Snow blankets basin, slick roads greet commuters

By Kathryn Reed

It doesn’t matter the calendar is closer to the fall equinox than winter’s – white stuff is all over the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Rain began turning to snow off and on Sunday afternoon, with just snow coming down in the evening. About an inch fell at lake level in South Lake Tahoe, while the Meyers area got about four times as much.

Ski resorts like Heavenly that have been making snow for a couple weeks are in good shape as the season is about to begin. Heavenly plans to open Nov. 19, Boreal is already open. Other opening dates include Northstar Nov. 20, Squaw Nov. 25, Homewood Dec. 17.

Sunrise in Meyers on Nov. 8. Photo/Brenda Knox

Although it’s a bluebird morning, the National Weather Service is still calling for 30 percent chance of snow for today and 40 percent on Tuesday.

Black ice is being reported in the basin and surrounding areas between Carson Valley and Reno. As the temperatures rise, that threat will subside. Chain controls are in affect on some passes, so check the state icons on the home page of Lake Tahoe News for the latest info.

Highway 50 from the basin to halfway down Spooner Summit into Carson was called an “ice skating rink” by one driver who drove the route about 8am Monday.

Bundle up because the high today in Lake Tahoe is expected to be 38, with the low 18 degrees.

Mostly sunny skies are in the forecast for Thursday and Friday.

To ensure more white stuff covers the slopes, the annual Sierra-at-Tahoe Pray for Snow Party is Nov. 11 at 7pm at Mo’s Place near the Super 8 motel in South Tahoe. Fresh Ketch’s party is Nov. 17 at 7:30pm in South Tahoe.