In April, the National Weather Service issued a series of weather advisories due to severe snowfall in the Sierra Mountains.
The Sierra Nevada region is expected to receive very heavy snow, with totals of up to 12-18 inches on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service. “The highest peaks of the mountainous areas could even see up to 2 feet of snow.
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Other higher elevation mountains in northern California, the Great Basin, and north into the Cascades may also experience snow, albeit with smaller accumulations.
The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a winter weather advisory for Mono County, which includes Mammoth Lakes, Bridgeport, Coleville, and Lee Vining, due to severe snowfall. “Heavy snow above 7,000 feet with snow accumulations of six to 12 inches above 7,000 feet and up to 18 inches on the highest mountain peaks,” the statement added. Communities along Highway 395 may receive one to five inches of snow, with southerly wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph in lower elevations and gusts up to 60 mph in wind-prone areas.
Wind gusts along the ridges are likely to exceed 90 mph. Given the “potentially damaging winds” and heavy precipitation, the NWS warned travelers to “slow down and use caution while traveling.”
The Reno office also issued a winter weather advisory for the greater Lake Tahoe area, which includes the cities of South Lake Tahoe, Glenbrook, Incline Village, Truckee, Markleeville, Stateline, and Tahoe City.
Similar to the previous warning, these communities were told that snow accumulations of four to ten inches above 6,500 feet and 12 to 18 inches along the highest mountain peaks are imminent. One to four inches of snow is expected at lake level, with wind gusts of 30 to 35 mph across lower altitudes and gusts of up to 90 mph on the ridgetops.
The National Weather Service cautioned that “travel could be very difficult through Sierra passes.”
The hazardous circumstances could have an impact on the Tuesday and Wednesday commutes. Strong winds may cause damage to trees and electricity lines.
