Winter Weather Advisory for Lake Tahoe: 3-5" snow possible at lake level

Submitted by paula on Mon, 12/18/2017 - 5:40pm
Gusts up to 120 mph over Sierra Crest

It most likely won't be a white Christmas in Lake Tahoe, but snow is headed to the Sierras this Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. It is a quick moving storm but has a chance to leave behind the much-needed snow. Christmas Day is expected to be sunny and cold, with a high of 39, low around 12.

Plan on slippery road conditions during the morning commute Wednesday from Lake Tahoe to Reno and the Carson Valley. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 5 inches are forecast for lake level, with up to 10 inches expected above 7000 feet.

Prior to the snow will be the wind. The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a Wind Advisory, which is in effect from 1:00 p.m. Tuesday to 1:00 a.m. Wednesday. There will be southwest winds with gusts 45 to 55 mph in the valley and over Lake Tahoe. Gusts of 120 mph along the Sierra Crest. Wave heights over Lake Tahoe: 3 to 5 feet.

The forecast from the National Weather Service in Reno:

Tonight - Partly cloudy, with a low around 20. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the evening.

Tuesday - Mostly sunny, with a high near 48. Breezy, with a southwest wind 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph.

Tuesday Night - Snow, mainly after 4am. Low around 26. Breezy, with a southwest wind 20 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 50 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Wednesday - Snow before 10am, then snow showers after 10am. High near 34. Breezy, with a west wind around 20 mph becoming northwest in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Wednesday Night - Partly cloudy, with a low around 14. Northwest wind around 10 mph becoming northeast in the evening.

Thursday - Sunny, with a high near 33.

Thursday Night - Mostly clear, with a low around 16.

Friday - Mostly sunny, with a high near 42.

Friday Night - Partly cloudy, with a low around 18.

Saturday - Mostly sunny, with a high near 32.

Saturday Night - Mostly clear, with a low around 11.

Sunday - Sunny, with a high near 35.

Sunday Night - Mostly clear, with a low around 12.

Christmas Day - Sunny, with a high near 39.