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
Where does our Kirkwood snow data come from?
This snow report combines on-mountain observations, regional SNOTEL sensors, and weather model data specific to Kirkwood and the surrounding region.
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, a 20 percent chance of snow after 3pm. sunny, with a high near 33. south southwest wind 9 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
How much new snowfall is forecasted for Kirkwood this week?
Kirkwood is expected to receive up to 43.18" 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