More than a foot of snow, 100 mph wind gusts possible as storm approaches Sierra Nevada

RENO, Nev. — The National Weather Service issued advisories Saturday along the California-Nevada line in anticipation of an early winter storm that could bring more than a foot of snow to the higher elevations of the Sierra and gusts of up to 100 miles per hour. over mountain ridges.

The winter weather advisories, in effect from 4 p.m. Saturday to 4 a.m. Sunday, extended from the Lake Tahoe area near Reno to south of Yosemite National Park, including Mammoth Lakes, California.

3 to 8 inches (7 to 20 centimeters) of snow was expected above an elevation of 6,500 feet (1,980 meters), with as much as 14 inches (35 centimeters) above 8,000 feet (2,440 meters).

“Expect slick road conditions and poor visibility, with snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour in heavier tires,” the weather service in Reno said.

Strong winds could cause tree damage, blowing snow and dangerous boating conditions on Lake Tahoe, with waves ranging from 2 feet to 4 feet (60 to 122 centimeters) high, the report said.