SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — By all accounts California had a historic winter for snow in its 2022-23 season and now you can see how much snow was covering one of the largest resorts in North America at Palisades Tahoe.
The Tahoe region was slammed as early as October with heavy snow and cold temperatures in between storms. Many resorts had their earliest openings ever recorded. The frequent storms allowed resorts to open much of their terrain by Thanksgiving and many resorts changed their opening dates by weeks.
As January rolled around, the storms did not stop and endless powder days and weeks continued for much of the rest of the season. Skiers and snowboarders' biggest challenge was not snowfall but getting to the resorts and having power. Resorts had to frequently close for road access, power outages, and digging out as well as windy conditions.
They were not only open early but late too with Palisades Tahoe open through July 4 and Mammoth Mountain open into early August.
Palisades Tahoe recorded more than 700" of snow and their average is 400" of snow in a season.
Many Sierra resorts recorded their highest snowfall total ever recorded and the snowpack as a whole was a huge reason the state ended a major two year drought. By spring, most reservoirs were full and remained very high and above average through early summer thanks to the ample snow available to melt.
As of August, high passes can still be skied by backcountry skiers with the right gear but the next lift served season is around the corner with some resorts open by late November as scheduled.
