Another storm headed for Lake Tahoe this week
Another winter storm is slated to hit the region Tuesday night, and it could bring as much as 5 feet of snow to higher elevations.
The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a winter storm watch for the Lake Tahoe region above 7,000 feet Tuesday evening through Thursday afternoon.
While lake level could see 6-10 inches, elevations above 7,000 feet could see 2-5 feet of snow, according to the weather service. High temperatures in South Lake Tahoe will range from the mid to late-30s.
Winds could be as strong as 55 mph during the storm watch, with gusts over the Sierra ridge potentially exceeding 145 mph.
“Travel could be very difficult to impossible,” the weather service warns. “The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. Very strong winds could cause extensive tree damage.”
The storm follows a system that dropped more than 3 feet of snow in 24 hours at some Lake Tahoe ski resorts Saturday.
CALTRANS: Storm will again impact travel
Caltrans District 3 is alerting motorists to an incoming mid-week storm in Northern California that will impact mountain and valley highway travel Tuesday through Thursday.
The weather system will bring rain to the valley and snow and wind gusts at higher elevations. While the brunt of the storm has been initially projected for Wednesday morning through Thursday afternoon, it is still too early to determine if the storm will linger later in the week.
Snow levels Tuesday evening will be around 1,500 to 3,000 feet, rising between 3,500 and 7,000 feet by Wednesday. In the Sierra region pass levels may see 2 to 4 feet of snow with gusty winds that may create poor visibility conditions. Valley rainfall is predicted to be around 0.5 to 2 inches with 1 to 3 inches in the foothills. Motorists should be alert for flooding caused by blocked drains from recent storms.
Delays and longer travel times are anticpated due to inclement weather conditions. Chain controls on Interstate 80 over Donner Summit, on U.S. Highway 50 over Echo Summit and on other Sierra mountain roadways should be anticipated Tuesday through Thursday. Highway closures due to safety concerns may also be a possibility in the region: Interstate 80, U.S. Highway 50 and State Routes 20, 28, 49, 89 and 267.
Motorists are advised that speed limits during chain controls are reduced to 30 mph on I-80 and 25 mph on U.S. 50. Caltrans crews will be working around the clock to keep roadways open and clear. Drivers are advised to watch for snow removal equipment and reduce speeds while in their vicinity.
Caltrans reminds drivers to check that tires are properly inflated and have a good tread, and to stock vehicles with water, blankets, snacks, a flashlight and a full tank of gas before mountain travel. Further tips for safe winter driving and information about chain controls can be found at http://www.dot.ca.gov/cttravel/winter.html.
Check out Caltrans’ “QuickMap” for current road conditions and chain requirements at http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov. For real-time traffic, download the QuickMap app on iTunes or Google Play. Motorists also can use the California Highway Information Network automated phone service by calling 1-800-427-ROAD (7623).
Support Local Journalism
Support Local Journalism
Readers around Lake Tahoe, Truckee, and beyond make the Sierra Sun's work possible. Your financial contribution supports our efforts to deliver quality, locally relevant journalism.
Now more than ever, your support is critical to help us keep our community informed about the evolving coronavirus pandemic and the impact it is having locally. Every contribution, however large or small, will make a difference.
Your donation will help us continue to cover COVID-19 and our other vital local news.