Sierra Nevada's Early Snowfall: A Winter Surprise

The Sierra Nevada Mountains got an early taste of winter this week. A powerful storm system moved down the West Coast, bringing the first snow of the season. The National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Warning, which is not something you see every day in October. Snow piled up fast, especially at the highest points. Some areas saw 2 to 3 feet of snow, which is a lot for this time of year. This same storm caused trouble in Southern California too, with flooding and evacuations. So, it's been a busy week for weather. Traveling through the mountains became tricky. Roads like Sonora and Tioga Pass were especially dangerous. Strong winds, up to 70 mph, made things worse. They could knock down tree branches and create other hazards. The California Highway Patrol in Truckee had to help a car that slid off the road near Donner Summit. They shared a photo on Facebook, warning others about the slippery roads. They even joked, "Donner Summit wasted no time reminding everyone who runs the mountain. " Early snow isn't rare in the Sierra Nevada. Manmouth Lake usually sees its first snow around October 26. But this snow is good news for ski resorts. Patrick Lacey, a Public Relations Manager at Palisades Tahoe, explained why. "This early-season snowfall is great for soaking the ground. It freezes the ground, so when the heavy snow comes, it sticks better. " So, while it might seem odd to see so much snow in October, it's actually helpful. It prepares the ground for the heavier snowfalls that will come later. And for ski resorts, that means a better season ahead.