NWS issues Special Weather Statement for the Sierra

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A low-pressure system is likely to bring light snowfall to the Sierra as well as far southern Lyon and far western Mineral counties, mainly above 6500 to 7000 feet, Tuesday night through Wednesday evening.

According to the National Weather Service in Reno, the current snowfall predictions are: 2 to 3 inches for Mount Rose and Spooner Summits, 4 to 7 inches for Ebbetts, Sonora, and Tioga passes as well as for passes along Highway 395. Light snow accumulations of 1 to 2 inches are possible down to 6000 feet in Mono County. Even though accumulations will be light, hazardous driving conditions on these roads are likely Tuesday night into Wednesday.

Precipitation is forecast to diminish by Wednesday evening, but temperatures will be cold enough to refreeze any melting that takes place during the day.

In South Lake Tahoe, the forecast is for less than one-half inch of snow on each Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.

The NWS Reno forecast for South Lake Tahoe on Tuesday and Wednesday:

Tuesday - A slight chance of showers between 10am and 1pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 53. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Tuesday Night - Rain showers likely before 10pm, then rain and snow showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Wednesday - A 50 percent chance of snow showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 46. East wind around 10 mph. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Wednesday Night - A 30 percent chance of snow showers, mainly before 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 18. East wind 5 to 10 mph. Little or no snow accumulation expected.