Storms Pack on the Snow

After bemoaning our shortage of moisture in the Truckee Meadows in a recent post, it commenced to snowing Thursday afternoon. Friday dawned sunny with about three inches covering the landscape around my south Reno neighborhood. It's enough to be pretty without causing hassles to getting out and about. I like it when there is just a little snow that melts off quickly, leaving behind its gift of water for our high desert environment.

The week-long series of storms did make a difference in the Sierra snowpack, which is where it really matters when it comes to the water supply later in the year. According to the National Weather Service, the Truckee River and Lake Tahoe Basin snowpacks are now at 96 and 98 percent of average for the year. The Carson River drainage is at 118 percent. With more weather predicted for next week, we're finally looking good in the water department.

The Lake Tahoe ski resorts are going to have a terrific weekend. Fresh powder and sunny skies should make for some of the year's best conditions so far. Mt. Rose, for example, is reporting 9 - 12 inches of new snow since Thursday. If skiing is your thing, now is the time to hit the slopes. It will also be a fine weekend to take the family out for a day at a nearby snow play area. You won't have to go far to find plenty of fluffy snow for a day of fun.

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