Snow blankets Tahoe Basin

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE — An early season storm blanketed the Tahoe Basin with snow Monday. Some higher elevations were expected to see up to a foot or more of accumulation. By late afternoon officials at Sierra-at-Tahoe reported 9 inches of snowfall at the resort with snow continuing into the evening. The weather created numerous traffic delays with accidents reported across the region. While promising, some local forecasters said the storm was not a result of the strong El Nino event predicted for this winter, but rather an independent early season weather pattern.

Cooler temperatures and additional snow are expected through the week, with the potential for another significant system to pull through the area some time next week. The National Weather Service’s Winter Weather Advisory is expected to remain in effect through 10 p.m. Monday evening. Snow will continue through the evening with snow totals of up to 3 inches predicted at lake level. Above 7000 feet 3 to 6 inches are possible.