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Spring Storm Dumps Snow In Bone-Dry Sierra

(AP) -- An unseasonably cold spring storm pushed south through California and Nevada on Thursday, bringing snow to Sierra Nevada peaks that have largely been free of snowpack after another dry year.

Yosemite National Park received snow at high elevations, and the popular Tioga and Glacier Point roads were temporarily closed due to the conditions, the Park Service said.

Glacier Point Road, leading to spectacular views, had re-opened from its usual winter closure March 28 because of a lack of snow. That was the earliest opening in at least 20 years. It sometimes remains closed until late May.

The Sierra crest above 7,000 feet was expected to see accumulations of 4 to 8 inches, with up to 12 inches in some areas, the National Weather Service's Reno office said.

Chains or snow tires were required on some highways. Forecasters said travel impacts would last into Friday morning.

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