Lake Tahoe Weather Information

Real Time All-Season Weather Information South West Lake Tahoe

National Weather Service Forecasts:

NWS: 7 day South Lake Tahoe Weather and Forecast

NWS: 7 day South Lake Tahoe Region in-depth WeatherForecast

NWS Winter Weather Forecasts

National Snow and Ice Data Center

Real-Time Weather Stations

MARIS via Weather Underground or NOAA

Temperature-Wind-Pressure only

Rubicon 2: Rubicon Peak

Fallen Leaf: Highway 89

Echo Peak

Echo Summit

Twin Bridges: Highway 50

Meyers: Highway 89

Locate these Stations on 30 min Topo

Lake Tahoe web cams

Sierra at Tahoe web cams Highway 50

Alpine Meadows Ski Resort web cams Highway 89

All Sierra Web Cams: Sierra Visions

Road Conditions

Highway 89

Highway 50

Highway 88

Cal Trans Road Conditions Search

Cal Trans Road Conditions Phone Line

1-800.427.7623

Snow Sensors

The Feds: Natural Resources and Conservation Service

Snotel Stations around SW Lake Tahoe

Note: Snotel Stations provide precipatation and temperture as well as snow information.

Focus: Southwestern Tahoe Rim region from the Meeks Bay, Echo Summit, and South Upper Truckee trailhead regions to the Carson Gap above Carson Pass.

#1>Rubicon #2

Location: Between Stony Ridge Lake and Highway 89 on the East side of Rubicon Peak.

Site Information and Reports from RUBICON 2  

Daily Report from RUBICON #2

Latitude: 38&deg59’

Longitude: -120&deg7’

Elevation: 7689 feet

#2>Fallen Leaf

Location: Just North of Camp Richardson on Highway 89

Site Information and Reports from Fallen Leaf

Daily Report from Fallen Leaf

Latitude: 38&deg56'

Longitude: -120&deg3'

Elevation: 6236 feet

#3>Echo Peak

Location: North of Upper Echo Lake, Desolation Wilderness

Site Information and Reports from ECHO PEAK

Daily Report from ECHO PEAK

Latitude: 38&deg50'

Longitude: -120&deg4'

Elevation: 7670 feet

All Federal Snotel Stations in California

Locate these Stations on 30 min Topo

The Sierra Crest is noted for having the capacity to produce four seasons of weather during a single Summer Day. Rain, snow, hail, fog, lightening, and a bit of sunshine can all happen in quick sequence.

The High Sierras are noted for rapid changes in weather and temperature, and the sudden appearance of harsh weather trends. You may experience anything from intense heat to bitterly cold Summer snow storms. Or you may not. In any case, weather must be considered and preparations made to deal with these weather facts BEFORE entering the High Sierras.

Long Distance Backpackers who were on the High Sierra Crest in early August of 2009 experienced just such a series of Summer Snow Storms.

Temperatures dropped to the high teens and low twenties, snow and hail fell which partially obscured the trails, and all of those who entertained the misconception that the Sierras only have fine weather during the Summertime were bitterly disappointed. Luckily for the many backcountry travelers who were not properly prepared, those storms blew apart, rather than consolidated and deepened.

Weather considerations should guide your gear selection.

Weather Preparations for Backcountry Travel

All Seasons

Always check the National Weather Service Satellites

The NWS Satellites will give you an orbital view of potiential storm activity. Combined with your use of the NWS Maps and Forecasts, you can prepare yourself for the likely weather. Note: especially check the 28km infrared and water vapor animations, which require Java Script.

Check the National Weather Service Maps

NWS Maps Note: Especially Check the 24 to 48 Hour fronts and Precipitation Maps.

Consult the National Weather Service Home Page

The National Weather Service Home Page displays large and small scale weather warnings which may pertain to your High Sierra backpacking plans.

All Sierra Web Cams: Sierra Visions

Backpacker Forums

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Desolation Wilderness Weather