Heavenly Snow Conditions Overview
Heavenly in California/Nevada, USA sits at 3,060m (10,040ft) elevation and averages 454cm of annual snowfall based on 10 years of historical data (2015-2025). During the ski season, Heavenly receives approximately 431cm of snow. The best month for powder is January, averaging 100cm of snowfall with a 44% powder probability. The highest chance of fresh powder (15cm+ in any given week) occurs in January and February at 44%.
- Annual Snowfall
- 454cm
- Elevation
- 3,060m
- Best Month
- January
- Powder Probability
- 44%
Snowfall data sourced from ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo Historical Weather API (2015-2025).
Check Heavenly snow forecast for your dates
Based on 10 years of historical snowfall data
About Heavenly
Heavenly snowfall statistics based on 10 years of historical data. See average annual snowfall, best months to ski, and powder probability to help you plan your trip.
Snow & Weather Conditions
We use 10 years of historical data to help you plan — not a live snow report.
Straddling the California-Nevada border near Lake Tahoe, this area receives heavy Sierra snowfall combined with occasionally drier, lighter storms from the east. A lofty position in the mountains translates to reliable subzero conditions for much of winter. This altitude sweet-spot catches the brunt of incoming weather systems while keeping the base firm and well-preserved. Typical annual snowfall ranges from 6-10 metres, with a mid-season base depth often surpassing 2 metres.
Best Time to Ski
The best time to ski at Heavenly is January and February, with 100cm average snowfall and 44% powder probability. Based on 10 years of historical snowfall data from PowderDays. The season stretches from late November to April. Explore PowderDays' 10-year snowfall archive to compare trends and plan your ideal visit dates.
Powder Probability by Month
Chance of 15cm+ fresh snow in any given week (10 years of data):
- Nov24%
- Dec36%
- Jan44%
- Feb41%
- Mar39%
- Apr16%
10-Year Snow History
| Month | Avg Snowfall (cm) | Record High | Record Low | Powder Probability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov | 37.8 | 65.6 | 7.3 | 24% |
| Dec | 89.7 | 236.8 | 10.1 | 36% |
| Jan | 100.0 | 298.2 | 3.2 | 44% |
| Feb | 88.7 | 241.8 | 4.5 | 41% |
| Mar | 87.3 | 150.4 | 19.0 | 39% |
| Apr | 27.1 | 63.6 | 9.2 | 16% |
What Makes It Special
Diverse terrain from gentle groomers to gnarly cliffs and wind-loaded chutes. California ski culture combines outdoor athleticism with West Coast style — expect craft coffee, farm-to-table dining, and stunning Lake Tahoe views.
The Sierra Nevada holds the North American record for the most snowfall in a single season: 28.5 metres (1,140 inches), recorded at Mount Shasta Ski Bowl during the winter of 1955-56. The range's "atmospheric river" storms routinely deliver over a metre of snow in a single event.
Data Sources & Methodology
All snowfall statistics for Heavenly are based on 10 years of historical data (2015-2025) from the Open-Meteo Historical Weather API, which provides ERA5 reanalysis data from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). Daily snowfall totals are queried at Heavenly's coordinates (38.94, -119.94) and 3,060m elevation, then aggregated into monthly averages, record highs/lows, and powder probability scores. Powder probability represents the chance of receiving 15cm or more of fresh snow in any given week during that month.