First big storm of season on its way

By Jeff Munson

Nevada Appeal News Service

The first winter storm of the season is predicted to hit the Sierra today, bringing heavy winds and snow above the 7,000 foot level, dropping to lake level by Monday, according to the National Weather Service.

The Reno weather service posted an advisory Saturday of the coming storm, and is predicting 6 to 12 inches of snow will accumulate in the high country.

"It looks to be our first significant snowfall event of the season," said meteorologist Chris Shulz. "It looks as if it will come in a series of waves, dumping a few inches at a time through Tuesday, maybe even Wednesday."

The storm is brewing out of the Pacific Northwest.

It is expected to bring with it heavy winds, which will make it difficult for firefighters battling the two West Slope fires. However, rain and snow should begin sometime today. As the temperatures drop, snow is likely to fall in some of the more rugged areas where the Fred fire is burning.

There are two factors to the storm. The first phase will come from the southwest bringing with it tropical moisture. When it collides with a low pressure from the Pacific Northwest, that will bring the winds and drive down temperatures.

By tomorrow night, the snow level could dip down to the 5,000 foot level, Shulz said.