NOAA: 28″ of Snow Possible in Tahoe by Sunday

NOAA is saying that 28″ of new snow is possible in Tahoe by Sunday.  This snow total will come via two storms:  one on Wed-Thurs, then another on Fri-Sun.  The first snow could bring 8-12″ of new snow above 7,000 feet and the second storm is forecast to drop another 8-16″ of fresh snow.

A major weather change will occur across interior Northern California beginning Wednesday as the first in a series of Pacific storm systems push across the region. The first system is expected to start with snow levels around 7000 feet. This system could generate 8-12 inches of snowfall above the 7000 level and 4-8 inches between 6000-7000 ft. Snow will impact travelers at the higher pass levels Wednesday afternoon through Thursday afternoon. The second system will follow closely on its heels and is expected to bring lower snow levels ranging down to 4000 to 5000 feet by the early weekend. An additional 8 to 16 inches of snowfall is forecast above the 6000 foot level with lesser amounts down to roughly the 4000 foot level. High-Country travelers will need to carry chains and prepare for winter driving conditions with slippery roads and potential delays. Valley and foothill residents should see a good soaking type rain with these weather systems with 1 to 2 inch total rainfall estimates for the Valley and 2 to 3 inch rainfall amounts for the foothills. In addition, isolated thunderstorms with hail and heavy rains will likely affect mainly the Valley and foothill regions through Saturday.” – NOAA Sacramento, CA

A wet weather pattern will return to the region Wednesday and persist into the weekend. The first of two storms will arrive late Wednesday afternoon and persist into Thursday morning. 

Confidence is a little lower with the second system due late Friday into Saturday as the track has shifted a bit southward over the past couple of days. While some snow will impact the Tahoe Basin, the heavier snowfall is likely to affect areas further south into Mono County where a another foot or more of snow will be possible along the Sierra crest. Motorists should prepare for chain and snow tire controls as well as delays on highways leading through the Sierra late Wednesday into the weekend. For lower valley floors, rain is expected and impacts will be minimal.” – NOAA Reno, NV