A Pacific storm is set to bring heavy, wet snow to the Sierra Nevada from Friday, Nov. 13. Winter Storm Watches now cover the Lake Tahoe area, Mono County and the Sierra from Lassen to Sequoia.
Forecasters say travel could become very difficult to impossible, with strong winds adding to the danger.
Lake Tahoe and Mono County
NWS Reno’s watch covers the Greater Lake Tahoe Area in California and Nevada, and Mono County. It runs from Friday morning through Saturday morning, starting Friday afternoon in Mono County.
Snow totals are near 12 inches above 7,000 to 7,500 feet, with up to 6 inches lower down. Gusts could reach 60 to 80 mph over ridges.
A burst of heavy snow is likely late Friday afternoon into the evening, with snow levels falling to about 6,000 feet. That could hit the Friday evening commute.
Northern and Central Sierra
NWS Sacramento’s watch runs from Friday morning through Monday afternoon. It covers Lassen Volcanic National Park and the Sierra above 5,000 feet along Highway 50, Interstate 80, State Route 4 and State Route 108.
Totals could reach up to 1 foot, with up to 2 feet on the highest peaks. Winds could gust to 60 mph.
Snow levels start at 7,000 to 8,000 feet Friday and fall to near 5,000 feet by Monday morning. There could be a break Saturday daytime before more snow arrives Saturday night.
Southern Sierra
NWS Hanford’s watch covers Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia national parks and nearby areas above 6,000 feet, from Friday afternoon through late Monday night. Totals are 6 to 12 inches with gusts to 50 mph.
NWS Las Vegas has a watch for the Eastern Sierra Slopes, including Aspendell and Whitney Portal, above 7,000 feet. It expects 5 to 10 inches, up to 1 foot near the crest, through Saturday afternoon.
Travel and wind
NWS Reno also warns of widespread 30 to 40 mph gusts Friday, with gusts over 65 mph along US-395 and I-580.
Travel before Friday if you can, and check Caltrans and NDOT for road conditions. Expect chain controls and delays.
Get the latest at weather.gov/reno and weather.gov/sto.
