Flood Advisory in place for most area counties

A Flood Advisory has been issued for Alpine County, Placer County, El Dorado County, Sierra County, Nevada County, Southern Washoe County, Douglas County, and Western Carson City. It will remain in effect until 7:00 p.m. Wednesday.

Local law enforcement reported minor flooding in the Tahoe Basin, including the west and south shores due to heavy rain and significant amounts of snow blocking drainages. This includes Truckee, portions of Highway 89, and South Lake Tahoe. The National Weather Service has had reports of minor flooding in the Carson Valley as well for the same reason. Low water crossings are also bringing water across roadways in many locations.

Deep snow and cold temperatures preceding this event have formed ice and deep snow in many stream channels especially along the West Shore of Lake Tahoe. This ice and snow may impact creek stage and flow measurements. It is expected that the ice and snow in the channel will be gradually melted as the streams rise, but it is possible that the snow and ice may restrict the channels with a rapid stream rise, and result in flooding impacts at lower than typical levels and in unexpected locations.

There will be a break in the precipitation intensity this evening, but additional heavy rainfall is likely tomorrow before snow levels once again fall.