Let it snow! Sierra ski resorts get up to 9 feet of snow from recent storms

Monday, February 18, 2019

An astonishing amount of snow has fallen in the Sierra, here's when you should go

An astonishing amount of snow has fallen in the Sierra thanks to the latest series of storms, but travel remains treacherous for drivers.

SAN FRANCISCO -- An astonishing amount of snow has fallen in the Sierra courtesy of the latest storms that have wreaked havoc from the Bay Area all the way up to Lake Tahoe.

The totals may be measured in inches, but the ski resorts have received several feet, much to the delight of skiers and snowboarders seeking fresh powder.

ABC7 news meteorologist Drew Tuma looked at the numbers on Sunday night and they are incredible.

These are 7-day totals. Squaw Valley leads the way with a whopping 109 inches of snow! That's about 15-and-a-half inches of new snow every day. Homewood Mountain Resort is right on Squaw's heels with 108 inches. Northstar comes in with 95 inches. Heavenly follows with 91 inches. Then comes Kirkwood Mountain Resort at 88 inches. Sierra-at-Tahoe received 79 inches.

ABC7 news reporter Laura Anthony made it up to Tahoe following a grueling 14-hour drive. She's been sharing pictures of the incredible amount of snow on the slopes.

On Sunday she woke up to snow piled up at Crystal Bay and says she hasn't seen anything like this years.

So when are the best days this week to take advantage of all of this snow?

Tuma says Monday and Tuesday look good for those who want to make the drive to the mountains. Wednesday and Thursday you might want to reconsider since there is more snow in the forecast.

Something that be overlooked amid all the enthusiasm for this snow is the water supply. The snowpack is extremely healthy right now, which is great news for the state heading into the spring and summer months.

Statewide the average is at a whopping 141 percent of average. The northern part of California is at 125 percent average, and that is the low-end. The central part of the Sierra is at 147 percent of average. The southern part of the mountains lead the way at 149 percent.

While none of the Tahoe resorts have made an official announcement, there is a really good chance skiers and snowboarders will be able to enjoy the slopes on July 4th. Mammoth Mountain has already announced it will be open on Independence Day.

Watch the latest AccuWeather forecast and take a look at recent weather stories and videos.

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