Warm March Shakes Up Sierra Ski Resorts

The weather in March is hotter than usual, and it’s melting the snow fast on the Sierra Nevada mountains. Ski areas are closing early or cutting back their days because there isn’t enough snow left for a full season.

Sierra‑at‑Tahoe: From White to Bare

• Formerly deep and white slopes are now showing bare patches of ground.
• Roxy Lux, a visitor from Castro Valley, witnessed snow disappear in a single day and wondered where it went.
• The change followed a massive February storm that dropped more than nine feet of snow over five days—a wettest spell in 40 years.
• Warmer temperatures this month have turned most of that snow into water.

Resort Responses

Jake Stern, communications manager at Sierra‑at‑Tahoe, explained that the snowfall was less than expected and melted faster than anyone thought.

Adapting to Climate Change

• Sierra‑at‑Tahoe has upgraded its snow‑making machines, enabling artificial snow production whenever temperatures drop below freezing.
• Despite these systems, the natural snowpack remains a concern for state officials.

California’s Department of Water Resources reports that the state’s snowpack is only 37% of what it normally should be by April 1—comparable to the 1976 drought year. State climatologist Michael Anderson emphasized that this low snowpack falls short of expectations.

Skier Sentiments

• Angie Lux hopes next season will bring more powder but believes today’s days are still worth the trip.
• Resort managers now closely monitor daily conditions, noting that the Sierra snowpack shrinks by about 1% each day.

Despite the challenges, many skiers are making the most of what remains on the slopes.