Mostly quiet for snowy Sunday morning

A storm brought whiteout conditions, closing Highway 395 south of Bridgeport for six hours early Sunday morning.

The California Department of Transportation reported the highway was open around 9 a.m. Sunday after conditions improved.

According to Minden-Tahoe Airport’s automated weather system, light rain started falling around 7:35 p.m. Saturday, changing to snow around 1 a.m. Sunday.

The peak gust at the airport was 40 mph at 12:35 a.m., just before the change.

The airport recorded .31 inches of precipitation overnight with a spot just south of Genoa Lane reporting .51 inches.

Fredericksburg weather watcher Jeff Garvin said .65 inches fell overnight.

Chains or snow tires were required on Highway 395 south of Gardnerville.

Traffic cameras revealed near whiteout conditions over Kingsbury Grade this morning, where chains or four-wheel drive with snow tires are being required at Lake Tahoe.

Relatively light traffic appears to be traveling normally over the Grade. The Nevada Highway Patrol reported no major incidents as of 11 a.m. Sunday.

A winter storm warning is in effect through 10 p.m. tonight with accumulations of 8-16 inches above 7,000 feet and 3-9 inches at Lake level.

An avalanche warning is in effect for the Sierra backcountry from Ebbetts to Yuba passes until 7 a.m. Monday.

“High-intensity snowfall, and heavy new snow accumulation may result in widespread avalanche activity in the mountains,” according to the Sierra Avalanche Center in Truckee. “Large avalanches could occur in a variety of areas.”

Heavenly Ski Resort reported a foot of snow fell over the weekend.