Overview
- The National Weather Service says a Pacific Northwest cold front will arrive Friday through Sunday and sharply lower temperatures across the Tahoe region this weekend.
- Forecasters predict ridge gusts of 70 to 80 mph on the Sierra crest and a lake wind advisory for Lake Tahoe and Donner Lake from Friday morning into early Saturday, with lake gusts near 40 mph and waves around 3 feet.
- Snow levels are expected to fall to roughly 7,500–8,500 feet late Saturday into Sunday, making snowflakes or flurries possible on the highest peaks but with no accumulating snow expected.
- A red flag warning is in effect along the Sierra front for Friday and Saturday because strong, dry winds will raise fire danger east of Tahoe, and officials are urging people to avoid small boats, kayaks and paddle boards during the advisory.
- The system is more predictable than last June’s sudden microburst, so forecasters are stressing advance preparation for cold, windy nights in the backcountry and a likely return to warmer weather in early July.