Stormy end of year at Lake Tahoe; More systems stacking up in 2023

South Lake Tahoe, California — Lake Tahoe ends the year with a warm, wet, multi-day storm that brings heavy high-altitude snow and most of the rain to the basin.

Officials say the active weather pattern will continue into the new year, the second week of January.

The National Weather Service in Reno on Thursday upgraded to a winter storm warning that will last until 4 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 1. This is for up to 5 feet above 8,000 feet, 1-3 feet above 7,000 feet, and 1-5 inches of snow on lakes. level.

Avalanche warnings are in effect until 7am on Sunday. Because of the storm, heavy winds and rain on top of the snow can create large, widespread and destructive slides.

Strong winds can gust up to 50 miles per hour and over 100 miles per hour on the Sierra Ridge.

Snow levels will rise to around 9,000 feet on Friday, according to the Bureau of Meteorology, so trips over the pass are likely to be unaffected by snow until noon Saturday. It will drop below 6,000 feet on Saturday night.

“A total of 1 to 5 inches of snowfall under 6,500 feet (including Lake Tahoe) could fall Saturday night through early Sunday,” the advisory said.

According to the service, most wet weather will occur between late Friday morning and Saturday afternoon between 24 and 30 hours, followed by heavy rain and high-altitude snow, with possible lightning.

From Saturday night through the night into 2023, the amount of snowfall will decrease as rainfall increases, but snow is possible until early Sunday morning.

“We’re also keeping an eye out for wet roads that can freeze overnight. If it’s ringing in the New Year, be aware of changing road conditions. Head home early Sunday morning from celebrations.” So the roads can get worse,” said the service. Said.

The service recommends avoiding travel during storms as they can make travel difficult or impossible for extended periods of time. keep it in mind.

The latest road conditions are available by calling 511 or visiting https://www.nvroads.com. or https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov.

There will be a short break from Sunday through Monday morning as atmospheric river storms leave and skies clear in the afternoon and evening.

Another fast-moving storm will push through the region Monday night through early Tuesday, potentially bringing 2 to 5 inches of snow across the basin and up to 8 inches along the Sierra crests.

Another brief break is expected for much of Tuesday before a longer atmospheric river event appears to affect the region later that evening into Thursday night.

Officials are still adjusting their forecasts, but simulations show snowfall has dropped to about 5,000 feet during the warmest part of the storm, making the system cooler.

A short break or light snow showers are possible on Friday, January 6th. After that, another strong to moderate storm is likely on Saturday and Sunday, January 7-8, and the erratic weather could continue into his second week of January.