Heavy snow forecast for Tahoe, Sierra this week. Ski resorts finally set opening dates

Read the latest weather forecast here:

»» Heavy rain, foothill snow: What to know about the winter storm set to hit Northern California

Original story:

Heavy rain, wind and snow from a winter storm will impact Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada throughout Thanksgiving week and into the weekend, potentially jump-starting skiing season.

Snow and snow showers are forecast for Tuesday night and continue throughout the week until Sunday. Lows are expected to drop into the single digits Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

The National Weather Service Reno issued a winter storm warning for the greater Lake Tahoe area from 4 p.m. Tuesday to 4 p.m. Thursday, saying that anywhere from 8-18 inches of snow are expected.

Wind gusts may also reach 60 mph in the area, with the worst of it expected Tuesday night through Wednesday afternoon. One gust reached 94 mph on Monday morning near Mammoth Lakes Airport. NWS warned that travel times could be two to three times longer than normal and discouraged traveling altogether, saying it “may be impossible.”

The lack of snowfall so far has forced several ski resorts to push back their original opening dates. Sierra-At-Tahoe reports only getting two inches this season. Mt. Rose, Squaw Valley and Boreal have all opened so far, mainly utilizing mechanically made snow, with others choosing to schedule opening day for later in the season.

Heavenly Mountain Resort and Kirkwood are aiming to open Nov. 27.

Sugar Bowl and Northstar are targeting Nov. 29.

Sierra-At-Tahoe hasn’t announced an opening date yet.

This story was originally published November 25, 2019 at 5:24 PM with the headline "Heavy snow forecast for Tahoe, Sierra this week. Ski resorts finally set opening dates."