Sierra-at-Tahoe has very good snow frequency of 17.0% of winter days with 6 inches or more and 36% of winter months with 90 inches or more, but also endures 24% of winter months with less than 30 inches. Sierra is forested to its 8,900 foot summit, so powder skiing can be good even on severe storm days. Average snow density of 12% is not the blower of the Rockies but easily managed on modern fat rockered skis.

Accumulation and Preservation

With its abundant snowfall Sierra-at-Tahoe averages about 3/4 open at Christmas. However, California droughts can be extreme, so even the snowiest areas are less than ¼ open at Christmas in the worst 15% of seasons. Sierra is about half north-facing but tops out at 8,900 feet, so overall snow preservation is about average for California.