California Storm Delivers Record Snow in Tahoe, Triggers Avalanches and Resort Delays
California Storm Dumps Record Snow in Tahoe
A massive storm battered the Sierra Nevada near Lake Tahoe, dropping over 10 feet of snow in just five days and marking some of the largest accumulations in decades. This first major blizzard of the 2025-2026 season transformed the region after a dry start, blanketing resorts like Palisades Tahoe with 61 inches at base and 79 inches higher up, while Sugar Bowl and Kirkwood saw 63 and 64 inches respectively.
Resort Impacts and Safety Delays
Ski areas including Heavenly, Northstar, and Sierra at Tahoe reported 50 to 64 inches, prompting operational delays as teams cleared heavy powder and managed avalanche risks. Strong winds and deep drifts complicated preparations, but the payoff promises epic powder days ahead for patient adventurers.
Tragic Avalanche Amid the Fury
Tragedy struck when a powerful atmospheric river fueled a deadly avalanche near Frog Lake, claiming nine lives including guides in California's worst such incident. Rescue teams battled whiteouts and unstable snowpack over days to recover all victims, underscoring nature's raw power in Tahoe's stunning winter wonderland.
