Santa should have smooth sailing over Lake Tahoe, but wet week follows the holiday
Submitted by paula on Thu, 12/22/2022 - 6:25pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Santa shouldn't have any trouble with the weather over Lake Tahoe this weekend, but there will be changes after his appointed rounds.
A weak storm system will bring a little chance for light rain and snow showers and increased winds in higher elevations tonight and early Friday morning. Otherwise, dry and mild conditions will prevail through the Christmas holiday weekend.
More active weather returns next week through the start of 2023, with the potential for valley rain and mountain snow, along with plenty of wind.
As the systems get closer the results will be clear. At this time, the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno says there will be an atmospheric river, gusty winds
The atmospheric river will make its presence known next week, especially when accompanied by waves of low pressure providing increased forcing to support enhanced precipitation rates. NWS Reno said the most likely scenario covering four days next Tuesday-Friday is liquid precipitation projections ranging from 4-7" along the Sierra crest, with 2-4" in the Tahoe Basin/Eastern Sierra communities along with NE California west of US-395.
With the moisture hitting when temperatures are above freezing, rain may be what we get at lake level, though the time of day the storms arrive will determine that. While the 4-day storm totals Tuesday-Friday indicate good potential for 3-5 feet of wet cement-like snow for mountain areas above 8000
feet and limited amounts below 6000 feet, amounts will vary widely in the 6000-8000 foot range. If plans take you into or across the Sierra next week, keep an eye on the forecast and be prepared to adjust plans accordingly. Also, be ready to utilize NDOT and Caltrans apps and resources for the latest road conditions.
The NWS forecast for South Lake Tahoe:
Friday - Mostly sunny, with a high near 46. Calm wind.
Friday Night - Mostly clear, with a low around 25. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.
Saturday - Mostly sunny, with a high near 53. Calm wind.
Saturday Night - Partly cloudy, with a low around 29. Calm wind.
Christmas Day - Mostly sunny, with a high near 55. Calm wind.
Sunday Night - Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30.
Monday - A chance of rain after 4pm. Snow level 8100 feet. Partly sunny, with a high near 51.
Monday Night - Rain likely before 4am, then snow, possibly mixed with rain. Snow level 7700 feet. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 29.
Tuesday - Rain and snow, becoming all rain after 7am. Snow level 8700 feet lowering to 7800 feet in the afternoon . Cloudy, with a high near 45. Breezy.
Tuesday Night - Rain and snow likely. Snow level 6600 feet. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25. Breezy.
Wednesday - Snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 41.
Wednesday Night - Snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 23.
Thursday - Rain and snow likely. Snow level rising to 7000 feet in the afternoon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 41.