Rain and snow likely for much of the week in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The forecast for the Lake Tahoe Basin is beginning to sound like a broken record: rain, snow, repeat. Next week won't be much different as it will start off fairly quiet before the next storm heads into the region Tuesday night through Friday with periods of valley rain, mountain snow, and gusty winds.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno says the slushy snow we've been seeing at lake level could change and to expect colder conditions returning at the end of the week with snow possible at all elevations.

There is another Atmospheric River heading to the Sierra which will bring a surge of warmer air with snow levels likely reaching 6000-7500 feet for areas from approximately US-50 south Tuesday night into Wednesday. Farther north, cooler air associated with the trough will keep snow levels more in the 5000-6000 range. For much of the high Sierra, 1-3 feet of snow will be possible, with the highest totals focused south of Lake Tahoe.

A pair of cold fronts, the first Wednesday night and the second Thursday night, will usher in a much colder air mass which will drive snow levels back to all valley floors.

They also said this pattern looks to remain the same going into the second week of March at this time. This will keep temperatures below normal with higher than
average chances for more rain and snow.

The NWS Reno Forecast:

Monday - Mostly sunny, with a high near 43. Southwest wind around 5 mph.

Monday Night - Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26. Southwest wind around 5 mph.

Tuesday - Snow likely after 10am. Cloudy, with a high near 43. South wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Tuesday Night - Rain and snow. Low around 32. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Wednesday - Rain and snow. High near 42. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Wednesday Night - Rain and snow, becoming all snow after 10pm. Cloudy, with a low around 29. Breezy.

Thursday - Snow likely. Cloudy, with a high near 39.

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

Friday - Snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 33.

Friday Night - A chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 15.

Saturday - A slight chance of snow. Mostly sunny, with a high near 35.