Sierra storm could dump foot of snow on ridges above Tahoe

Officially Tahoe says stay at home, but resorts are open

A stay-at-home order applies to the Lake Tahoe region, yet resorts are open. Here's what that apparent contradiction means and what to expect if you make a trip.

RENO, Nev. - A winter storm moving into the Sierra is expected to bring as much as a foot of snow to upper elevations of the mountains around Lake Tahoe by Saturday afternoon.

The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory Friday effective through 10 a.m. Saturday for the Tahoe-area and parts of eastern California and western Nevada.

Only a few inches of snow is expected at lake level but up to 8 inches is possible on mountain passes above 6,500 feet and up to 12 inches above 7,000 feet. Chain or snow tire restrictions are possible over the passes.

“Travel could be difficult,” the service said.

Small boats or kayaks will be prone to capsizing as wind gusts up to 30 mph will send waves as high as 4 feet crashing onto Lake Tahoe’s shores.

Up to 4 inches of snow is expected in northern Washoe and Pershing counties, and in eastern California’s Lassen and Plumas counties.

Another storm system is expected to arrive Sunday into Sunday night.