LAKE TAHOE — A snowstorm is in the forecast this week, with as much as 3 to 7 inches of snow expected at lake level on Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service in Reno.

A cold low pressure system will drop from the Gulf of Alaska southward along the California coastline on Tuesday, according to an NWS special weather statement, bringing snow to much of the region, including the western Nevada valleys around Reno and Carson City.

Heavier snowfalls are expected to be confined to the Sierra foothills west of Highway 395; snowfall amounts are expected to vary considerably, NWS reports.

A small potential exists for the low pressure system to track further east into California; such a change would increase the potential for snowfall amounts in the Lake Tahoe area, NWS reports.

Below is an extended forecast from www.noaa.gov.

Extended forecast

Monday: A 20 percent chance of snow showers after 10 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 37. East wind around 5 mph.

Monday night: Snow showers likely, mainly after 10 p.m. Cloudy, with a low around 24. South wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Tuesday: Snow. High near 30. South wind around 5 mph becoming east. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Tuesday Night: Scattered snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 19. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 38. East wind around 5 mph.

Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24.

Thursday: A 20 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 39.

Thursday Night: A chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28.

Friday: A chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 40.

Friday Night: A slight chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26.

Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 44.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 28.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 44.