2026-02-18T22:00:00-08:00
* WHAT...Heavy snow. Snow accumulations between 2 to 3 feet in the Tahoe Basin, highest on the west shore, and much of Alpine County. Snow accumulations of 3 to 5 feet above 7000 feet. Winds gusting 35 to 45 mph in valleys, with Sierra ridge gusts over 100 mph. * WHERE...Greater Lake Tahoe Area. * WHEN...From 10 PM Sunday to 10 PM PST Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible with periods of white out conditions. Very strong winds could cause damage to trees and power lines. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The highest snowfall rates will be late Monday afternoon through Tuesday evening.
Northstar Ski Report
Leave a RatingNearby: Granlibakken Ski Resort Squaw Valley
Last Updated: February 15, 2026
Today’s Northstar snow report: Northstar received 0 inches of new snow overnight, with a current base depth of 23 inches.
Summary
Conditions on the mountain are firm and groomed, with some icy sections in shaded or higher areas due to warmer overnight temps around 36°F. While snowfall is minimal today with only 0.04 inches expected, the mountain remains skiable with limited fresh coverage.
Looking ahead, skiers and riders can expect a dramatic change: over 46 inches of snow is forecast in the next 72 hours, with totals nearing 49 inches in 5 days. Despite the current snowpack sitting 32% below average, this incoming storm could revitalize conditions across the resort. If you're craving powder runs, hold tight—this weekend may deliver in a big way. For today, it's worth hitting the slopes if you're after groomers, but the real excitement begins as storm clouds roll in.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
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 Truckee #2.
Regional Snowpack Depth
Snow levels measured from Truckee #2
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 Northstar.
Historical Air Temperature
Temperature fluctuations at Northstar
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Northstar impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
About the Area
Northstar ski resort in California is located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The resort is surrounded by several prominent mountain peaks, including Mount Pluto, Lookout Mountain, and Sawtooth Ridge. The terrain at Northstar offers a variety of mountain aspects, with slopes facing north, south, east, and west providing diverse skiing and snowboarding experiences for visitors. The highest point at Northstar is at an elevation of 8,610 feet, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Tahoe.
The resort boasts some of the best groomed runs in the area, with the Big Dipper and The Burn being popular with advanced skiers. An interesting fact about Northstar is that it was originally founded as a private ski resort for the exclusive use of a San Francisco-based club in 1972. For beginners, the beginner terrain park, Pioneer, is a great place to start. The best après ski bar is the Tavern 6330' which offers great drinks and live music.
Night Skiing | No |
Lift Count | 18 Lifts |
Hourly Lift Capacity | 32500 per hour |
Base Elevation | 1929 Meters |
Terrain Park | Yes |
Acreage | 2904 Acres |
Established | 1972 |
Run Count | 89 Trails |
Northstar FAQ
Where does our Northstar snow data come from?
This snow report combines on-mountain observations, regional SNOTEL sensors, and weather model data specific to Northstar and the surrounding region.
How much snow did Northstar receive over the past day?
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
What's the weather like at Northstar today?
Weather today, a chance of rain and snow, mainly after 4pm. mostly sunny, with a high near 43. calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the morning. chance of precipitation is 30%. little or no snow accumulation expected.
How much new snowfall is forecasted for Northstar this week?
Northstar is expected to receive up to 49.82" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
What are some ski resorts near Northstar?
Granlibakken Ski Resort
Squaw Valley
Tahoe Donner
Alpine Meadows Ski Area
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
Truckee Regional Park
Truckee-Donner Recreation and Park District 1
North Tahoe Regional Park
Burton Creek State Park
Bill Rose Memorial Park