Extensive period of stormy weather for Lake Tahoe anticipated to start off 2021..

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There is a notable change ahead for a more active weather pattern for the Sierra and western Nevada with multiple periods of strong winds, heavy mountain snow, along with valley rain and snow. This forecast from the National Weather Service (NWS) shows there be likely be significant travel impacts in the Sierra next week. Chances for valley snow (including down in Reno/Carson) will be increasing by midweek.

To start the storm period, a fast-moving storm Wednesday through Thursday with a round of gusty winds to most areas along with light snow. Accumulations mainly low-end with a few inches in the Sierra and a dusting to less than half an inch for western Nevada valleys. Slippery travel and commute issues are expected the morning of December 31.

A Winter Storm Watch has already been issued the Lake Tahoe Basin for Sunday night through Monday evening. Heavy snow possible is possible with total snow accumulations of 3 to 8 inches, except 1 foot or more above 7000 feet possible. Exposed Sierra ridge winds could gust to 100 mph or higher.

Active storm track for next week
A much wetter and windier pattern is expected to begin late in the weekend and last through much of next week as a series of Pacific storms with adequate moisture affects the Sierra and western Nevada. Showery precipitation is expected to begin Saturday through the weekend, with the best chances for strong storms with significant precipitation and wind looking to be Sunday night into Monday and again Tuesday into Thursday. The latter storm is trending colder along with tapping into an atmospheric river, which means increased chances for snow in western Nevada valleys.

Abundance of impacts next week
Periods of heavy snow in the Sierra with significant travel disruptions for passes along with avalanche concerns. Rain or snow (or both) for mountain valleys and western Nevada valleys. Strong winds are possible, which may result in impacts for high profile vehicles and aviation, and possible tree and fence damage near wind prone areas. Keep a close eye on the forecast, be sure to allow extra time, and check road conditions with NDOT and Caltrans before you depart.

NWS Reno Forecast for South Lake Tahoe

Tonight - Snow showers, mainly after midnight. Low around 25. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

Thursday - Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 40. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Thursday Night - Partly cloudy, with a low around 17. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

New Year's Day - Mostly sunny, with a high near 45. Calm wind.

Friday Night - A 10 percent chance of snow after 4am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 25. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Saturday - A chance of snow before 1pm, then a chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 44. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Saturday Night - Rain and snow likely, mainly after 4am. Snow level 6500 feet. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31.

Sunday - Rain and snow likely before 1pm, then a chance of rain. Snow level 6700 feet. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 42.

Sunday Night - A chance of rain and snow before 1am, then a chance of snow. Snow level 6300 feet. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30.

Monday - Snow likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 42. Breezy.

Monday Night - A chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26.

Tuesday - A chance of snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 47.

Tuesday Night - Snow likely. The snow could be heavy at times. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26.

Wednesday - Snow likely. The snow could be heavy at times. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 40. Breezy.