Storm Dumps Three Feet of Snow in Sierra

Reno, NV
Associated Press

Storm clouds that shrouded the Sierra and northern Nevada cleared Friday, leaving behind a winter wonderland for holiday skiers. Lake Tahoe-area ski resorts reported up to 3 feet of new snow from the potent winter storm that barreled into the Sierra late Tuesday. Though the storm made difficult driving conditions for Christmas travelers, conditions rapidly improved Friday. Interstate 80 from Reno to Sacramento was open with no controls, but chains or snow tires were still required early in the day on U.S. 50 over Donner Summit and other areas around Lake Tahoe. Restrictions were also imposed early Friday on stretches of many highways in central and northeastern Nevada, including Elko, Ely, Tonopah and Hawthorne. Rain that fell Christmas Day in the valley areas around Reno turned to snow by nightfall, bringing anywhere from a dusting to 2-3 inches of white stuff overnight. Nevada and California authorities said the slick roads caused numerous fender benders and spin outs, but no major accidents. "People travel too fast for the conditions," said Shawn Mann of the California Highway Patrol in Truckee, Calif. The National Weather Service said the region could see another chance of snow by the end of the week. The heavy snow was welcomed by Tahoe ski resorts as they braced for the busy holiday ski season through New Year's day. "It's dumping!" Alpine Meadows Ski Resort reported on its web site Christmas Day.