An atmospheric river will impact Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada from Friday through early next week, bringing a significant shift in weather patterns after weeks of dry conditions. The storm is projected to result in heavy rain at lower elevations and multiple feet of snow in higher peaks. Initial precipitation will begin midday Friday, transitioning to rain as temperatures rise. Snow levels may reach 8,000 to 9,000 feet, with substantial moisture expected, including 5 to 10 inches across various regions, heralding a much-needed change in weather after a prolonged dry spell.
"We are expecting a pretty big system," said Colin McKellar, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Reno. "The last time we had any appreciable rainfall was back in mid-November for the Sierra. So it's been quite a while."
Snow levels are expected to increase as high as 8,000 or 9,000 feet in the Tahoe region by Saturday, with more rain than snow through Sunday, McKellar said.
Moving up the western slope of the Sierra, toward the crest, precipitation amounts range from 5 to 8 inches over the weekend, said Dakari Anderson, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Sacramento. Some places may see as much as 10 inches of precipitation.
Above the snow line, McKellar said the Sierra Nevada crest will see snow totals measured in feet. "Multiple feet," he added.
Collection
[
|
...
]