Atmospheric River heading to Lake Tahoe and the Sierra, snow and rain possible

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - We haven't had much time to breathe between storms around Lake Tahoe this winter, and this week won't be much different except this coming week's snow accumulations will be minor compared to the most recent storms.

Expect periods of snow showers through Wednesday. Snow accumulations will be minor in comparison, but are still capable of travel difficulties.

Those dreaming of dry weather might be really let down by the long-term forecast, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno. They say the models for the week are showing a high probability of a warm, Atmospheric River hitting the Sierra by Thursday.

This warmer system will leave most snow in the 7500-8000 foot elevation more than around lake level, with chances of rain at lower elevations including South Lake Tahoe, said Justin Collins, forecaster/meteorologist with NWS Reno. Collins said the west slope over 8,000 feet could see 24-36" of snow. He said the South shore could see up to 6" of snow through this period.

As the system gets closer exact details will become more evident.

The South Lake Tahoe forecast from NWS Reno:

Monday - A 50 percent chance of snow showers after 10 am. Partly sunny, with a high near 28. Southwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. New snow accumulation of less than one inch is possible.

Monday Night - Snow showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 11. South wind around 10 mph. The chance of precipitation is 70%. A new snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches is possible.

Tuesday - A chance of snow showers before 4 pm, then a chance of snow after 4 pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 30. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. The chance of precipitation is 50%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch is possible.

Tuesday Night - Snow likely, mainly after 10 pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 11. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph. The chance of precipitation is 60%. A new snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches is possible.

Wednesday - Snow likely, mainly before 10 am. Partly sunny, with a high near 28. West wind 10 to 15 mph. The chance of precipitation is 60%. A new snow accumulation of around an inch is possible.

Wednesday Night - Partly cloudy, with a low around 9.

Thursday - A chance of snow after 4 pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 36.

Thursday Night - Snow likely, mainly after 4 am. Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 20.

Friday - Snow likely before 10 am, then rain and snow likely between 10 am and 4 pm, then rain after 4 pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 40.

Friday Night - Rain and snow. The snow level is 7000 feet. Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 28.

Saturday - Rain and snow are likely. Snow level at 6900 feet. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 41.

Saturday Night - A chance of rain and snow. Snow level 6400 feet. Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 25.

Sunday - A chance of rain and snow. Snow level rises to 6700 feet in the afternoon. Partly sunny, with a high near 41.