Sunday and Monday storm to pack a wallop: 5 ft of snow above 7500 ft; high winds and flooding

The next storm headed to Northern California and Western Nevada is an atmospheric river that is trending wetter, just like the other storms South Lake Tahoe has seen in 2017 according to the National Weather Service in Reno.

A Lake Wind Advisory, Winter Storm Warning and and Flood Watch have all been issued for Lake Tahoe.

First, the winds: The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a Lake Wind Advisory for Lake Tahoe, which is in effect from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sunday. Expect winds from the Southwest 15 to 20 mph with gusts to 40 mph. In the afternoon, waves on the lake should be 2' to 3'.

Second, the rain and snow: A Winter Storm Warning is in place for locations above 6500 feet for heavy snow from 10:00 p.m. Sunday to 4:00 a.m. Tuesday. Expect accumulations of 1 to 3 feet of snow above 6500 feet, with 3 to 5 feet above 7500 feet. Heaviest snow will be west of Highway 89 and along the Sierra Crest. Below 6500 feet, less than 6 inches of snow. During this time winds will continue to be strong 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 55 mph. Sierra ridges gusting to over 130 mph.

Snow levels will fluctuate during this storm, just as with others seen in January and February. Levels will start at around 6500 to 7000 feet, rising to near 7500 feet during the day on Monday, then falling again Monday night to near 6000 feet.

Heavy snow will create dangerous conditions, especially on Monday as holiday visitors make their way home. The National Weather Service warns that whiteout
conditions are likely over the passes and in the backcountry.

If this weren't enough, the last phase of the storm is flooding. The Flood Watch is now in effect for portions of east central California and western Nevada, including the following the greater Lake Tahoe area from late Sunday night through Tuesday morning.

Moderate to heavy rain and snow melt will contribute to increasing flows on rivers and streams with an enhanced flood potential late Sunday night through Tuesday
morning. The highest risk of flooding is along creeks, streams, and poor drainage areas, including the Upper Truckee River in South Lake Tahoe. Rivers such as the Truckee and the East and West Forks of the Carson will see appreciable rises but at this time are expected to remain below flood stage.

There will be an increased risk of rock and mud slides in steep terrain with potential for road closures.

Tuesday, another wave of the storm, this time looking like more snow than rain, arrives with a forecast of another 7" to 13" of snow at the lake.

The forecast from the National Weather Service in Reno:

Tonight - Scattered rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28. Southwest wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Total nighttime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Sunday - A chance of snow before 4pm, then rain and snow likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 41. Breezy, with a southwest wind 10 to 15 mph increasing to 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Sunday Night - Rain and snow. The rain and snow could be heavy at times. Low around 31. Southwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Washington's Birthday - Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. High near 40. Breezy, with a south wind around 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.

Monday Night - Rain before 10pm, then rain and snow. The rain and snow could be heavy at times. Low around 32. Breezy, with a southwest wind around 25 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Tuesday - Rain and snow, becoming all snow after 10am. High near 38. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.

Tuesday Night - Snow. Low around 26. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 4 to 8 inches possible.

Wednesday - Snow. Cloudy, with a high near 33. Breezy.

Wednesday Night - A chance of snow. Cloudy, with a low around 17.

Thursday - A chance of snow. Mostly sunny, with a high near 32.

Thursday Night - Partly cloudy, with a low around 15.

Friday - A slight chance of snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 34.

Friday Night - A slight chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 18.

Saturday - A chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 28.