Another major storm for Lake Tahoe, feet of snow at lake level expected

1:00 p.m. update - The National Weather Service in Reno is updating their forecast as the storm heading to Lake Tahoe Sunday and Monday is trending towards "Big Snow."

On Friday, another round of heavy snow will start just after midnight Friday morning, impacting traffic throughout the day. Reno and the rest of Western Nevada will be impacted as well with up to several inches of valley floor snow.

Sunday to Monday, the strongest storm of the series could be one of the biggest snow events Western Nevada has seen in years. The Lake Tahoe basin could see snow starting as early as Saturday night.

Significant road travel disruptions are anticipated during this storm system and power outages, avalanche warnings and fallen trees are anticipated. The National Weather Service warns of impacts to roof and carport collapses in the Sierras due to snow depth and weight.

Be prepared and plan ahead.

Starting January 24, NWS anticipates a build up of high pressure into February with no storms on the immediate horizon.

* * *
Chain controls are up on all mountain roads Thursday as another wave of a three-part storm series passes by Lake Tahoe. The National Weather Service in Reno has changed the Winter Storm Advisory to a Winter Storm Warning that is in effect through 4:00 a.m. Monday, January 23, 2017.

Heavy snow and gusty winds are forecast. Snow showers will last into Thursday evening with snow increasing for all areas in the Sierra Friday into Saturday morning. A short break in the storms is expected Saturday afternoon and evening before the strongest of the three arrives Saturday night. That one will continue into Monday morning.

Snow accumulation through Monday are impressive: 3-6 feet above 7000 feet, and 2-4 feet at lake level.

Winds will be from the southwest 15-25 mph with gusts to 35 mph through Saturday. Gust to 55 mph are possible on Saturday night and Sunday. Over the Sierra Ridge, gusts up to 100 moh through Saturday, and up to 120 mph Saturday night into Sunday are possible.

Waves on the lake will be 2-3' for most up the storm but will be up to 5' on Sunday.

For up to the minute road situations, visit www.nvroads.com or quickmap.dot.ca.gov. As of Thursday morning, chains or snow tires on Highway 50 Spooner Summit, SR207 Kingsbury, SR27 and SR89 around the lake, chains mandatory or 4WD with snow tires on Highway 50 over Echo Summit and I80 over Donner Summit. Chain controls are staring above Auburn and Camino at this hour. SR88 from 2 miles east of Kirkwood to 5 miles west of Pickett's Junction is closed at this time for avalanche control, chains or 4WD with snow tired on all other areas of the road. Hwy 89 at Emerald Bay remains closed.

The forecast from the National Weather Service -

Today - A 50 percent chance of snow showers. Cloudy, with a high near 35. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Total daytime snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

Tonight - Snow showers likely, mainly after 10pm. Cloudy, with a low around 24. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Friday - Snow. High near 35. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible.

Friday Night - Snow. Low around 21. Southwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Saturday - A chance of snow showers, mainly before 10am, then a chance of snow after 4pm. Cloudy, with a high near 33. Breezy, with a southwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Saturday Night - Snow, mainly after 10pm. Low around 24. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible.

Sunday - Snow. High near 33. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation
of 5 to 9 inches possible.

Sunday Night - Snow. Cloudy, with a low around 23.

Monday - Snow likely before 10am, then snow showers likely after 10am. Cloudy, with a high near 30.

Monday Night - A chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 19.

Tuesday - A chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 30.

Tuesday Night - Partly cloudy, with a low around 15.

Wednesday - Mostly sunny, with a high near 34.