California Ski Area Cautions Skiers To Prepare For "Up To 12 Feet Of Snow"

Ian Greenwood
·2 min read
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Kirkwood Mountain Resort, California, is preparing for an incoming storm that could deposit as much as 12 feet of snow over the coming days.

Yesterday, the resort issued a social media update explaining what their clientele should expect this weekend.

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While Kirkwood plans to get as many lifts spinning as possible, they noted on Instagram that they "anticipate some operational delays in the coming days – your patience is greatly appreciated as the crew conducts avalanche mitigation, de-ices chairlifts, digs out lifts and boundary line rope closures, and a whole lot more."

Kirkwood then pivoted to another obvious concern: traveling anywhere near the resort between Thursday and Saturday. It's probably going to be a nightmare. Kirkwood advised would-be travelers to pack snacks and chains (as needed) and plan well in advance, also explaining that Highway 88—where the resort is located—will likely be closed frequently during the storm.

And, should skiers make it to the hill against all odds, Kirkwood cautioned them to "please take it slow and be patient; ride with a buddy and keep them in sight; avoid getting close to tree wells, only slash pow in open terrain (read: do *not* duck ropes) — oh, and pack your snorkel because it's about to be #KirkwoodDeep."

I hear you. Isn't this a bit dramatic? Honestly, not in the slightest. My jaw dropped when I looked at NOAA's current prediction for Kirkwood. That's not hyperbole. The resort's "12 feet" comment isn't an exaggeration, provided current forecasts pan out. I can't remember the last time I looked at a forecast like this.

Lake Tahoe resident or not, stay tuned. The next few days are shaping up to be wild.

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