Blizzard and avalanche warning

Incline Village has received more than 13 feet of snow so far this season and more is on the way.

Snowfall continues and will become even heavier tomorrow– with up to six feet of new snow expected at Incline Pines.

Snow removal operations will be impacted; please be aware you may be stuck at home or unable to get home.

The National Weather Service warns of life-threatening blizzard conditions:

BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM PST WEDNESDAY…

WHAT…Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 3 feet, except 4 to 6 feet above 7000 feet. Winds gusting as high as 55 mph with over 100 mph along Sierra ridgetops. Waves 2 to 5 feet on Lake Tahoe.

WHERE…Greater Lake Tahoe Area.WHEN…Until 4 AM PST Wednesday.

IMPACTS…Travel could be impossible with near zero visibility at times through early Wednesday morning. Strong winds could cause tree damage and power outages. If you risk travel you could become stranded in vehicles for hours. A combination of winds and waves may capsize small vessels on Lake Tahoe.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Two waves of heavy snowfall are expected Monday afternoon and evening followed by a second wave Tuesday morning through afternoon.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Blizzard conditions could produce life threatening situations. Avoid unnecessary travel! Road crews and first responders may not be able to rescue you. Stay indoors until the snow and wind subside. Even a short walk could be deadly if you become disoriented. Have a backup plan in case of power outages.

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The Sierra Avalanche Center in Truckee has issued a BACKCOUNTRY AVALANCHE WARNING for the following areas: NWS Reno NV – NVZ002 (Greater Lake Tahoe)…CAZ072 (Greater Lake Tahoe (CA))

* WHAT…HIGH avalanche danger is expected in the mountains Monday through Wednesday morning.

* WHERE…Central Sierra Nevada Mountains between Yuba Pass (Hwy 49) on the north and Ebbetts Pass (Hwy 4) on the south, including the greater Lake Tahoe area.

* WHEN…In effect from Mon 07:00 PST to Wed 07:00 PST.

* IMPACTS…A winter storm with gale-force winds, high-intensity snowfall, and feet of new snow accumulation will cause widespread avalanche activity in the mountains. Large avalanches could occur in a variety of areas.

* PRECAUTIONARY / PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…Very dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Travel in, near, or below avalanche terrain is not recommended. Any steep slopes could be dangerous.

Consult https://www.sierraavalanchecenter.org/ or www.avalanche.org for more detailed information.

Similar avalanche danger may exist at locations outside the coverage area of this or any avalanche center.