Avalanche warning around Tahoe; foot of snow, more forecast

RENO — An avalanche warning remains in effect until Saturday morning in the mountains around Lake Tahoe after the latest winter storm dumped more than a foot of snow at the upper elevations, with more in the forecast.

Authorities responded to dozens of car crashes Friday morning in the Reno-Sparks area, where only a few inches of snow fell but cold temperatures made for icy roads. The most serious was a multi-car crash that temporarily blocked eastbound travel on U.S. Interstate 80 east of Sparks.

The National Weather Service reported 18 inches of snow at Northstar ski resort near Truckee, California, and about a foot at other Tahoe resorts.

Up to another 6 inches of snow was forecast in the mountains around Tahoe Friday night and Saturday, with a mix of rain and snow in the valleys.