Next storm heading for Lake Tahoe could bring snow measured in feet above 7000 feet

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The next storm that is heading to Lake Tahoe brings with it a powerful punch for a spring storm. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the Lake Tahoe Basin to be in effect from 5:00 p.m. Wednesday to 11:00 a.m. Friday.

Just as gardeners want to start getting plants into the ground, instead it will be snow accumulating that could measure almost a foot by the time this strong system exits.

Total snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches below 7000 feet, with 1 to 2 feet west of Highway 89 and in the Carson Range. For the Sierra crest above 7000 feet, snowfall totals of 2 to 3 feet are likely. Winds gusting to 50 mph with Sierra ridge gusts above 80 mph.

The heaviest snow most likely is from late Wednesday evening through Thursday morning, and again Thursday night into Friday morning.

Here is the NWS Reno forecast through the storm:

Wednesday - Sunny, with a high near 53. Breezy, with a southwest wind 10 to 15 mph increasing to 20 to 25 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph.

Wednesday Night - A chance of rain before 11 pm, then snow between 11 pm and 2 am, then rain and snow after 2 am. Snow level 7000 feet lowering to 6300 feet. Low around 32. Breezy, with a southwest wind 15 to 20 mph and decreasing to 10 to 15 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph. The chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches is possible.

Thursday - Snow before 11 am, then snow showers after 11 am. The snow could be heavy at times. Some thunder is also possible. High near 40. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. The chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 5 to 9 inches is possible.

Thursday Night - Snow showers before 11 pm, then snow likely after 11 pm. Some thunder is also possible. Low around 23. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light west after midnight. The chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches is possible.

Friday - A chance of snow before 11 am, then snow showers likely after 11 am. Some thunder is also possible. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 39. The chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch is possible.

Friday Night - Partly cloudy, with a low around 21.