SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the Greater Lake Tahoe area from 10 p.m. Monday to 4 p.m. Wednesday. After a month of no measurable snowfall, the region has been waiting for snow – in this case, it will be two storms, with the next one forecasted to start on Valentine’s Day.
NWS says to expect snow accumulations of 10 to 18 inches above 7000 feet. At Lake Tahoe level, 4 to 6 inches, with 6 to 12 inches along and west of Highway 89. Wind gusts up to 35 mph, with gusts reaching 70 mph along the Sierra crest. Wave heights 1 to 3 feet on Lake Tahoe.
While it`s not a very strong storm by Sierra standards, it will bring the most snow to the Sierra since the first week of January.
Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday morning and evening commutes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. Small boats, kayaks and paddle boards will be prone to capsizing and should remain off the lake until conditions improve.