That four-letter S-word is returning – snow. So says the National Weather Service.

The strong low-pressure system that is expected to develop over the Gulf of Alaska this weekend could bring cold temps, wind and snow to the Lake Tahoe Basin early next week. The white stuff is expected to be above 7,000 feet, with rain below that. The phrase being used is “moderate to heavy precipitation”.

The 70s that have been filling the days will drop 20 degrees. Strong winds are part of the storm. Travel along Highway 395, according to the weather folks in Reno, could be problematic because of the high winds.

The seasons are about to change in Lake Tahoe. Photo/LTN file

To have some fun with this, Lake Tahoe News would like to have a contest. When do you think you will have to shovel at least an inch of snow from your property? With the microclimates in and around the basin, the answer will be different for everyone.

Just put your guess down as a comment. Then when you are shoveling, email  to info@LakeTahoeNews.net a picture of yourself shoveling, your full name, mailing address and T-shirt size. Feel free to add some comments that are publishable. The first 10 people seen shoveling will be sent a Lake Tahoe News T-shirt.

The other way to get a T-shirt is for subscribers to send in a check of $40 or more. For each check received, in addition to the T-shirt, you will be added to our special NEWS list. People on this list will qualify for special benefits like the ticket give-aways.

(Subscribe by putting your email address in at the bottom right of the home page. Then you will receive the morning digest.)

Send checks to Lake Tahoe News, P.O. Box 13406, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96151 or pay via credit card through PayPal on the website at the bottom right of the home page.

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Please don’t forget to include your mailing address and shirt size – S, M, L, XL or 2X.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report