Palisades Tahoe Snow Conditions Overview
Palisades Tahoe in California, USA sits at 2,745m (9,006ft) elevation and averages 662cm of annual snowfall based on 10 years of historical data (2015-2025). During the ski season, Palisades Tahoe receives approximately 628cm of snow. The best month for powder is January, averaging 137.6cm of snowfall with a 57% powder probability. The highest chance of fresh powder (15cm+ in any given week) occurs in March and January at 58%.
- Annual Snowfall
- 662cm
- Elevation
- 2,745m
- Best Month
- January
- Powder Probability
- 58%
Snowfall data sourced from ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo Historical Weather API (2015-2025).
Check Palisades Tahoe snow forecast for your dates
Based on 10 years of historical snowfall data
About Palisades Tahoe
Palisades Tahoe 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.
Sierra Nevada storms deliver heavy, moisture-rich "Sierra cement" snowfall. When cold fronts align, the result is deep dumps that can exceed a metre in a single storm cycle. 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. Most winters deliver 6-10 metres of cumulative snow, compressing into a 2-metre-plus base by the middle of the season.
Best Time to Ski
The best time to ski at Palisades Tahoe is March and January, with 137.2cm average snowfall and 58% powder probability. Based on 10 years of historical snowfall data from PowderDays. The season stretches from late November to April, though Mammoth Mountain often stays open into June or even July. Review PowderDays' long-range snowfall records to choose travel dates backed by a decade of observations.
Powder Probability by Month
Chance of 15cm+ fresh snow in any given week (10 years of data):
- Nov34%
- Dec44%
- Jan57%
- Feb49%
- Mar58%
- Apr21%
10-Year Snow History
| Month | Avg Snowfall (cm) | Record High | Record Low | Powder Probability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov | 57.7 | 119.4 | 10.4 | 34% |
| Dec | 123.3 | 337.3 | 15.9 | 44% |
| Jan | 137.6 | 404.5 | 15.2 | 57% |
| Feb | 127.9 | 352.3 | 4.1 | 49% |
| Mar | 137.2 | 219.5 | 25.1 | 58% |
| Apr | 44.2 | 118.2 | 14.2 | 21% |
What Makes It Special
Diverse terrain from gentle groomers to gnarly cliffs and wind-loaded chutes, plus some of North America's best terrain parks. 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 Palisades Tahoe 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 Palisades Tahoe's coordinates (39.20, -120.24) and 2,745m 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.