Flood, wind, avalanche and storm warnings in place: 2 -5' of snow expected above 7500

There are several warnings in place for South Lake Tahoe:

Avalanche Watch - The Sierra Avalanche Center in Truckee has issued a backcountry avalanche watch for the Greater Lake Tahoe Area from 5:00 p.m. Wednesday to 7:00 a.m. Friday between Yuba Pass at the north and Ebbetts Pass to the south.

Winter Storm Warning is in effect from March 21, 5:00 p.m. until March 23 at 5:00 p.m. Heavy snow is expected above the 7000 ft level. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 4 feet mainly above 7500, with localized amounts up to 5 feet near the Sierra Crest, are expected. 4 to 12 inches down to 7000 feet, with localized amounts up to 18 inches west of Highway 89, are expected.

Lake Wind Advisory until March 21 at 5:00 p.m. Winds from the southwest, 15 to 20 mph with gusts 40 mph. Wave Heights: 2 to 3 feet, with highest waves on the east and north shores.

Flood Watch in effect from March 21 11:00 p.m. until March 23 at 5:00 a.m.

A warm and wet winter storm with a deep tap of sub-tropical moisture will bring moderate to heavy rain to areas below 7500 feet tonight and early Thursday. The snow levels fall to 7000 feet late Thursday, but the moderate to heavy rain continues into Thursday evening. Additional rainfall amounts of up to 3 inches are possible below 7000 feet around the Tahoe Basin.

Forecast from the National Weather Service in Reno:

This Afternoon - Rain. High near 44. Breezy, with a southwest wind around 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Tonight - Rain. Low around 36. Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

Thursday - Rain. High near 43. South wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Thursday Night - Rain and snow likely before midnight, then a slight chance of snow. Cloudy, then gradually becoming partly cloudy, with a low around 22. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Friday - Mostly sunny, with a high near 38. Breezy, with a southwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.

Friday Night - Snow likely, mainly after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 20. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Saturday - A chance of snow before noon, then a chance of snow showers after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 33. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Saturday Night - A chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 18.

Sunday - A chance of snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 34.

Sunday Night - A slight chance of snow showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 14.

Monday - Mostly sunny, with a high near 38.

Monday Night - Partly cloudy, with a low around 16.

TuesdaySunny, with a high near 43.