South Lake Tahoe had 5.13" of rain Sunday; 2-5 feet of snow on the way

The South Lake Tahoe area had 5.13" of rain on Sunday, causing temporary flooding of streets, meadows and some residences and businesses. As the rain left the basin, snow has moved in and the National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning to remain in place until 4:00 a.m. Thursday, January 12.

Forecasters are calling for 2-5 feet of snow at lake level with the heaviest snow expected Tuesday afternoon and evening. Above the 7000 foot level, 4-8 feet of snow is being forecast. The snow level will fluctuate a little Tuesday morning with a brief rise to 6500 feet, then falling back to below lake level.

Winds are also associated with this storm. Southwest winds 15-25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. Sierra Ridge gusts will be over 100 mph. There will be a period of stronger winds Tuesday afternoon and evening with gusts up to 60 mph around the lake.

The Forest Service Sierra Avalanche Center has issued a backcountry avalanche warning from 8:00 p.m. Monday through 7:00 a.m. Wednesday. Danger is listed as high for the Sierra Nevada from Yuba Pass to Ebbetts Pass including Lake Tahoe.

Natural and human-triggered avalanches will become likely as the storm impacts the Sierra with strong winds and heavy snow. Wind slabs, storm slabs and deep slab avalanches will become likely overnight Monday.

The forecast from the National Weather Service:

Tonight- Snow. Temperature rising to around 40 by 4am. Breezy, with a southwest wind around 25 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Total nighttime snow accumulation of 4 to 8 inches possible.

Tuesday - Snow before 10am, then rain and snow. Temperature falling to around 27 by 4pm. Windy, with a southwest wind 25 to 30 mph, with gusts as high as 50 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 6 to 10 inches possible.

Tuesday Night - Rain and snow, becoming all snow after 10pm. Temperature rising to around 37 by 10pm. Windy, with a southwest wind around 30 mph, with gusts as high as 50 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 6 to 10 inches possible.

Wednesday - Snow. High near 35. Windy, with a southwest wind 25 to 30 mph, with gusts as high as 50 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Wednesday Night- Snow showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 20. Breezy, with a southwest wind 20 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of around an inch possible.

Thursday - A 50 percent chance of snow showers. Cloudy, with a high near 29. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Thursday Night - A 30 percent chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 15. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Friday - Mostly sunny, with a high near 29.

Friday Night - Mostly cloudy, with a low around 18.

Saturday - Partly sunny, with a high near 37.

Saturday Night - Partly cloudy, with a low around 19.

Sunday - Partly sunny, with a high near 38.

Sunday Night - Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26.

M.L.King Day - Partly sunny, with a high near 41.