Friday could see winter's last storm

What could be the last storm of winter may be on its way Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

Portions of Carson Valley received about a quarter inch of snow Wednesday morning. Heavenly Valley Ski Resort reported receiving 3 inches of snow that night. Kirkwood Resort reported 4 inches of snow overnight.

An area of low pressure is expected to reach the eastern Sierra and Carson Valley, bringing rain and snow by Friday afternoon and evening.

In a special weather statement issued this afternoon, forecasters said snow levels will rise to 7,000 feet on Friday morning and then quickly lower as the cold front arrives. Snow levels are likely to drop to the Valley floor by late Friday night.

Forecasters said they weren't certain about how much moisture is associated with the storm, but said it could potentially bring several inches of snow to the Lake Tahoe basin and Mono County.

Up to a foot of snow could fall near the Sierra crest, where wind gusts of up to 100 mph are expected.

The heaviest snowfall is expected to hit Interstate 80 and Highway 50 late Friday afternoon.

Forecasters say the combination of snow and strong wind could affect travel over the Sierra passes and into the Tahoe basin.

For Carson Valley the main impact will be the strong winds ahead of the cold front. Forecasters say they could reach 40-50 mph Friday afternoon and evening, with stronger gusts in wind prone area. Light snow could fall Friday evening.

The storm is expected to clear Saturday with sunny skies starting Sunday. Temperatures are expected to warm up to nearly 70 degrees by Tuesday.

The first day of spring is March 20.