Lake Tahoe Snow Report and Forecast
Snow Forecast for Lake Tahoe
This is the Snow Forecast for Lake Tahoe, United States for 16 days from 17 December.
Updated 17 December 2025 23:32 NZDT.
Forecast times for Lake Tahoe are in Mountain Time (US/Mountain).
For Forecast detail, see below.
For current snow depths and skiing conditions, see our Current Snow Report for Lake Tahoe.
There is a useful amount of snow in the long-range forecast (8 to 16 days from today)!
J2Ski - Sign In for a long-range snow forecast, with more weather detail.
Lake Tahoe Snow Forecast Highlights
When will there be fresh snow in Lake Tahoe?
| Next Snow Expected | 19 December |
|---|---|
| Next Snow Amount | 2cm |
| Next 48 Hours | 2cm |
| Next 7 Days | 19cm |
Forecast for today in Lake Tahoe
Max -3℃
Min -6℃
Below freezing at all levels, with valley temperatures as low as -6℃ and not getting above -3℃
Temperature at BaseTemp at Base
Snowfall
Snow Line
Wed
17
up to 1cm New Snow
Clear sky first, snow showers then rain showers, fair later.
Snow Line from 3,049m to 2,949m, with rain below.
Lake Tahoe has 4cm new snow forecast in the next 48 hours.
Lake Tahoe Snow Report
| Upper Snow Depths |
| - |
| Lower Snow Depths |
| - |
| Snow Conditions |
| - |
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| Wed 17 | Thu 18 | Fri 19 | Sat 20 | Sun 21 | Mon 22 | Tue 23 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wind | SW F5 | SW F4 | SW F4 | SW F3 | SW F3 | SW F4 | SW F5 |
| 3,080m | -10℃
 +1cm
| -4℃
 | 0℃
+4cm
| -2℃
+3cm
| -2℃
 +18cm
| -2℃
 +10cm
| -2℃
 |
| SW F5 | SW F4 | SW F4 | SW F3 | SW F3 | SW F4 | SW F5 | |
| 2,470m | -7℃
| 0℃
| 4℃
+2cm
| 2℃
+2cm
| 2℃
+3cm
| 1℃
+4cm
| 1℃
|
| SW F5 | SW F4 | SW F4 | SW F3 | SW F3 | SW F4 | SW F5 | |
| 1,860m | -3℃
| 4℃
| 8℃
| 6℃
| 5℃
| 5℃
| 5℃
|
| Snow Line | varying 3,049m | varying 2,729m | varying 2,669m | varying 2,659m | varying 2,439m | varying 2,179m | |
| Max Town | -3℃ | 4℃ | 8℃ | 6℃ | 5℃ | 5℃ | 5℃ |
| Min Town | -6℃ | -4℃ | 2℃ | 2℃ | 2℃ | 2℃ | 3℃ |
This table shows the average forecast snowfall, the maximum temperature, and expected general weather at resort, lower and upper mountain levels. For daily forecast details, see below.
Snow Forecast near Lake Tahoe
| Ski Area | 48 Hr | 7 Day | We | Th | Fr | Sa | Su | Mo | Tu |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavenly | 1cm | 53cm | |||||||
| Sugar Bowl | 7cm | 48cm | |||||||
| Palisades Tahoe | 5cm | 41cm | |||||||
| Boreal | 7cm | 40cm | |||||||
| Donner Ski Ranch | 7cm | 40cm | |||||||
| Kirkwood | 2cm | 31cm | |||||||
| Northstar-at-Tahoe | 3cm | 29cm | |||||||
| Soda Springs | 6cm | 27cm |
Snow Reliability
Lake Tahoe typically sees snow depths of 300-500 inches throughout the season. For the latest snow conditions and updates, check J2Ski for reliable information.
Understanding and predicting Snow Conditions in Lake Tahoe
Here are our tips for making the most of a trip to Lake Tahoe, with the help of the J2Ski Snow forecasts and reports. You can find some great skiing in Lake Tahoe, but like any mountain, snow conditions change throughout the season, from day to day, and even from hour to hour.
Whether you’re sticking to the marked pistes or venturing off-piste, here’s what you need to know:
Pistes (Groomers) or Off-Piste
These can be a world apart, regarding snow conditions, even ignoring the difference between the natural terrain features to be found off-piste and the generally controlled surfaces and slopes of a pisted (groomed) run.
- Piste Conditions can range from fresh powder to firm, icy surfaces, particularly after warm spells or a busy day on the mountain with the passage of many skiers.
- Off-Piste Conditions are far more variable. Wind and sun can quickly transform fresh snow into wind crust or slushy layers, whilst cold weather can preserve stashes of powder many days after a snowfall.
WARNING - skiing off-piste (out-of-bounds) at Lake Tahoe is not always controlled (slopes made safe from avalanche risk) or patrolled. Always check local advice, ski with safety kit (and know how to use it), and never ski alone.
Analyzing Weather and Snowfall Forecasts
Whilst no forecast can tell you exactly how snow conditions in Lake Tahoe will develop, checking the forecast regularly should give you an idea of what to expect.
New snowfall can bring fresh powder and refresh the surfaces of pisted runs. Powder can be tracked out quickly at busy times, but in less crowded and shaded areas, fresh snow can linger for days.
Changes in weather conditions, such as milder temperatures, rain or wind, can degrade snow quality. Conversely, cold, stable weather can preserve conditions for extended periods.
Predicting Future Snow Quality
Regularly check our snow and weather forecasts for Lake Tahoe for changes that may affect snow quality. Forecast snowfall depth and recent snowfall are good indicators of what to expect.
Use historical data and recent snow reports to understand past snow conditions and anticipate future changes.