Powder.

That's what you can expect at the Donner Pass area ski resorts this weekend after recent storms left a large amount of snow in the high Sierra.

The National Weather Service in Sacramento is predicting good driving weather to the slopes Friday and Saturday, with only a slight chance of rain or snow at the higher elevations Sunday.

"We're totally slammed," said Anna Bellizzi at Donner Ski Ranch Thursday while overlooking the crowd there. "We've got three chairs open and 30 percent of the mountain open already."

The ski ranch was reporting 15 to 27 inches of base with powder. At Boreal Mountain Playground, the base was 44 to 59 inches with packed powder.

"We've got five lifts open and 10 runs," said Marie Derrington at Boreal. "It's pretty busy and we have a lot of snow; we got over a foot (this week), and we make our own, too."

Sugar Bowl was reporting 38 to 60 inches and powder. High winds hurt the skiing there a bit Thursday, but those winds were dying down late Thursday, according to Greg Murtha at the resort.

"We should be in great shape for the holiday weekend," Murtha said. "It's supposed to be clear and the winds will be gone."

Temperatures in ski country will be in the 40s through the weekend, with lows in the low 20s at night.

The National Weather Service said Nevada County foothill conditions will be sunny to partly cloudy Friday through Monday, New Year's Day, with highs in the low 50s. Lows will be in the 30s at night.

That should make for a safe skiing and snowboarding trip into and around the mountains because no strong winds or heavy precipitation are predicted. However, travelers are still urged to bring extra water, clothes, blankets, coats and a flashlight to the Sierra at this time of year as winter conditions can change quickly and cause emergencies.

To contact Senior Staff Writer Dave Moller, e-mail davem@theunion.com or call 477-4237.