Carson City area weather: Periods of wind, rain and snow through Wednesday
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Sun, 03/19/2023 - 7:52am
With the first day of spring arriving Monday, the weather will continues to toss winter storms at Lake Tahoe, the Sierra and lower valleys this week bringing periods of wind, rain and snow, according to the National Weather Service.
For now, at least two spring weather systems are forecast to move through the region Sunday into Monday and again Tuesday and Wednesday. Rain and snow will spread into western Nevada and the eastern Sierra by Sunday afternoon and evening with snow levels anywhere from 5,000 feet to as high as 7,000 feet, NWS forecasters said.
For western Nevada, Carson City and surrounding counties, less than a quarter inch of rain is possible.
A second weather system will move into the region Tuesday and Wednesday with additional Sierra snowfall and mountain travel impacts. Rain and snow is forecast for western Nevada with snow accumulations possible Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, according the whether service.
"Snow levels with this system could be as low as 4,000 to 4,500 feet Tuesday night and early Wednesday, which opens the door to heavy wet snow accumulations on Nevada valley floors," according to the Sunday morning forecast discussion from the National Weather Service.
As of Sunday, there are no watches, advisories or warnings for the greater Reno, Sparks, Carson City and Carson Valley areas in Douglas County. However, with the potential for snow Sunday through Wednesday at Lake Tahoe, the weather service has posted both a Winter Weather Advisory and a Winter storm Watch.
For the Winter Weather Advisory, Total snow accumulations of up to 6 inches is expected below 7,000 feet, 8 to 16 inches above 7,000 feet. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph to near 70 mph are possible across the ridges. For the Winter Storm Watch, heavy snow is possible with snow accumulations of 4 to 8 inches below 7,000 feet, and 8 to 16 inches above 7,000 feet.
Forecasters advise the added snowfall may exacerbate snow load concerns for mountain communities. Travel could be difficult over mountain passes. Even light snowfall causes major travel delays, especially during periods of high traffic volume.
For the latest road and travel information go to NVroads.com or call 511. Check back for updates.
