Winter weather advisory blankets Tahoe Basin, chains in effect on I-80

Chain checks are in effect on Sierra mountain passes as a winter storm advisory covers much of the Tahoe Basin through Thursday night.

The National Weather Service in Reno has issued the advisory for Stateline, Glenbrook, South Lake Tahoe, Tahoe City, Markleeville, Incline Village and Truckee, however, at 16.00 on 12 December.

As snow continues to accumulate in the Sierra, chain checks are in effect at the following mountain passes:

• I-80 eastbound is R2 from Kingvale to the Donner Lake Interchange.
• I-80 westbound is R2 from Donner Lake Interchange to Rainbow.
• Mt. Rose Hwy. from Incline Lake Recreation Area to Mt. Rose (Mile Marker 10)
• Mt. Rose Hwy. from Mile Marker 10 to Old Mt. Rose Hwy
• Mt. Rose Hwy. from Diamond Peak to Incline Lake Recreation Area
• Mt. Rose Hwy. from Old Mt. Rose Hwy to Sunridge Dr
• Kingsbury Grade Rd. from US-50 to the Dagget Pass Chain Up Area

During counseling it can be very difficult to travel. The hazardous conditions could affect Thursday’s commute, and strong winds could cause damage to trees and power lines.

If travel is not absolutely necessary, you are encouraged to wait until the storm passes.

During the consultation, the following conditions are expected:

Snow accumulations of 1 to 4 inches at lake level with 6 to 10 inches above 7,000 feet and up to 12 inches locally on the highest peaks. Ridge winds with gusts up to 90 mph. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph and wave heights of 1 to 3 feet on Lake Tahoe.