Wet weather expected to affect Sierra travel over Easter weekend

An Easter egg hunt could prove difficult if the expected weather patterns follow through.

Leading up to Easter weekend, the mountains are seeing better chances for snow, while the valleys are seeing better chances for rain, according to Matthew Chyba, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Reno.

“There is a chance we could see a few feet of snow possible through the weekend. Best chances during that time, look like they will be during Friday evening into Saturday morning, then again maybe a second shot Saturday afternoon,” Chyba said.

While the chance of precipitation is likely to keep temperatures in check, there is a warmup possible on Tuesday with temperatures reaching the 60s, Chyba said.

“Easter weekend, we are looking at high temperatures in the 40s and 50s at best,” he said. “Slight increase each day, but not too much to be too noticeable.”

For the first week of April, temperatures overnight are expected to remain low.

“Around Monday overnight looks like mountains will still be below freezing, low to mid 20s in the mountains and lower in the peaks. In the valleys we are seeing mid 30s, some portions may crack a 40,” Chyba said.

Those planning to travel over the Easter weekend may encounter chain controls and weather-related difficulties. While weather patterns for the valley floor are expected to remain dry with a slight chance of rain through the weekend, snow is expected in the Sierras.

“In the Tahoe Basin, Sierra crest we have 99% chance for 4 inches or greater,” Chyba said. He said there’s a 30% chance for accumulation of more than two feet in the Sierra.

“If people are trying to travel over the Sierra through the passes, moderate to heavy snow could cause hazardous road conditions and reduced visibilities. Keep an eye on your forecast,” Chyba said.

Check nvroads.com for up-to-date road conditions.

National Weather Service extended forecast:

Tonight, March 26: Partly cloudy, with a low around 32. West wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Wednesday, March 27: Partly sunny, with a high near 58. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph.

Wednesday night, March 27: A 50 percent chance of rain. Snow level 6,600 feet lowering to 5,400 feet after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36. Southwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Thursday, March 28: Mostly sunny, with a high near 51. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Thursday night, March 28: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph decreasing to 5 to 10 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph.

Friday, March 29: A slight chance of snow before noon, then a chance of rain. Snow level rising to 5,400 feet in the afternoon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 50. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Friday night, March 29: Rain likely before 3 a.m., then rain and snow likely. Snow level 5,500 feet. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34.

Saturday, March 30: A chance of rain and snow before noon, then a chance of rain. Snow level 5,100 feet. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 51.

Saturday night, March 30: A chance of rain before 9 p.m., then a chance of rain and snow. Snow level 5,500 feet lowering to 4,800 feet after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32.

Sunday, March 31: A slight chance of rain and snow. Snow level rising to 5,300 feet in the afternoon. Partly sunny, with a high near 52.

Sunday night, March 31: A slight chance of rain. Snow level 5,600 feet lowering to 5,000 feet after midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 32.

Monday, April 1: Mostly sunny, with a high near 56.