sierra storms

Thunderstorms expected in South Lake Tahoe Thursday

The National Weather Service is calling for widespread thunderstorms throughout the Sierra and western Nevada for the next several days. On Thursday, June 4 there is an 80% chance of rain in South Lake Tahoe with a rainfall total of .16 inch.

Chances of rain and thunderstorms continue through the weekend and into next week. On Friday, rainfall total of .14" is forecast, .23" on Saturday and a trace on Sunday.

The best chances for strong thunderstorms will be in and along the Sierra. Storms may start early in the morning with the strongest storms expected during the early afternoon.

Wet Storm Pounds Lake Tahoe; Mostly Rain at Lake Level, Heavy Snow at Summits

A wet storm pounded the west coast over the last four days, dropping 3-5 feet snow over the Sierra and bringing drought ridden Folsom Lake up 6 feet. A strong atmospheric river with a lot of moisture from the subtropics was funneled into the area, creating swollen streams, rivers and minor flooding.

With snow levels fluctuating between 7500-8000 feet Sunday afternoon, South Lake Tahoe saw mostly rain, but the slopes of nearby ski resorts saw feet of snow, instead of the recent storm totals recorded in inches, added to their terrain.

Cloud Seeding Drone May Soon Help Get More Snow to the Sierra Nevada

Cloud seeding drones may soon be used to help get more punch out of Sierra storms. The unmanned aircrafts could provide significant benefits by getting more snow on the slopes and boosting water supply.

Jeff Tilley of Reno’s Desert Research Institute (DRI) unveiled one of three drones in the country at Thursday’s Operation Sierra Storm held in South Lake Tahoe. The drone will soon be tested to seed clouds in order to get more moisture out of storms to help in times of drought.

Syndicate content