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Storm Leads To Road Closures In California's Sierra Nevada Mountains

SACRAMENTO (CBS13/AP) - If you were planning to drive through the Sierra Friday, you're still looking lengthy delays after a late-winter snow piled up snow in the mountains, making travel difficult and raising the avalanche danger.

The Sierra Avalanche Center says there's high avalanche danger at all elevations in the central Sierra backcountry in the greater Lake Tahoe region.

The National Weather Service forecasts periods of heavy snow continuing over the Sierra through early Saturday morning. Click here to see the latest forecast.

A few thunderstorms are possible over the valley and foothills this afternoon.

Around 8 a.m. today, Sierra resorts announced that during the last day, over two feet of snow had fallen at some locations, with much more coming.

Forecasters say travel across the Sierra is highly discouraged through early Saturday, and drivers should expect chain controls, delays, possible closures and treacherous conditions.

Despite potential problems, the storm is boosting the Sierra snowpack, which is a vital part of California's water supply and was well below average when officials measured it early this month.


(© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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