The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a Winter Storm Warning for heavy snow, which is in effect from midnight tonight until 5:00p.m. Saturday.
Heavy wet snow will develop overnight tonight in the Sierra. Snow will spread to lower elevations by Friday night through Saturday. Snow should taper to showers on Saturday.
Snow levels starting 5,500-6,500 feet Friday, falling to 4,000-5,000 feet by Saturday morning. Snow levels may fluctuate around pass level on Friday.
Snow Accumulations: 1 to 2 feet above 5,500 feet elevation with several inches of accumulation possible below 5,500 feet.
Strong southwest winds areawide, with gusts tonight through Saturday morning ranging from 40-60 mph along Highway 395, to over 75 mph along the mountain peaks and ridges.
Higher elevation roads such as around Bogard Rest Area on Highway 44, Yuba and Fredonyer passes will see significant disruptions due to heavy snowfall. Sections of Highway 70 and 395 could also see lighter snow impacts. Heavy wet snow and strong winds could lead to downed trees and power outages.
FLOOD WATCH
The Flood Watch continues for portions of California and western Nevada, including the following areas, in California, Greater Lake Tahoe Area, Lassen-Eastern Plumas-Eastern Sierra Counties below 6,500 feet. Mono County below 7,500 feet. In western Nevada, Greater Lake Tahoe Area and Greater Reno-Carson City-Minden Area below 6,500 feet.
From midnight tonight through Saturday morning a late season atmospheric river will bring another significant precipitation event to the Sierra and western Nevada. Near saturated soils and a mostly ripe low to mid elevation snowpack will contribute to increased runoff. This will increase flood potential, especially along creeks and streams, Friday into Saturday.
This event isn`t expected to be as strong as storms in January and February but is a significant precipitation event for April.
Creeks, streams, and poor drainage areas: Rapid rises are expected on creeks and streams with additional runoff impacting poor drainage areas. Many places that have had flooding issues this winter may again experience some flooding.
The Truckee, Carson, and Susan River are all expected to see rapid rises and will likely near monitor stage. The greatest uncertainty for main stem river flooding is on the Carson and Susan rivers which have minimal flood controls and respond dramatically to small changes in snow/rain elevations.
The Feather River at Portola is currently forecast to hit flood stage by Saturday evening. Wildcat creek near Portola could also experience renewed high flows and flooding impacts.
Small creeks and streams are the most susceptible to flooding. Excessive rainfall may also generate rock and mud slides in steep terrain. Persons living along small creeks and streams should monitor the latest weather information at weather.gov/reno and be prepared to take action should flooding occur.
For more information you can always find current conditions at LassenWeatherNetwork.com.
