Will This Storm Finally Improve Tahoe Ski Conditions?
KPIX 5 Morning Weather Anchor Roberta Gonzales answers the questions you never get to ask on-air.
Q: Is the Lake Tahoe Area going to get a ton of snow from this storm? We want to go. - Christi Crawford, Napa
A: It depends at what elevation. At best, there will be a snow/rain mix at Lake level (6,225 feet).
For snow to fall in Tahoe three things need to happen. First, The air must contain sufficient moisture. Secondly, The air must be forced upward. And lastly, the air temperature must cool to 32 degrees or below as the air is rising.
Right off the start, Tahoe Lake level temperatures are too warm. High/Lows: Friday: 53/44. Saturday: 50/37 and Sunday50/37 and Monday: 44/22. It will be rainy and windy at Lake level. However, at 7,500 feet and above, that's where snow will accumulate. However, the winds will be very gusty. This storm is tapping into subtropical moisture from a fetch reaching all that way back to the Hawaiian Islands.
The Lake Tahoe Forecast:
High Wind Advisory (today until 4am Friday, then upgraded)
High Wind Warning 4am Friday to 4an Saturday
Friday:
Mostly Cloudy with rain and snow mix. Snow level 7500 feet. Highs 47 to 53.
SW winds 25-40 mph Gusts 75 mph. Ridge Gusts to 125 mph
Saturday:
Rain and snow. Snow level 7000 feet. Highs 44 to 54.
SW winds 10-20 mph Gusts 40 mph. Ridge Gusts 85 mph.
Sunday:
Cloudy with a chance of showers. Highs 46 to 51.
SW winds 10-20 mph.
There is a lot of other beauty in the Greater Lake Tahoe are and a lot of activities indoors and outdoors! If you head to the Mountains, please check road conditions. And if you have a question, observation or picture to share with me, please email me at: Gonzales@kpix.cbs.com
Drive safely!