Will there be a White Christmas in Lake Tahoe?

LAKE TAHOE - Santa Claus might be navigating his sleigh through a snow storm above Lake Tahoe on Christmas Eve, but exactly how much snow will be on his landing pads (aka rooftops) will be made clearer the holiday gets closer.

What is certain is a Winter Storm Watch has been issued and in effect from Monday morning to Tuesday morning, making Saturday and Sunday the best travel days of the mountain passes prior to Christmas.

According to the warning issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno people can expect snow, and moderate to heavy snow is possible. Total snow accumulations of up to 6 inches are possible, with 6 to 12 inches above 7000 feet and for locations west of Highway 89. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph.

While the bulk of model simulations keep snow levels around and below 6500 feet, the other models show the storm coming in warmer with higher snow levels around 7000 feet for the Tahoe Basin.

The Storm Watch is in effect for the greater Lake Tahoe area and Lassen-Eastern Plumas-Eastern Sierra Counties.

Travel could be very difficult, especially due to increased holiday traffic. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. Gusty winds could
bring down tree branches.

The NWS-Reno forecast for Lake Tahoe:

Saturday - Partly sunny, with a high near 45. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Saturday Night - Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Sunday - A slight chance of rain and snow after 10am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 47. Southwest wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Sunday Night - A chance of rain and snow, mainly after 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Monday - Rain and snow, mainly after 10am. High near 41. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Monday Night - Rain and snow, becoming all snow after 10pm. Low around 22. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Christmas Day - A chance of snow showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 35.

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

Wednesday - Mostly sunny, with a high near 38.

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

Thursday - A slight chance of snow showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 36.

Thursday Night - Partly cloudy, with a low around 17.

Friday - Mostly sunny, with a high near 35.