Northern Sierra Nevada – A major multi-day winter storm is expected to bring heavy snow, extreme winds, and dangerous travel conditions to the Lake Tahoe region and much of the eastern Sierra beginning Tuesday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Reno, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect for the Greater Lake Tahoe Area until 4 p.m. PST Monday, followed by a Winter Storm Warning from 10 p.m. Tuesday through 10 a.m. Friday.
During the advisory period, 2 to 5 inches of additional snow is expected above 8,000 feet, with up to 1 inch at lower elevations. Ridgetop wind gusts could reach 35 miles per hour, creating slick and slushy road conditions.
The more significant impacts arrive late Tuesday night as the Winter Storm Warning takes effect. Forecasters expect 1 to 2 feet of snow at lake level, with 3 to 5 feet above 7,000 feet around Lake Tahoe. Ridgetop winds may gust as high as 100 miles per hour, increasing the risk of whiteout conditions, falling trees, and power outages.
The warning also covers Mono County, where snow totals of 4 to 5 feet above 8,000 feet and 1 to 3 feet below 8,000 feet, including along U.S. Highway 395, are forecast. Wind gusts could reach 75 miles per hour along exposed ridges.
In Lassen, Eastern Plumas, and Eastern Sierra counties, snowfall of 1 to 3 feet above 6,000 feet is expected, with lighter totals in lower valleys. Wind gusts up to 45 miles per hour could further complicate travel.
The National Weather Service warns that travel may become very difficult to impossible, particularly during commute periods. Motorists are urged to avoid unnecessary travel, carry emergency supplies, and check road conditions by calling 511 before heading into mountain areas.
