Up To 40 Inches of Snow Has Already Fallen on California's Ski Resorts as Huge Storm Slams the State

You’ve likely heard the news by now: across the Sierra Nevada, ski resorts are getting absolutely hammered with snow. 

Just how much, you ask? A lot. There's already close to 40 inches at Mammoth Mountain, and this is just the beginning. More snow and stormy weather are expected throughout California this week. Keep scrolling for a list of current storm totals across the region.

That, of course, is a boon for skiers. But it also means elevated avalanche danger (please, check the forecast) and delayed ski resort operations. Go enjoy the snow. Be prepared to be patient, too, though. A few ski resorts so far, including at least Boreal Mountain and Mammoth Mountain, have already announced that they won’t open today, February 17, 2026.

You can check the website or social media page of your local mountain for the latest information on delays and terrain closures.

These are the storm totals being reported by popular ski resorts on the morning of Tuesday, February 17. By the time you check in tomorrow, they should be even larger. 

All amounts are for the past 24 hours, unless otherwise specified. Bear in mind that some may not have been updated to reflect the latest totals, which are growing fast.

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California Ski Resort Snow Totals

• Palisades Tahoe: 18 inches 
• Sugar Bowl: 27 inches 
• Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe (NV): 16 to 20 inches (new snow)
• Diamond Peak (NV): 13 inches
• Heavenly: 10 inches 
• Northstar: 15 inches 
• Kirkwood: 21 inches 
• Sierra at Tahoe: 26 inches 
• Boreal Mountain: 30 inches
• Homewood Mountain Resort: 21 inches
• Mammoth Mountain: 27 inches to 39 inches (new snow)

Widespread Winter Storm Warnings

Much of the Sierra Nevada remains under winter storm warnings issued by the National Weather Service. 

One alert for the Lake Tahoe area warns that at higher elevations, up to 4 feet of snow could fall through Wednesday evening. High winds are expected, too, some gusting to 100 miles per hour.

"Travel could be very difficult to impossible with periods of whiteout conditions. Very strong winds could cause damage to trees and power lines,” the agency warned.

If travel is necessary, the National Weather Service urged locals to carry an extra flashlight, food, and water. Stay tuned here at POWDER for updates throughout the storm.