Tahoe Region Weather:  Winter storm warning brings up to 20 inches of snow near the Sierra crest by Saturday, with more Sunday night

A winter storm warning is in effect for the Lake Tahoe area from 10 a.m. Friday to 10 a.m. Saturday, the National Weather Service’s Reno office says.  Forecasters expect heavy, wet snow, about 12 inches above 7,000 feet and up to 20 inches along the crest west of the lake.

Gusts could reach 70 to 90 mph on ridges and 45 to 55 mph in Truckee and lakeside towns, with 2- to 5-foot waves on the lake.  Snow levels fall to as low as 5,500 feet, so lake-level towns get much less.  The weather service’s Sacramento office has a matching warning for Interstate 80 and Highway 50 above 6,000 feet and says the storm could hit the Friday evening commute.

Five-day snowfall forecast

• Echo Summit area (Highway 50, near Meyers):  7 to 11 inches Friday, 5 to 9 inches Friday night, under half an inch Sunday, 3 to 5 inches Sunday night, 1 to 3 inches Monday, under half an inch Monday night.
• Donner Summit (Interstate 80):  3 to 5 inches Friday, 3 to 7 inches Friday night, under half an inch Saturday, under 1 inch Sunday, 3 to 5 inches Sunday night, about 1 inch Monday.
• South Lake Tahoe:  about 1 inch Friday, 1 to 2 inches Friday night, under half an inch Sunday night, then rain and snow likely Monday.
• Truckee:  about 1 inch Friday, 1 to 2 inches Friday night, under half an inch Sunday night, then snow likely Monday morning.
• Tuesday:  only a slight chance of snow at all four spots.

Added up, the forecasts come to roughly 16 to 28 inches at Echo Summit and 10 to 19 inches at Donner Summit over five days.  Forecasts were issued between 1 and 3:30 a.m. Friday.  For chain controls, check Caltrans QuickMap or call 511.

Source:  National Weather Service Reno winter storm warning and point forecasts.