atmospheric river

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There is a notable change ahead for a more active weather pattern for the Sierra and western Nevada with multiple periods of strong winds, heavy mountain snow, along with valley rain and snow. This forecast from the National Weather Service (NWS) shows there be likely be significant travel impacts in the Sierra next week. Chances for valley snow (including down in Reno/Carson) will be increasing by midweek.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Winter Weather Advisory for the Lake Tahoe Basin expires at 4:00 a.m. Monday with most of the precipitation winding down by then other than a few lingering showers through 10:00 a.m. It`s unlikely to be snowing for the Monday morning commute, however, roads may still have snow and ice present.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The forecast for the Lake Tahoe Basin is beginning to sound like a broken record: rain, snow, repeat. Next week won't be much different as it will start off fairly quiet before the next storm heads into the region Tuesday night through Friday with periods of valley rain, mountain snow, and gusty winds.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno says the slushy snow we've been seeing at lake level could change and to expect colder conditions returning at the end of the week with snow possible at all elevations.

Forecasts of snow for Lake Tahoe haven't lived up to their promises recently, but a new system headed to the region could have more promise. Dry conditions and above average temperatures are expected today and through the weekend as high pressure builds into northeast California and western Nevada. More active weather is expected next week, especially by late week, as the stronger of two systems moves through the region.

The above average temperatures are not forecast to be record breaking as highs in the past for this week have been as high as 56-60 degrees.

A late season atmospheric river will bring another significant precipitation event to the Sierra and western Nevada. Near saturated soils and a mostly ripe low to mid elevation snowpack will contribute to increased runoff. This will increase flood potential, especially along creeks and streams, Friday into Saturday. This event isn`t expected to be as strong as storms in January and February but is a significant precipitation event for April.

The winds have arrived in South Lake Tahoe, and three weather related warnings have come with them: wind, snow and flooding.

The Sierra Nevada snowpack continues to build during one of the wettest winters in California’s recorded history and this was evident as the monthly snow survey was conducted by the Department of Water Resources at Phillips Station near Sierra-at-Tahoe.

The snow water equivalent (SWE) measured was 179 percent of average, or 43.4 inches.

The 113 inches of snow at Phillips Station contains the fifth-highest March 1 reading of the SWE. In 1969, the record reading was 57.4 inches of snow-water content in 160.9 inches of water.

Good morning skiers and riders, and if you're visiting, welcome to Lake Tahoe!

Today is February 22.

A WINTER STORM WARNING EXPIRES THIS MORNING AND THERE’S PLENTY OF FRESH POWDER…
MORE FRESH POWDER IS REPORTED AT RESORTS CAUSING DELAYS IN LIFT OPERATIONS AFTER SNOW SAFETY PROCEDURES AND THERE’S SOME BLUE SKIES THIS MORNING.
SKI & RIDE WITH A BUDDY IF YOU GO OFF-PISTE. STAY ON OPENED TERRAIN ONLY… DO NOT DUCK CLOSED ROPE LINES… HAVE FUN & BE SAFE!

3:40 p.m. update: It is taking three hours from the Y to Meyers, so if you're on the road you may want to consider going inside for the rest of the day. The snow is not letting up and there is a lot more to come.

Traffic heading west from South Lake Tahoe is still slow going, and there have been several weather and traffic relate incidents on US50 west of Lake Tahoe. At this time, emergency vehicles are at the scene of a three-car accident near Kyburz. The road has reopened but may need to close again to remove one of the cars.

A flood warning remains in effect for South Lake Tahoe until Wednesday evening. One storm system will be leaving the area as a new atmospheric river heads into the region on Thursday.

Flood watch warning is now in place for Thursday at 10:00 a.m. to Friday at 4:00 a.m. This will be combine with a winter storm warning starting at the same time and going until Saturday at 1:00 a.m. Those warnings will be replaced with a dry period over the weekend with sunny clear skies and temperatures into the 40s and 50s.

The rain has caused some road closures:

Measurements of the Sierra snowpack by both California and Nevada water officials have good, but not surprising news: There is well above average amounts of snow and snow water content in the Sierra Nevada, and Lake Tahoe and Truckee basins.

During his monthly trek into the snow at Phillips Station, 15 miles southwest of Lake Tahoe, Frank Gehrke, chief of the California Cooperative Snow Surveys Program found 22.1 more inches of water in the snow than what he found January 3.

Mild weather with above average daytime temperatures is settled over South Lake Tahoe, but it won't last long as a new systems hits the Lake Tahoe Basin at the end of the week.

High pressure is keeping the quiet weather over the Sierra through midweek.

A mild to moderate atmospheric river will impact Northern California and Western Nevada late Wednesday through Friday according to the National Weather Service in Reno.

This system will have a period of gusty winds on Thursday with ridges seeing gusts near 100 mph and valleys up to 45 mph.

Lake Tahoe is filling up with water and is currently holding the most water for the month of January since 2013.

With a natural rim of 6223 feet in altitude, Lake Tahoe is above that by 1.67 feet at 6224.67 today, January 15, 2017. On this date in 2016, the lake was almost three feet lower at 6221.7. The highest January point in the past six years was in 2012 when the lake was at 6226.62. The highest point during this period was on June 5, 2012 when the elevation of the lake was 6227.65.

The Douglas County road crews cannot work anymore hours over the three-day weekend due to their having reached the maximum number of driving hours allowed due to flooding and snow conditions in the Carson Valley over the last week.

Hours are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The Douglas County staff can resume regular duty on Tuesday January 17, 2017 at 7:00 a.m. If an emergency arises, staff may be called in after 5:00 a.m. on Sunday.

If the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecast is correct, South Lake Tahoe could see the largest rain/snow weather event since the memorable floods of 1997 and 2005.

Those traveling to South Lake Tahoe, and those that live here, are being warned to be prepared for the storm which is slated to reach the Sierra overnight Saturday and last until Monday.

With the heavy rain and high snow levels associated with an atmospheric river hitting the Sierra and Lake Tahoe this weekend, the City of South Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County are reminding citizens that sand bags are available, free of charge.

During wet storms, residents may find themselves with flooding issues around their homes and garages.

Sand bags are available year-round at the City’s Streets and Snow Removal Yard located at 1160 Rufus Allen Blvd. Their operating hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The weekend will be more of an umbrella one than a snow boot one as a strong atmospheric river heads to Lake Tahoe. The National Weather Service to issue wind and flood warnings for the South Lake Tahoe area because of the deep moisture levels associated with this river that extends past Hawaii.

Wind advisory up until 4:00 a.m. Saturday, and Lake Wind Advisory from 10:00 a.m. Saturday to 10:00 p.m. Sunday. Strong and gusty winds with waves 2-4'. Winds will be 25-35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph.

South Lake Tahoe saw over six inches of rain during the series of three storms over the weekend, which did a lot more than bring a little snow to upper elevations.

The storm also send an estimated 11 billion gallons of water into Lake Tahoe according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno. This is equivalent to the average total consumptive water use in a year from the Truckee River by the Truckee Meadows Water Authority. The average metered household in the Truckee Meadows uses about 121,000 gallons a year.

A new winter storm along with an atmospheric river will impact the Sierra and western Nevada starting Friday and through the weekend.

The National Weather Service is anticipating travel impacts due to rain, snow, and gusty winds for the entire weekend. Precipitation will begin in northeast California and the Sierra early Friday with very high snow levels and accumulating snow mainly above 8000 feet. Snow levels will begin to drop late Friday into early Saturday allowing accumulations down to near 4500 to 5000 feet.