Monday snowfall prelude to tonight's storm

A light snow that fell in Carson Valley on Washington’s Birthday morning may be a prelude to something bigger coming in tonight.

A winter weather advisory was issued for Carson Valley starting 7 p.m. and lasting through 10 a.m. Tuesday.

More than 2 inches is forecast to fall in Minden between 10 p.m. and 4 p.m. Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.

Winds are forecast to gust to 31 mph this evening as the second slider storm arrives.

The low temperature tonight is expected to drop to 18 degrees tonight and then barely crack freezing on Tuesday and then plunge to 10 degrees early Wednesday morning.

Snow started falling in Carson Valley around 6:15 a.m. Monday, according to Minden-Tahoe Airport’s Automated Weather Observing System.

Light snow continued through around 9:30 a.m. Heavenly Ski Resort reported 2 inches of snow on Monday morning, while Johnson Lane reported an inch, and Minden received a trace.

There was more snow on the road over Spooner Summit than Echo Summit on Monday morning, with a few spin-outs on Highway 50 between Carson City and Cave Rock.

Tuesday’s commute is expected to be much slicker with the storm arriving late Monday night and the potential for snowfall lasting into the morning.

Lyon County reported 3-4 inches fell in Mason Valley with 1-2 inches in Smith Valley and along the Highway 50 corridor.

“Lyon County Road crews are busy with snow removal,” Lyon County Manager Jeff Page said at 10 a.m. “They are finishing up now and anticipate more snow tonight and (Tuesday) morning. Lyon County urges residents to pay attention to weather conditions and give themselves sufficient travel time (Tuesday) morning.”