NWS issues Flood Watch and Winter Storm Watch for Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There is a LOT of moisture heading to Lake Tahoe, just what form the precipitation will take as it arrives isn't clear. Heavy rainfall from an atmospheric river will move into the region Saturday night and may continue into Monday morning. High snow levels will lower to near 6000 feet sometime Monday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno.

A Flood Watch has been issued for portions of east central California and western Nevada, including the Greater Lake Tahoe Area and Greater Reno-Carson City-Minden Area from 5:00 a.m. Sunday until 11:00 a.m. Monday.

Debris flows, ash flows, rock falls, and tree falls are possible, especially on or near burn scars and steep terrain. This includes the Tamarack, Caldor, and Numbers burn scars. Rises on small creeks and streams are expected, equipment in and near river and creek channels should be moved to safety. Rock falls in canyons and ponding of water on roads will create hazardous driving conditions, especially along Interstate 80 between Truckee and Reno. Localized urban flooding is also possible.

A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for Lake Tahoe from 11:00 p.m. Sunday to 11:00 p.m. Monday for areas above 8000 feet. Snow levels are forecast to start above 9000 feet Saturday night before lowering to 6000 Monday afternoon.

Heavy snow possible above 8000 feet. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 3 feet with locally higher amounts possible. Light snow accumulations are possible below 8000 feet on Monday. Sierra ridge winds could gust as high as 100 mph.

Travel could be very difficult over Carson Pass and the Mount Rose Summit. Backcountry recreation is not advised this weekend. Strong winds could cause tree damage.

The NWS Reno four-day forecast:

Friday - Rain, mainly after 8am. Snow level 8600 feet lowering to 7900 feet in the afternoon . High near 51. Breezy, with a southwest wind 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Friday Night - A 30 percent chance of rain, mainly before 11pm. Snow level 7500 feet. Cloudy, with a low around 30. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph.

Saturday - A slight chance of rain and snow before 11am, then a chance of rain. Snow level 6900 feet rising to 7800 feet in the afternoon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 51. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Saturday Night - Rain likely, mainly after 11pm. Snow level 8300 feet. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. Southwest wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Sunday - Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. Snow level 9000 feet rising to 10100 feet in the afternoon. High near 51. Windy, with a southwest wind 20 to 25 mph increasing to 25 to 30 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Sunday Night - Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. Snow level 9600 feet lowering to 8200 feet after midnight . Low around 44. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between 2 and 3 inches possible.

Monday - Rain. Snow level 7500 feet lowering to 6300 feet in the afternoon . Cloudy, with a high near 47. Breezy.

Monday Night - Snow likely, mainly before 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30.