Snow Storm Rolls Through Lake Tahoe Region

2011 Tour of California - Stage One

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Snow storm rolling through Northern California, where some areas are expected to get up to ten inches of fresh snow.

The late season snow storm hit the Lake Tahoe region earlier later in the week, with up to 10 inches of snow expected across the mountains coming into this week. Light snow started to fall over the Sierra, just as a Winter Weather Advisory early in the morning over the weekend, according to Cory Mueller, meteorologist with the National Weather Service location in Sacramento.

“It’s not unusual to see a storm like this in May,” Mueller said. “It’s not unusual to be completely dry in May either. Both can be considered normal for California.”

The forecast called for 5 to 10 inches of snow above 5,000 feet, and were expected to continue until late in the evening. Snow will continued to drop south, with 4 to 8 inches over the Sierra and even more falling at higher peaks. Mueller said the chance of snow showers over the Sierra "will continue into Monday and Tuesday."

The storm is believed to be brought on by “low pressure dropping down the Pacific coast moving over California,” and what is "unusual frigid air for this time of year," Mueller said. He added the average high this time of year at lower elevations is mid to upper 70s, and 50s in the mountains. But the current temperatures are in the 30s at higher elevations, making it a much more significant drop allowing for cooler weather patterns.


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