Cathleen Allison/Nevada Appeal Four-legged and two-legged residents alike enjoyed several feet of fresh snow that fell in the Northern Nevada region overnight. Spud, a three-year-old Golden retreiver, plays at his home in Kings Canyon on Tuesday morning. Some Lake Tahoe ski resorts are reporting up to 3 feet of fresh snow with an additional 6-10 inches expected Tuesday night.
Snowplows running on 12-hour shifts will clear the way for morning commuters following an expected Tuesday night storm, which comes on the heels of the snow that fell Monday night.
The fast-moving storm is expected to leave several more inches of snow, according to the National Weather Service. Lingering snow showers are predicted throughout today.
Carson City public works will continue plowing through the night to reduce the risk of icy roads.
The Sierra passes are open, but chains or snow tires will continue to be required, said Scott Magruder, spokesman for the Nevada Department of Transportation.
"We get a lot of questions about what snow tires are," he said. "On the side of the tire it needs to say 'all weather' or 'm/s' for mud and snow."
Washoe Valley commuters used Old 395 or East Lake Boulevard from 3-9 p.m. Sunday because of the slick roadway and high winds on Highway 395. Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Todd Hartline said 20 minor accidents were reported in Washoe Valley and the Lake View Hill area from midnight Sunday to noon Tuesday. An additional 15 vehicles slid off the roadway.
"We're prepared for the Tuesday storm," Magruder said. "We want to keep Washoe open on Wednesday, but a lot depends on the winds."
Commuters should call 511 for driving conditions, or visit www.nevadadot.com. NDOT maintains Highway 50 through Carson City and Highway 395.
About six NDOT snowplows will work on Highway 50. Another six will be on Kingsbury Grade. The Carson City public works department runs seven large snowplows with sanders and six one-ton plows.
"It would be nice to have another storm in the mountains so that we have the water," said Curtis Horton, deputy public works operations manager. "If we get one down here, we'll be prepared for it."
The city gives first priority to primary routes, such as Saliman Road, Roop Street, Deer Run Road, College Parkway and Airport Road. Residential streets are expected to be plowed today.
Plow operators are working 12-hour shifts with new equipment. The city purchased the seven snowplows last year for $116,000 each. They are dual-use vehicles used as dump trucks for the rest of the year.
"It's nice to have equipment that doesn't break down every five hours," he said.
• Contact reporter Becky Bosshart at bbosshart@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.