Even though the winter storm warning took effect Sunday at 7pm, snow started falling in the Lake Tahoe Basin in the afternoon. Before midnight about 5 inches had fallen at lake level.

The snow level was expected to be at sea level, with the Bay Area and parts of the Sacramento Valley being warned of possible white stuff for today. A rare hard freeze had been forecast for Saturday night in the valley.

Snow total at Sierra-at-Tahoe on Dec. 6. Photo/Provided

As of Sunday night, snow was already accumulating in the Carson Valley and Placerville in large enough quantities to allow people to engage in snowball fights.

Chain controls are enforce on most roads leading into and out of the Lake Tahoe Basin. Road conditions may be accessed via Lake Tahoe News‘ Home page.

The winter storm warning is in effect through 7pm Monday night. Snow accumulations could be moderate to heavy through the afternoon. Above 5,000 feet (the lake is 6,200 feet) 15-25 inches could fall by the time the storm clears out. Two to 3 feet are expected above 7,000 feet.

Winter weather is expected to be the norm for Lake Tahoe for the better part of the week. Tonight’s overnight low may be 1 degree, Highs this week are not expected to reach 40 degrees.