Lake Tahoe saw a white Christmas, more snow to come

Sierra snow: Stoke level is high

'Voice of Tahoe' Kevin "Coop" Cooper says the "stoke level" is high with snow in the Sierra. There is about 4 feet of snow at the resorts. 

S. LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Lake Tahoe saw a white Christmas, and the snow is not done yet.

A recent round of snow on Thursday was welcomed by ski resorts across the Sierra Nevada. 

Northstar California Resort reported 23 inches of snow in the last 24 hours and 54 inches over the past two days.

"This should be one of the best snow bases we’ve seen in a decade," said Kevin "Coop" Cooper of Meyers in El Dorado County.

He said the base is frozen deep down, though layers above and strong winds remain a concern. Cooper added that while another strong system is moving in, avalanche danger has increased significantly.

Sustained winds over some mountain passes reached 100 miles per hour on Wednesday.

With several more inches of snow in the forecast Thursday, ski resorts expect additional terrain to open this weekend. Resort officials cautioned that employees need time to assess conditions and ensure safety.

On the South Shore, Heavenly Mountain Resort said it received about 2½ feet of snow over the past two days. Officials said the snowfall has created a solid base for skiers and snowboarders, with colder temperatures now settling in.

Cole Zimmerman with Heavenly said they were able to open Sky Chair the highest point on the California side. On Saturday they hope to open Skyline Trail, providing access to the Nevada side. 

"What a difference a week makes, about a week ago this (Gun Barrel)  was completely bare and did not have snow and thanks to this holiday storm we got 4 feet of snow in the last week," said Zimmerman. 

While the weather is getting better for skiers and snowboarders, Caltrans warns the traffic will not. 

John O'Connell with District 3 for Caltrans said they closed Highway 50 and 80 several times Christmas night due to crashes and spin outs. They anticipate chain control won't be lifted until Saturday  and their is one closure that will continue through the weekend. 

"Highway 89 around Emerald Bay is closed until Sunday so you can't get around Emerald Bay that is the one part of the lake that tends to close in heavy snow. You're not going to be able to get from South Lake Tahoe to say Homewood on 89," said O'Connell.