Snowfall slows mountain traffic, brings out chain restrictions

Tuesday, Feb. 16, 1999 | 10:21 a.m.

Chain restrictions were posted today on Interstate-80 as a light but persistent snowfall produced enough accumulation to cause hazardous driving conditions on the California side of Donner Summit.

Chains or snow tires were required on U.S. 50 over Echo Summit south of Lake Tahoe and on most other Sierra roads.

The area was on the southern end of a fairly mild Pacific storm that concentrated most of its energy on the Northwest.

A snow advisory was in effect today above 6,000 feet with a winter storm watch to begin tonight above 7,000 feet. Forecasters said 3-5 inches were possible in the advisory area with up to a foot by morning from the higher elevations down to the passes.

The storm was expected to pack more wind than snow, with steady flows of 15-30 mph gusting to 50 mph over the ridges.

A mixture of rain and snow in the valleys of western Nevada was expected to turn to rain by afternoon along with 15-30 mph winds.

The precipitation was to taper off on Wednesday with unsettled conditions continuing into the weekend.

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