2025-12-26T10:00:00-08:00
* 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.
Kirkwood Ski Report
4.8/5 (2 Ratings)Nearby: Sierra at Tahoe
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
Bluebird skies meet anticipation at Kirkwood this December 20, 2025, as the resort awaits a storm cycle promising to transform the slopes. 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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°F
mph
Wind
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Humidity
Summary
Overnight temps held steady at 35.6°F, and the current snowpack sits at a modest 4 inches—an eye-popping 87% below seasonal average. But relief is on the horizon: while today may only bring a dusting of 0.64 inches, the 5-day forecast calls for a whopping 85 inches of fresh snow. With 40.8 inches expected within 72 hours, Kirkwood could be on the cusp of a holiday snow revival.
Conditions today remain limited, with thin cover and early-season hazards still present, but the incoming storm could open significant terrain by the weekend. Spirits are mixed as local headlines report both progress and tragedy: Kirkwood’s GM Ricky Newberry recently joined the Storm Skiing Podcast to discuss resort developments, while the community mourns a snowboarder lost in a weekend accident. Despite the somber tone, excitement brews—especially after last season’s massive dumps. Travelers planning a holiday visit should monitor the forecast closely; this could be the beginning of a long-awaited powder rebound.
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 before 4pm, then a chance of rain and snow. high near 37. west southwest wind 9 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. chance of precipitation is 80%. new snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
How much new snowfall is forecasted for Kirkwood this week?
Kirkwood is expected to receive up to 85.39" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
What are ski area conditions in California like right now?
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