Last storm helped Lake Tahoe gain 7.89 billion gallons of water; More on the way

The most recent storm to hit the Lake Tahoe basin brought with it more rain than snow, but it allowed the lake to rise .20 feet which equals 7.89 billion gallons of water.

The Truckee River in Reno rose 3.71 feet and Donner Lake added 1.72 feet, or 385 million gallons of water.

Ski areas in the basin all got a boost in snow with Mt. Rose seeing the most at 16 inches. Heavenly added 4" and both Sierra-at-Tahoe and Kirkwood saw 10" added to their base.

A new storm is on the way to the west coast. Even though most of the force will hit south of Lake Tahoe, it is expected to drop another 3" to 7" at lake level. A winter weather advisory is in effect from 10:00 p.m. Saturday until 4:00 a.m. Monday.

The National Weather Service in Reno has said there are still some uncertainties with this storm . Low pressure will form in the Tonopah, NV area which is a notorious area for low pressures and snow for western Nevada. Historically, there have been some significant snow accumulations associated with these types of systems. However, the best snow accumulations will result in where convective bands form; not the most predictable phenomenon unfortunately.

Of particular concern will be travel along Highways 395, 6, and 95 through Mono and southern Mineral Counties later Sunday night. Winds will increase and there could be whiteout conditions at times. Travel is discouraged and exceptionally dangerous in whiteout conditions. Bottom line: have another plan for travel as conditions will be slick on area roads at best and downright dangerous at worst.