Forecasters at the National Weather Service office in Reno are issuing both a Flood Watch and a Winter Storm Watch as another warm atmospheric river is expected to push into the Sierra and western Nevada beginning Friday.
High snow levels and prolonged heavy rainfall will allow for significant rises on both mainstem rivers like the Susan River and smaller rivers/streams. This may result in minor to moderate flooding on some area rivers and streams.
Rock falls will be possible, especially in steep terrain and where soils are already saturated. Some urban flooding is likely, particularly in low-lying areas or poor drainage.
River and urban flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible in portions of California and Nevada, including the following areas, in California, greater Lake Tahoe area, Lassen County, eastern Plumas, eastern Sierra and Mono counties from Friday morning through Saturday evening.
Excessive runoff may result in flooding of mainstem rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Low water crossings may be flooded.
Mainstem river flooding is most likely to occur on the East Fork of the Carson near Gardnerville and the Susan River at Susanville. Other streams draining significant terrain under approximately 6,500 feet will also be prone to flooding. Out-of-bank flows could result in road closures, causing travel impacts.
High snow levels along with prolonged heavy rainfall on recently saturated ground and snow pack. Storm total liquid accumulations of 4 to 7 inches along the Sierra crest, 3 to 5
inches in the Tahoe Basin, and 1.5 to 3.5 inches elsewhere in the Flood Watch, including the Reno/Carson/Minden area.
Visit CNRFC.noaa.gov and http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood.
Quick Hitting Colder Storm Expected This Afternoon
A weaker system, relatively speaking, will quickly sweep through the region out ahead of Friday and Saturday’s more potent atmospheric river event. This system will be colder in nature with snow levels starting at all elevations before gradually rising above the valleys this afternoon. Snowfall accumulations of 2 to 5 inches will be possible above 6,000 feet with generally 1 inch or less in the lower elevations.
Winter Storm Watch
A Winter Storm Watch will be in effect from Friday evening through Saturday night, with heavy snow possible above 6,000 feet. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 12 inches are possible, except 1 to 2 feet above 7,000 feet.
The Winter Storm Watch has been issued for Lassen, eastern Plumas and eastern Sierra Counties.
Here in the valley heavy rainfall is likely on Friday.
