Winter storm warning in effect for Truckee-Tahoe area
The National Weather Service Office in Reno has issued a winter storm warning for the greater Lake Tahoe area, including Truckee.
The warning went into effect at 10 a.m. on Sunday and will last until 4 a.m., Monday.
Heavy snow is expected in the Sierra Nevada at elevations above 7,000 feet, according to the weather service, with up to 16 inches in the forecast. Below 7,000 feet, the weather service is calling for 4 to 8 inches for the Truckee-Tahoe area.
The weather service and California Department of Transportation have cautioned against travel at this time, specifically in the evening as snow levels fall to lake level. Strong winds are also expected for the region during the storm warning.
The Sierra Avalanche Center in Truckee has issued a backcountry avalanche warning for the Lake Tahoe area, which will last from noon until 7 a.m. tomorrow.
Heavy rain and snow along with existing weak layers in the snowpack have created very dangerous and complex avalanche conditions, according to the center. Widespread, large, and destructive avalanche activity is likely in the mountains. Natural avalanches are likely and human-triggered avalanches are very likely.
Snow totals
The region’s ski resorts have been pounded with several feet of snow this past week.
Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows reported a seven-day total of 74 inches at Squaw’s upper mountain, and 55 inches of new snow at Alpine Meadows.
Northstar California Resort reported 64 inches for the week, giving the resort an average base depth of 90 inches.
West of Truckee, Boreal Mountain California and Soda Springs were each hit with 70 inches of snow. Sugar Bowl reported 59 inches of new snow from the past week.
Homewood Mountain Resort reported 51 inches of snow from last week’s storms, and Heavenly Mountain Resort received 26 inches of snow.
Look ahead
The storm will move out of the area on Monday morning, according to the weather service, giving way to cold and dry weather for the rest of the week, with highs in the low 40s.
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