NOAA: 20-28 Inches of Snow Forecast in Lake Tahoe This Weekend

forecast, Tahoe — Snowfall total forecast model predicts up to 33″ in Tahoe! Credit: Tropical Tidbits

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The Truckee-Tahoe area is forecast to be hit with a winter storm this weekend that could deliver up to 2 FEET of snow to ski areas, according to the National Weather Service office in Reno. A special weather statement was issued, warning of the potential for a storm that could produce strong winds, cause winter travel conditions, elevate fire weather concerns, and drop up to a foot of snow in Truckee and at Lake Tahoe level.

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A strong storm arrives
this weekend with strong winds followed by heavy mountain snow,
possible accumulating lower valley snow, and much colder temperatures.
Cold temperatures and snow showers linger into next week.

forecast, squaw, — The 7-day extended forecast for Squaw Valley. Credit: NOAA

Following unseasonably warm temperatures through Friday, snow will start Saturday morning, getting heavier throughout the day and continuing through Sunday night. Over 2-FEET of fresh snow could fall over the 48-hour period. Temperatures Saturday will hover around the freezing point but will drop a little Sunday, with a high of 26ºF. Winds will be strongest Saturday, especially through the night, easing through the day Sunday. The NOAA forecast discussion says:

SIERRA SNOW: Will begin sometime Saturday afternoon and continue
through Sunday evening. The heaviest snow looks to be around the
Tahoe Basin as the front stalls there for a period of time, but this
can change. Rough snowfall amounts could exceed 2 feet along the
Sierra Crest with around a foot possible in the Tahoe Basin. Several
inches are possible for the 395 corridor in Lassen and Mono Counties.

tahoe, forecast — 5-day precipitation totals. Blue and purple is GOOD for Tahoe! Credit: NOAA

For lower elevations of eastern California and western Nevada, periods of snow are possible Saturday night through Sunday night, producing light accumulations mainly during the overnight and morning hours. Some foothill locations around Reno and Carson City may receive a few inches of snowfall.

squaw, forecast — Hourly weather data over the weekend for Squaw. Credit: NOAA

Totals for Tahoe area ski areas will be 20-24″. Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows should see 22″, Sierra-at-Tahoe 21″, Sugar Bowl 28″, and Kirkwood 26″. Skiing over the weekend will be spectacular! Free refills all weekend, with the deepest powder days Sunday and Monday. About time, right?! Heavy snow may return Monday, we’ll keep an eye on that as the week progresses.