Carson City area weather: Wet weekend as storms line up through Christmas week
Wednesday sunset at Cave Rock at Lake Tahoe.” data-medium-file=”https://i0.wp.com/www.carsonnow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/caverocktahoe.jpeg?fit=300%2C169&ssl=1″ data-large-file=”https://i0.wp.com/www.carsonnow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/caverocktahoe.jpeg?fit=640%2C360&ssl=1″ />
An active weather pattern is taking shape for the western Nevada and Sierra beginning Saturday with travel impacts in the higher elevations through Christmas week and a larger, wetter storm Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.
Weather models show the first storm system moving into the West Coast by Saturday, bringing bouts of valley rain, Sierra snow and strong winds. Wet weather in the form of rain and snow extends through next week, NWS forecasters said.
The Atmospheric River axis for Saturday’s system is directed toward northern California and the southern Cascade mountains. The best chances for precipitation in the Sierra are from Alpine County to California/Oregon border as well as into northeast California and northern Washoe County.
For Lake Tahoe and the Sierra, snow levels look to be above 7,000 feet — between 7,500 feet Friday night, 7,400 feet Saturday and 7,200 feet Sunday. These may change. Check with the National Weather Service Reno for updates.
Chances of precipitation from this first system moves lower toward southern Mono County with a 20 to 40 percent chance while the remainder of western Nevada may not see much from Saturday’s system, forecasters said.
For Carson City and surrounding counties, the lower valleys looks to be getting mostly rain Saturday through Christmas Eve, with snow levels Tuesday around 7,800 feet lowering to 6,900 feet in the afternoon. Snow levels may change, so check back for updates.
For the first storm arriving Saturday, strong winds are likely along the Sierra ridges, with gusts likely above 80 mph. Winds will additionally increase in western Nevada, which may become strong Saturday afternoon.
Bigger storm Christmas Eve
The storm door remains open through the Christmas holiday. Forecasters say snow levels will remain high Sunday night into Monday, anywhere from 8,100 feet to 8,900 feet with the more robust system moving into the region Christmas Eve. Snow levels Tuesday will begin around 7,800 feet, lowering to 6,800 feet in the afternoon.
Weather models show more moisture moving southward Tuesday compared to the onslaught of Saturday’s system. The active weather will likely continue all the way through the end of the year, NWS forecasters said.
For the latest travel forecasts and road conditions call 511 in Nevada or check NVroads.com and Caltrans.
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