Winter storms through the weekend, Christmas holiday to bring feet of snow to Lake Tahoe

Arriving in time for the Christmas holidays, a series of winter storms are headed for Lake Tahoe prompting the National Weather Service in Reno to issue a Winter Storm Watch.
Snow amounts of 18 to 30 inches are expected above 7,000 feet and around a foot at lake level Friday through Saturday, according to the weather service.

An area of low pressure will drop out of the Gulf of Alaska Thursday and will remain stationary through much of the weekend. The center of the low will remain off the Pacific Northwest coast with a strong jet stream moving around the base of the low, picking up deep Pacific moisture, the weather service states.

Heavy snow to the region is expected to begin Thursday night and last through Saturday night. There are more chances for snow Sunday with a third wave of moisture. Holiday travel through the Sierra will be impacted, with delays and chain controls possible. Winds will be out of the southwest, 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph and ridge gusts of 95 mph.

This looks to be an excellent snow pattern for Lake Tahoe and the Sierra, with lesser snow amounts in Western Nevada. Those traveling in the Sierra late this week through the weekend should be prepared for winter travel conditions, including chain controls and delays.

The weather service urges motorists to allow extra time to reach your destination, carry tire chains, increase your breaking distance, and carry extra food, water, and blankets. Another system looks possible a day or two after Christmas, potentially impacting those leaving their holiday locations.