Reno, Nevada – A powerful winter storm is set to impact the Sierra Nevada and Lake Tahoe region beginning late Tuesday night, with Winter Storm Warnings remaining in effect through 10 a.m. PST Friday, according to the National Weather Service in Reno.
The warning includes Lassen, eastern Plumas, and eastern Sierra counties in California, Mono County, and the greater Lake Tahoe area spanning California and Nevada. Affected communities include Truckee, South Lake Tahoe, Tahoe City, Mammoth Lakes, Bridgeport, Susanville, Portola, Incline Village, and Markleeville.
Forecasters expect significant snowfall across the region. Above 5,500 to 6,000 feet, snow accumulations of 1 to 3 feet are likely, with 3 to 5 feet expected above 7,000 to 8,000 feet in the Tahoe Basin and Mono County. In Mono County’s highest elevations, snowfall totals may reach 4 to 5 feet. Lower elevations below 5,500 feet could still see 1 to 6 inches of snow.
Strong to damaging winds will accompany the storm. Wind gusts may reach 70 mph along high ridges in eastern Plumas and Lassen counties, while ridge-top gusts could exceed 100 mph in Mono County and the Tahoe region. Gusts of 45 to 60 mph are possible in valleys and along U.S. Highway 395, increasing the risk of blowing snow, whiteout conditions, and downed trees or power lines.
Snow levels will initially remain high, between 7,000 and 8,000 feet, before dropping to 4,500 to 6,500 feet by Christmas Day. Heavy rain at lower elevations Tuesday night and Wednesday could lead to ponding of water on roads and minor flooding impacts.
According to the National Weather Service, travel and outdoor recreation may become very difficult to impossible, with hazardous conditions expected to impact both Wednesday and Christmas Day commutes. Motorists are urged to avoid unnecessary travel and check road conditions by calling 511.
