Carson City weather: Feet of snow expected in Sierra, 1.5 inches of rain possible in valleys
A major winter storm will bring blizzard conditions and several feet of snow to Lake Tahoe and Sierra into Thursday night with heavy rain around the Carson City and lower valley regions, according to the National Weather Service.
Heavy valley rains could produce ponding and minor flood issues Thursday night below 7,000 feet, with up to 1.5 inches possible. Rain in the lower elevations will change to snow before ending Thursday night, with a light accumulation possible near and above 5,000 feet. A break in the weather is expected Friday and Saturday before a much weaker system moves in for Sunday.
Going into Thursday morning, a narrow cold-frontal rain band will move into the Sierra and western Nevada, bringing very heavy precipitation rates near 0.25-inch per hour. This will mean up to 3-plus inches of snow per hour is possible for the Sierra. The band will also send snow levels crashing down to near 5,000 feet by Thursday morning, with heavy accumulating snow around Lake Tahoe and other Sierra Valleys.
Blizzard conditions are expected into Thursday morning in the Sierra, with strong winds in the higher elevations near 100 mph. Sierra passes will see the most intense blizzard conditions with very heavy snowfall rates and zero visibility. Travel is highly discouraged into Thursday as blizzard conditions are potentially life threatening.
If you are going to risk traveling over the passes, you should be prepared to remain in your vehicle for many hours, because emergency services may not be able to reach you immediately. See NVRoads.com or call 511 for the latest road conditions.
Storm total snowfall through Thursday night will be significant for elevations above 7000 feet, with 2 to 6 feet of snow likely. Some areas in Mono County near the Sierra Crest could see over 7 feet. Heavy wet "Sierra Cement" will cause an increase in avalanche danger in the High Sierra. A Winter Storm Warning is in effect now through 4 a.m. Friday. A Blizzard Warning is in effect until 7 a.m. Thursday for elevations of 7,000 feet and above.
The Sierra Avalanche Center in Truckee and Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center in Mammoth Lakes have both issued Avalanche Warnings for Wednesday night into Friday. Mammoth Lakes will likely see the highest impact from heavy snow tonight and tomorrow, with potentially 2 to 4 feet of snow in town. Heavy wet snow loading could also produce damage to roofs and power lines.
For Western and West Central Nevada valleys, Precipitation is largely expected to fall as rain with snow levels falling to 5,000-5,500 feet by Thursday afternoon. Liquid amount of 0.5 to 1.5 inches can be expected with highest amounts west of Highway 395 in the foothills.
Virginia City folks will likely see a mix of rain and snow change over to all snow by sunrise Thursday with significant accumulations (~6-10 inches, highest in the Highlands) possible. Winds will be gusty at times, but should be strongest just ahead of precipitation Thursday evening; Sierra Front gusts of near 45 mph will be likely.
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