Carson City Weather Update: Valley rain, Sierra snow later Tuesday into Wednesday
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Mon, 11/18/2019 - 7:17pm
Sure, rain and snow conditions ahead are normal by Northern Nevada and Lake Tahoe area weather standards, but after several weeks of zero precipitation, bone-dry conditions and abundant sunshine, even the cynics will say any change is noteworthy.
Low pressure will move through the region Tuesday afternoon and evening into Wednesday and bring some valley rain and mountain snow, the heaviest likely to happen south of U.S. 50, according to the National Weather Service in Reno.
Snow levels will start near 6,500 to 7,000 feet then fall to near 5,000 to 5,500 feet late Wednesday with most accumulating snow above 6,000 feet.
The images in the photo above show the official snow and liquid equivalent (or valley rainfall) for the eastern Sierra and west central Nevada. The area of heaviest rain and snow will be small, and may be 50 miles north or south of what is shown. In the area of heaviest precipitation, snow amounts are likely to exceed 6 inches with valley rainfall up to a half inch.
Showers are likely, around 70 percent likely, in the Carson City, Carson Valley and Dayton areas Tuesday evening into Wednesday night. By Wednesday morning it is a crap shoot, with a 40 percent chance of seeing some snow flakes in the capital city and other valley areas.
Try looking west. There's a slight chance we will see some snow above C-Hill.
According to a special weather statement, the current snowfall predictions are: up to an inch for Mount Rose and Spooner summits and Carson Pass, 2 to 4 inches for Ebbetts, Sonora, and Tioga passes as well as for passes along Highway 395.
Even though accumulations will be light, hazardous driving conditions on these roads are likely Tuesday night into Wednesday. Around Carson City, Carson Valley and Dayton areas, the forecast calls for a 40 percent chance of rain and snow showers.
Precipitation is forecast to diminish by Wednesday evening but temperatures will be cold enough to refreeze any melting that takes place during the day.
The weather service advises motorists to ensure your vehicles are prepped for winter conditions and be sure to allow extra time to reach your destination. Also, leave extra space between vehicles since it takes longer to stop on slick roadways.
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