A Tahoe Rim Trail Hikers Secret Weapon - The NOHRSC

     Run by NOAA, a US Government Agency, the National Operational Hydrological Remote Sensing Center satellite gives a wealth of information about snowfall and precipitation in any given area of the United States.  A live view of snow in the lake tahoe area can be seen at:

NOAA NOHRSC


Keep in mind that the depths are averages so in an area with patches the 2-4in areas can have patches up to 7in deep, possibly higher if the snow is in less than half the area.