Snow levels are expected to fall later today, potentially bringing half a foot of snow to lake level during the day and more into the night.

A winter storm warning from the National Weather Service in Reno remains in effect until 10 p.m. Thursday. The warning took effect Tuesday evening.

So far snow levels have remained high with lake level largely seeing rain over the course of 24 hours. Some ski resorts on Thursday morning did report over 1 foot of fresh snow in 24 hours.

The high snow levels are expected to change today.

“Snow levels will fall sharply through the day, so we will start seeing impacts from snow on the Sierra passes, as snow levels drop to about 7,000` by late morning and lake level during the early afternoon,” the weather service cautions. “Roadways will be a mess of snow, slush, heavy rain, with ponding water possible in poor drainage areas.”

Lake level could see 7-11 inches of new snow by the end of the day, according to the service.

Winds of 55 mph are expected at Lake Tahoe, with gusts over the Sierra ridge potentially exceeding 150 mph.

Along with the winter storm warning, a flood warning will remain in effect until 11 a.m. today.

Additionally, the Sierra Avalanche Center has issued an avalanche warning. The warning will remain in effect until 7 a.m. Friday.

“Expect a mix of wind slab, storm slab, and loose wet avalanche problems at all elevations. Rain on snow could also cause dangerous roof-avalanches as roofs still holding snow unload. Natural avalanches are likely and human-triggered avalanches are very likely. Some avalanches may be large and destructive.”

Another band of heavy snow is expected Friday. According to the weather service, 1-2 feet of snow could accumulate at lake level.

Strong winds could cause whiteout conditions.