Season's 1st Snow Falls At UC Berkeley's Central Sierra Snow Lab

SAN FRANCISCO — Early signs of what could be another active winter emerged Wednesday over the Central Sierra, where the UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab celebrated its first measurable snowfall of the season near Donner Summit.

The snow lab said they were expecting to see 1-3 inches of snow in the next 24 hours, with the potential for up to 5 inches falling in a few places. The lab's live stream showed flakes falling deep into the afternoon, and another dose of snow may be in the cards again over the weekend.

While scientists at the snow lab were delighted by the snow, drivers on Interstate Highway 80 are likely less thrilled. Chain controls are in effect on I-80 in both directions between the Kingvale and Donner Lake interchange. Caltrans said a big-rig jackknifed near Soda Springs.

The latest winter preview arrives just a few weeks after an inaugural dusting graced California ski resorts with fresh snow, including four inches at Mammoth Mountain in early October — just two months after the last historic ski season ended. Plenty of flurries also fell around Lake Tahoe, where many resorts are gearing up to open throughout November and early December.

California could be in for another big snow season, thanks to El Niño, which forecasters expect to retain its strength and linger into early spring. While the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's winter outlook suggests temperatures could run a touch warmer than usual for the season in much of California, the odds continue to lean toward above-average precipitation.

In the near term, Bay Area forecasters see a new chill in the air this week, particularly at night when inland areas may see overnight lows dip into the 40s and upper 30s through Friday. With Halloween on the horizon, AccuWeather meteorologists predict "sweater weather" for those partaking in weekend trick-or-treating or other festivities, but more pleasant conditions are favored for Oct. 31.