New storm headed to Lake Tahoe: One foot of snow possible at lake level

Could this be a "Miracle March?" With almost two feet of new snow added to ski resorts last weekend, and another two feet expected this weekend, signs are pointing to getting well above average on the Sierra snowpack totals. The precipitation is there, but all depends on the temperature.

The National Weather Service in Reno today said, "Higher confidence this afternoon with potent winter storm expected to arrive Saturday with rain, snow and wind this weekend into Monday morning."

The first wave of precipitation has been hanging around the Sierra Thursday, with more expected on Friday.

For the Sierra, snow is expected to begin late Saturday and continue into Monday morning from the Lake Tahoe Basin north into Western Lassen County. High elevation accumulations of 2 feet or more are possible above 7,000 feet and up to two feet in Western Lassen County above 5500 feet.

For Lake Tahoe Level, accumulations around a foot are possible, but how much falls depends on snow level. It could be only a few inches with a warm storm or almost 2 feet on the west shore in a cold scenario, according to NWS Reno.

Winds in the mountains will gust around 45 mph and over 100 mph at times over the ridges. For Western Nevada, more wind is expected with gusts to 45 mph Saturday and Sunday while a few gusts to 60 mph are possible in wind prone locations. Most rain and snow will occur Sunday night with light snow accumulation down to 5000 feet possible as snow levels fall.

Tonight - Scattered showers, mainly before 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. South wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Friday - Rain, possibly mixed with snow, mainly after 10am. High near 48. Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Friday Night - Snow likely before 10pm, then a chance of snow showers, mainly between 10pm and 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31. West wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of around an inch possible.

Saturday - A slight chance of snow before 10am, then snow likely, possibly mixed with rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 43. Breezy, with a southwest wind 10 to 15 mph increasing to 20 to 25 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

The South Lake Tahoe forecast from the National Weather Service:

Saturday Night - Snow. Low around 32. Breezy, with a southwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Sunday - Rain and snow. High near 42. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Sunday Night - Snow. Low around 29. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 6 to 10 inches possible.

Monday - Snow. Cloudy, with a high near 37. Breezy.

Monday NightA chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 23. Breezy.

Tuesday - A chance of snow showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 37.

Tuesday Night - Partly cloudy, with a low around 22.

Wednesday - Mostly sunny, with a high near 43.

Wednesday Night - Partly cloudy, with a low around 26.

Thursday - Mostly sunny, with a high near 43.