Cold weather system leaves snow in Tahoe

By Kathryn Reed

White is covering the peaks around the Lake Tahoe Basin, with Squaw Valley reporting snow at the base lodge. Other areas in the basin also reported snow at lake level.

The drive over Spooner Summit this morning was a little dicey in places. The rain that pounded the region much of Sunday and into Monday morning left ice pelts on the road with a dusting of snow on top. Although not enough snow was on the ground to remove, a plow was headed into the basin on Highway 50 from the Carson City side about 8am.

The Tiki Bar at Sierra-at-Tahoe on Oct. 25. Photo/Provided

Diamond Peak in Incline reports a dusting. In contrast, Sierra-at-Tahoe on Highway 50 is calling this the first official snow of the season with top to bottom coverage.

Boreal Ski Resort off Interstate 80 strives to be the first to open each season. This year is no different. The goal is for lifts to be turning Oct. 29.

Power has been flickering on and off for the past few days with the wicked winds that blew through. Tree limbs are littering yards and roads. Pine needles are like a carpet on the asphalt. This all makes for slick roads.

Chains or snow tires are required on some of the mountain passes. Click on the road icon button on Lake Tahoe News to stay up to date on road conditions.

Reno has set a record for rain in October, which will only be higher with more moisture in the forecast. With 0.45 of an inch coming down Oct. 24, this brings the monthly total to 2.65 inches of rain. The previous record of 2.14 inches was set in 1945.

The forecast is for more wet stuff most of the week, with Wednesday being the best chance to be outdoors without getting wet. Dress warm – overnight lows in the basin will be in the 20s for much of the week, with highs in the 40s and 50s.