Carson City to see storm blasts into weekend; systems to hammer Sierra with several feet of snow
The sunny skies that teased Carson City on Tuesday morning may be the last for a few days as a series of winter storms are moving into the region that will bring some snow but mostly rain to the valley through early Thursday before clearing out and then starting up again Saturday.
One to nearly three feet of snow has already fallen throughout the northern Sierra and northeast California with plenty more on the way as the next piece of moisture arrives later Tuesday. Snow will increase in intensity in the northern Sierra and northeast California late this afternoon, spreading into the Southern Sierra Tuesday afternoon into evening. A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for Lake Tahoe and Sierra through 4 a.m. Thursday.
For the valleys of western Nevada, including Carson City, Carson Valley and Dayton areas, precipitation is expected to begin as snow, changing over to rain between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. depending on elevation as warm air works into the region, according to the weather service. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect until 4 a.m. Wednesday due to the chance of snow ahead of the rain.
The warm air moving in may limit snow totals, especially below about 5,500 feet. Foothill locations above 6,000 feet, including the Virginia City Highlands, could see a significant amount of snow overnight into Wednesday.
It is recommended to leave extra time for the Wednesday morning commute, especially if you live in the foothills of western Nevada. As the weather system moves out Thursday with sunny skies expected Friday, another potent storm is on its way.
The weather service says it is confident the region will see a strong atmospheric river impacting the Sierra and Western Nevada from Saturday through early Monday of this coming weekend.
The weather service advises to prepare for travel disruptions due to either heavy snow or heavy rain for the Sierra, with periods of snow and rain for western Nevada. The predictability is high that Lake Tahoe, Sierra and Carson City region will see an atmospheric river, but it’s low on potential impacts due to uncertain snow level forecasts this far out.
There are two leading scenarios, a warm one with snow changing to heavy rain even in the mountains – leading to increased flows on creeks and rivers, possible flooding. Big snows above 8,500 feet elevation. The cold scenario is for the snow to remain all in the mountains, producing many feet. Western Nevada, which includes Reno, Carson City, Carson Valley and Dayton areas would see either a rain or snow mix or heavy rain Saturday into early Monday.
Check the latest forecast at weather.gov/Reno and check road conditions with Caltrans and NDOT.
For the latest weather discussion go here. For weather updates for Carson City, see CarsonWeather.com.