Blizzard conditions expected this week in the Lake Tahoe Basin

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - An active winter weather pattern will prevail through much of next week as a series of progressively stronger winter storms push through the Sierra and western Nevada. A significant winter storm is looking increasingly likely by late Tuesday through at least Thursday according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno. Additional waves of moderate to heavy snowfall are possible through next weekend.

Sunday night and Monday

A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect form 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m. Monday. The next storm in line is expected to be fairly modest but will bring several inches of accumulating snowfall to the Sierra and portions of western Nevada. There may also be a chance for lake-effect snow downwind from Lake Tahoe and Pyramid Lake, especially Monday. Be prepared for periods of slick travel with chain and

Total snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches with up to 12 inches above 7000 feet.

Tuesday night into Thursday

A Winter Storm Watch is in place from Tuesday afternoon through Thursday night. Heavy snow and major impacts are possible. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 3 feet, with 3 to 6 feet above 7000 feet is possible. Winds could gust up to 40 in the lower elevations and in excess of 80 mph over ridges leading to whiteout conditions.

The low snow levels will also allow western Nevada valleys to see snow a majority of the time during this period aside from a possible rain/snow mix Wednesday
afternoon before changing back over to snowfall through Thursday. As snow levels will remain low, travel issues are becoming increasingly likely in western Nevada.

Also keep in mind that if the storm turns out to trend towards the high-end of predictions, travel could wind up being impossible at times across the Sierra with areas of blizzard conditions and periodic road closures.

The pattern remains unsettled into at least early February with an additional
storm possible around the start of the month.