South Lake Tahoe Backcountry Ski Conditions
2024-02-08
East bowl Stevens Peak
After a week of storming, the Tahoe area is in much better condition! Over the last 7 days we've received over 4 feet of snow (125cm!) in the Tahoe area. With a mix of cold dry snow, rain and more cold dry snow on top, it's been a perfect storm to top off the relatively meager snowpack that existed before this series of storms.
Beyond coverage, the snow quality has been incredible. Aside from a few days of upside-down storm slab, the snowpack has generally been right side up and skiing well. Suffice it to say, it's been a great change to have new snow and if you have been holding off on skiing dues to conditions, you no longer have an excuse! Things have been great, and the coverage has really broadened the range of skiable terrain.
Today on Stevens Peak, the conditions were incredible. With 6-8" of light-density new snow at 9,000' and calm to light winds, the day was one of the better days out in the last week. Even better was the fact that the light winds layered the snow down delicately without creating widespread wind slabs or leaving scoured surfaces.
There were no signs of recent avalanche activity, aside from a small loose dry sluff and an older D1 Wind Slab. The very minor loose dry occurred on a 50 degree (est) East facing slope, and the older D1 wind slab pulled out on a 40-degree (est) NE pitch. Today wind slabs were minimal and unreactive where we detected them.
Skied 2000’ outstanding Tahoe powder all the way to Highway 88! Awesome day in the South Lake Tahoe backcountry!
All Photos and Conditions information: Sam Hamilton/Blackbird Mountain Guides.