Sierra Ski Resorts Struggle as Warm Weather Melts Snow Early

Businesses in the Donner Summit area are concerned about the potential for an early end to the ski season.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 6:23am

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Warmer-than-usual temperatures are causing the Sierra snowpack to melt earlier than usual, putting pressure on ski resorts in the region. Some resorts have already closed for the season, while others are trying to stretch it out as long as possible. The thinning snow is becoming harder to ignore, and the uncertainty is impacting the local economy, with businesses in the Donner Summit area concerned about the potential for an early end to the season.

Why it matters

The Sierra snowpack provides up to a third of the water used in California, so the early melting has broader implications for the state's water supply. Additionally, the ski industry is a major economic driver in the region, and an early end to the season could significantly impact local businesses.

The details

Despite thinning snow coverage, the slopes are still drawing crowds, with one skier saying 'Any day on the hill is a good day.' However, the resorts are struggling to keep up with the rapid melting. The California Department of Water Resources says the statewide snowpack has been melting by an average of about 1% per day over the past 12 days. Some resorts, like Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort and Mt. Shasta Ski Park, have already closed for the season, while others like Donner Ski Ranch are trying to stretch it out as long as possible, but the owner says 'We're going stay open as long as we can, but at this point we're taking a day to day pretty much.'

  • The Sierra snowpack has been melting by an average of about 1% per day over the past 12 days.
  • Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort and Mt. Shasta Ski Park have already closed for the season.
  • Donner Ski Ranch is trying to stretch out the season as long as possible, but the owner says they are 'taking a day to day' approach.

The players

Leo Powell

A Truckee resident who says 'Any day on the hill is a good day.'

Janet Tuttle

The owner of Donner Ski Ranch, who says the resort has managed to stretch the season despite unpredictable weather.

Helen Lummis

With the Donner Summit Association, who says businesses in the area are concerned about the potential for an early end to the ski season.

California Department of Water Resources

The state agency that says the statewide snowpack has been melting by an average of about 1% per day over the past 12 days.

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What they’re saying

“Any day on the hill is a good day.”

— Leo Powell, Truckee resident

“We are very fortunate that we got this much out of the season considering all the crazy weather.”

— Janet Tuttle, Owner, Donner Ski Ranch

“A lot of the businesses are concerned. You know, this is definitely something where if the resorts have to close down early because there's just not enough snow that impacts them, all the grocery stores, rental shops, restaurants and bars because people just won't be coming up.”

— Helen Lummis, Donner Summit Association

What’s next

The Department of Water Resources will continue to monitor the melting of the Sierra snowpack and its impact on the state's water supply.

The takeaway

The early melting of the Sierra snowpack due to warm weather is putting significant pressure on ski resorts in the region, with some already closing for the season. This uncertainty is not only impacting the ski industry, but also the broader local economy that relies on the winter tourism season, highlighting the need for more resilient and adaptable business models in the face of climate change.