Douglas County School District decided not to take any chances today with chains and snow tires required on Kingsbury Grade. Schools at the lake are closed.

Most highways in and around the Lake Tahoe Basin have some sort of controls.

South Tahoe snowplow crews widen roads March 22 in the Tahoe Island area. Photo/Kathryn Reed

All schools are also closed in the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District.

The National Weather Service in Reno is calling it a “parade of winter storms through Saturday.”

Although only about an inch of white stuff had fallen in South Lake Tahoe by 7am, this is just the beginning. For today, the NWS says 5-10 inches could fall at the lake, with 10-18 inches above 7,000 feet.

On Thursday afternoon into Friday morning, snow and strong winds are likely, with 2-3 feet above 7,000 feet. At the lake, another 10-18 inches could fall.

Saturday is calling for another foot.

“Anyone planning travel over the Sierra passes this week should prepare for dangerous driving conditions or consider postponing travel. Due to recent heavy snowfall many roads have narrow lanes available for travel resulting in additional delays and possible closures,” the National Weather Service warns. “Anyone planning back country activities should remain aware of the avalanche danger this week.”

— Lake Tahoe News staff report