The Morning Intel | Tahoe Sector Watch

Location: #HippieHaus | South Lake Tahoe, CA

Date: Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Time: 0655 PST

¡Buenos días my friends,

Cup'O'Joe in hand, #StokeLevelRising, Rain at the HippieHaus, there is snow in them, thare mountains! Chain Controls up regionally, Snow at KirkwoodMtn, Palisades, Sugar Bowl, Mt Rose, and the lot as I type. Snow started as forecast models predicted around 0300, by the looks of the cams and a few sensors, 6" above 7.8k (depending on aspect and elevations). Pure 100% #BaseBuilding Certified #GorillaSnot. Winds, gusty at elevation, Carson Pass clocking in 54/72 (peak 87.5mph).

Today, Rain, Snow as levels drop through the morning sunrise, along with strong, gusty winds expected tonight. By Christmas morning, heavy snow will begin in the Sierra and continue into Friday. Snow levels are around 5,000-6,500 ft by the afternoon and 5,000 ft by the evening. Into Friday, snow levels may be as low as valley floors in western NV, but confidence remains low.

Ok, now, please let's give the Mtn Team the space needed to get our Mtns ready. YES, they want you to ski and ride, but don't duck ropes, drop lines, or be a Jerry, a Kook, or a Karen. On the roads, Tesla guy, slow'yrRoll, and turn off’yr car-assist mode and drive the car, and Tesla trucks, No, No, - they're not trucks, Period.

Let's go! Christmas, snow, Üllur, #MotherNature, and Neptune, thank you. You truly tested our resilience, patience, and salt as Tahoeian-sentients; some passed, others failed. We are now stronger, wiser, and ready to begin our PowHunt’nSeason.

Current Sector Data (Verified @ 0655 PST)

Regional Temperatures:

• South Lake Tahoe (KTLV) at 6,308': 36ºF (Cooling trend active)

• Truckee (KTRK) at 5,899': 37ºF

• Chair 6 Ridge (9,100'): 29ºF

• Mammoth Mtn Race (MTH03) at 11,034': 23ºF

Regional Winds (The Engine Room):

• HippieHaus: 172º (S) 15mph

• Truckee: 162º (SSE) 18mph

• Donner Pass: 182º (S) 21mph

• Carson Pass: 184º (S) 54 sustained / 72 gust (Hurricane Force)

• Mammoth Race (MTH03): 189º (SSW) 21mph

Roads (CalTrans @ 0630):

• Status: MESSY, SLICK, NASTY.

• SR88: R2 Chains (6.5 mi east of Peddler Hill to Woodfords).

• HWY50: R2 Chains (Twin Bridges to Meyer).

• I-80: R2 Chains (Kingvale to Truckee).

• Coop's Tactical Note: If you are traveling today, pack patience. It is white-knuckle driving over the passes.

Forecast Update: The Christmas Eve Transition

⚠️ Active Advisories:

• WINTER STORM WARNING: In effect until Friday, 10 AM. (Upgraded from Watch)

• FLOOD WATCH: Remains in effect through this evening (Basin & West Slope).

• WINTER STORM WARNING (LAKE TAHOE): Rare warning for the Lake surface itself.

The NWS Deep Dive (REV vs. STO):

We are watching the collision of moisture and cold air in real-time. Here is the breakdown between the Reno and Sacramento desks:

1. The Snow Level Crash (REV Nuance):

• Current Status: Snow levels are hovering near 8,000'.

• The Change: NWS Reno indicates snow levels will "tumble" this afternoon to between 6,000-7,000' in the Basin.

• The Nuance: Watch for the "Wet-Bulb Effect." If precipitation rates exceed 2" per hour (which is possible today), it will drag cold air down from aloft, dropping snow levels 500-1,000 feet faster than the models predict. This turns rain to snow at the #HippieHaus rapidly.

2. The Volume & The Thunder (STO Aggression):

• NWS Sacramento is calling for massive totals: 4 to 8 FEET of snow above 5,500' through Friday.

• The Wildcard: STO specifically flags isolated thunderstorms embedded in the storm bands today. This brings the risk of intense rainfall rates (1"+ per hour) and gusty, erratic winds.

3. The Wind:

• Ridge gusts are forecast to hit 80-100 mph today. Do not expect upper-mountain lifts to spin.

✈️ Aviation Section

Current Status: IFR / LIFR

• Conditions: It is a "No-Go" day for VFR traffic in the Sierra.

• Reno (RNO): Vicinity showers lowering visibilities to MVFR through the morning.

• Sierra Terminals (TRK/TVL): Already seeing MVFR/IFR. NWS Reno confirms precipitation will transition to snow later this morning/afternoon, locking in LIFR (Low Instrument Flight Rules) conditions through Christmas Day.

• Hazards: Low-Level Wind Shear (LLWS) is severe. Ridgetop winds at 70+ knots are creating violent mechanical turbulence, and mountain obscuration is total.

⚓ Tahoe Mariners Forecast

• ⚠️ WINTER STORM WARNING: In effect until Friday, 10 AM.

• Today: Rain and snow mix. South winds 20-30 mph, gusts to 45 mph.

• Tonight: The energy increases. South winds gusting to 50 mph after midnight.

• Christmas Day: Heavy snow and rain. Gusts holding at 50 mph.

• Wave Heights: 1 to 5 feet.

• Coop's Warning: The NWS rarely issues a Winter Storm Warning for the Lake surface. This implies near-zero visibility and dangerous wind-driven seas. The Lake is closed for business.

Sierra Avalanche Centers

Central Sierra (Tahoe/Carson Pass):

• Status: Issued Dec 23 (Valid through today).

• The Bottom Line: "People may still trigger avalanches where blowing and drifting snow piles up near ridges."

• The Hazard: Wind slabs are forming rapidly at higher elevations (where that 6" of new snow sits). The thin snowpack means obstacles (rocks/stumps) are the primary trauma hazard.

• Note: With 4-8 feet of snow forecast, the avalanche danger will rise to HIGH rapidly over the next 24 hours.

Eastside Region (Mammoth):

• Status: Hazard Rising.

• The Bottom Line: Avoid steep terrain during and immediately after this stormy period. The loading is intense.

The Bottom Line: The wait is over. The transition from the "Atmospheric River" to a full-blown Sierra Blizzard is happening today. Drive slow, respect the chain controls, and let the Mtn Ops teams work their magic. By Christmas morning, we will be digging out.

Stay'nThirsty for POW,

Coop | RS#69