Snowfall likely to be a commuting mess but blessing for resorts

A welcome winter snowstorm is on the way tonight, and while it won't dump enough to open all areas of Lake Tahoe's many ski resorts, it should be a much-needed boost skiing and boarding conditions.

The storm is expected to arrive late tonight in the mountains, dropping 3 to 6 inches at some levels and 6 to 10 inches above 7,000 feet, said meteorologist Scott McGuire of the National Weather Service in Reno.

"We expect it to reach the valley floors with 1 to 3 inches by morning, which is expected to make for a messy commute," McGuire said. "The timing is always difficult, but the potential is definitely there."

At Heavenly Ski Resort, news of snow is always welcome - especially this year, said Russ Pecoraro, director of communications.

"Our snowmakers have been a true lifesaver this year, Pecoraro said. "The conditions are fantastic where we've made snow."

He said about 30 percent of the resort is open.

"We're hearing we'll see about 6 to 9 inches from this storm, which will definitely make a difference and allow us to open more of our trails, but for off-trail terrain, we'll need a good 5 feet before we can open in the tree areas," he said.

A low pressure system moving in from the Pacific will hit Northern California tonight, then move into Nevada by Monday morning, McGuire said.

A winter weather advisory has been issued for the northern Sierra, including Lake Tahoe.

The high temperature for today is expected to be 52 degrees, and things will cool off Monday into the 40s, he said. Overnight lows will be in the mid- to upper 20s.

Pecoraro said he's happy for anything the storm brings.

"Snow is what we live for, and I'm glad Mother Nature is doing her part. Maybe our snowmakers can take a day or two off," he said.