A wet end to 2022 in South Lake Tahoe and the Sierra, flood and storm warnings in place

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There is another warm atmospheric river heading to the Sierra beginning Friday. At this time, temperatures are too warm for heavy snow levels except for locations above 7000 feet. Those hoping for more snow just have to wait a few days as the first week of 2023 should see lower temperatures and snow, especially January 4-5.

High snow levels and prolonged heavy rainfall will allow for significant rises on both mainstem and smaller rivers/streams, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno. This may result in minor to moderate flooding on some area rivers and streams. A Flood Watch has been issued from Friday morning to Saturday evening due to the expected runoff.

The flooding isn't expected to be any comparison to the January 1-3, 2017 floods in Reno and South Lake Tahoe when there was heavy snow followed by several inches of rain.

A Winter Storm Watch is in place for upper elevations around Lake Tahoe Thursday evening through Saturday evening. Heavy snow is possible above 7000 feet. Storm total snow accumulations of 1 to 3 feet above 7000 feet, except up to 5 feet above 8000 feet. Winds gusting to 45 mph, except 100+ mph along the ridges. Wave heights of 2 to 4 feet are expected on Lake Tahoe. Even though most of the snow will be well above lake level, snow totals of 1 to 5 inches below 6500 feet are still possible, mainly Saturday night into early Sunday as snow levels drop.

Liquid totals could be double what we saw with Dec 26-27 storm, says NWS Reno.

The forecast through New Year's Day for South Lake Tahoe from NWS Reno:

Tonight - Snow likely, mainly after 4 am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 16. Light south wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch is possible.

Thursday - Snow likely before 10am, then rain and snow. High near 40. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Thursday Night - Rain before 10pm, then rain and snow. Snow level 7400 feet rising to 8100 feet after midnight. Low around 26. Breezy, with a southwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Friday - Rain. Snow level 8300 feet. High near 45. Breezy, with a southwest wind around 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Friday Night - Rain before 4am, then rain and snow. Snow level 8300 feet. Low around 29. Breezy, with a southwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Saturday - Rain and snow before 7am, then rain between 7am and 4pm, then rain and snow after 4pm. The rain could be heavy at times. Snow level 8100 feet lowering to 7500 feet in the afternoon . High near 45. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Saturday Night - Rain and snow, becoming all snow after 7 pm. Low around 19. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible..

New Year's Day - A slight chance of snow before 10am. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 40.