Lake Tahoe
Data-driven analysis of 5 resorts — NWS forecast accuracy, storm rankings, and local knowledge, powered by SNOTEL ground truth.
The Headlines
Kirkwood averaged 8.3"/storm-day — the region's top producer with 500" on the season.
The region's biggest drop: 33" at Palisades Tahoe on Jan 15, 2026.
Resort Rankings
Sorted by season snowfall total.
| # | Resort | Season Total | Avg/Storm-Day | Best Storm | NWS Bias |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | KirkwoodCA | 500" | 8.3"/day | 33" | Pending |
| 2 | Sugar BowlCA | 500" | 8.3"/day | 33" | Pending |
| 3 | Palisades TahoeCA | 450" | 7.5"/day | 33" | Pending |
| 4 | HeavenlyCA/NV | 360" | 6"/day | 33" | Pending |
| 5 | NorthstarCA | 350" | 5.8"/day | 33" | Pending |
NWS Forecast Direction
Where NWS consistently runs high or low vs. SNOTEL ground truth, confirmed across every verification method we've tested. Everything else shows as pending until StormDrop's verification pipeline rebuild is complete — we don't publish a number we can't stand behind.
Storm Timeline
Monthly snowfall across the region — feast months vs. famine months.
What Locals Are Saying
Top community intel from TGR forum data. The best powder intel isn't in the forecast.
“Montezuma (back side): Historically difficult to find good powder days; lower priority than front-side terrain”
“Sentinel Ridge/Outer Sentinel: Excellent powder terrain; follow patroller lines for optimal runs”
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Explore This Region
Tailored guide for Bay Area Skiers →Don't Get Skunked Next Season
This season proved the forecast alone is not enough. StormDrop shows the raw NWS number, predicts the canyon and road closures, and tells you where to go when your home mountain isn't delivering.