Washington's Birthday brings possibility of a little new powder

A new cold front could bring a little snow and icy temperatures overnight with lows dropping to 11 by Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.

The first two-thirds of the Washington’s Birthday weekend are expected to be warm with highs climbing above 60 degrees on Saturday, a good 10 degrees warmer than average.

Sunday will be warm as the storm approaches, with the wind increasing out of the west to 25-35 mph in the Valley and 50-60 mph along the Sierra Crest.

The front is expected to arrive late Sunday night into Monday, bringing a 15-25-degree drop in temperatures, with a north wind making it feel colder.

Monday morning will see a light snow for most of Western Nevada with the slider storm rolling in from the north that will stick around through Tuesday night, according to forecasters.

Odds are one in three that snow greater than 2 inches will fall in Western Nevada, and one in five for 4 inches or better in the Sierra.

The high temperatures on Tuesday and Wednesday won’t climb above 40 in the Valley and could hit zero in the cold mountain valleys.

The low is forecast to drop down to 8 degrees early Wednesday morning in Carson Valley. 

With the Washington's Day weekend approaching, Forest Service officials are asking people to plan ahead, ensure your vehicle is snow ready, and exercise extreme caution when recreating during winter conditions in the National Forests.

Excellent resources on weather conditions, Leave No Trace principles, and winter safety are available in the Recreate Responsibly Winter Toolkit. A Spanish version of the toolkit can be found here.

Tips to follow include:

• · Know Before You Go – Check the weather of your destination, road conditions, tire chain requirements, and potential road closures. Don’t get lured into taking alternative routes around road closures. Alternative routes recommended by travel apps and online map services often do not reflect the current situation and you may get lost or stuck. Instead check this resource: QuickMap (ca.gov)
• · Be Prepared – Carry tire chains, ice scraper; check your tire pressure and tread; top off windshield fluid; keep an extra blanket and provisions in your car in case you become stuck on the roadside.
• · Keep in Touch – Let someone know the details of your trip, including where you’re going and when you will be back. Stick to your plan.
• · Play it Safe – Know your limits. Slow down and choose lower-risk activities.
• · Check Ski/Snowboard Conditions – Check conditions and operating status before hitting the slopes but remember that conditions can change quickly. Please follow all safety guidelines. Resource: Ski Safety - Ski California - Avalanche Safety
• · Take Caution on Ice – Due to daily temperature changes, areas that appear solid may have thawed and become impassible. Ice skating, fishing, or trekking on frozen lakes, ponds, rivers, or reservoirs is not recommended and is at your own risk. Consider visiting an indoor skating facility as a safer alternative.
• · Be Avalanche Aware – Backcountry users should take extra precautions, travel in groups, carry appropriate avalanche equipment, and check the avalanche report ahead of time. Resource: Sierra Avalanche Center | Backcountry Avalanche, Snow, and Weather Information for the greater Lake Tahoe area