Winter Makes Encore Early Appearance in the Sierra

Wednesday, Oct. 30, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

A snow advisory remained in effect today the Lake Tahoe-Truckee, Calif., area, while a winter storm warning was posted for the Mammoth Lakes region along the east slopes of the central Sierra.

Mammoth Lakes picked up 14 inches of snow since the storm began on Tuesday, and the National Weather Service predicted additional accumulations of up to a foot today at the higher elevations before the storm system moved out.

Areas around Lake Tahoe reported about 3 inches overnight. The weather service said another 3 inches is possible today at lake level, and up to 6 inches more could accumulate above 7,000 feet.

Interstate 80 from Reno to Sacramento, Calif., was open today with no travel controls, but chains or snow tires were required on other mountain roads, including the Mount Rose Highway southwest of Reno.

The storm was felt mainly as rain in the Reno-Carson City area, though a snow advisory above 5,500 feet remained in effect.

The forecast for the valleys of western Nevada called for lingering showers through today, with partial clearing and slightly warmer temperatures returning by Thursday afternoon - just in time for the state's 132nd birthday celebration.

The event generally draws thousands of people to Carson City for the annual Nevada Day Parade.