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Sierra Snowpack Gets Boost From String Of Storms

RENO (CBS/AP) -- A string of storms is giving a much-needed boost to a dismal Sierra snowpack just before the traditional peak of the snow season.

The Squaw Valley ski resort just north of Lake Tahoe reported 20 inches of new snow over a 24-hour period ending Sunday morning and 3.5 feet of new snow over the last week.

According to the U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service, the storms have boosted the water content of the Tahoe basin's snowpack to 43 percent of average for the date.

Elsewhere, the figure stands at 32 percent in the Truckee River watershed, 59 percent in the Carson River basin and 45 percent in the Walker River watershed.

Another storm is expected to bring up to a foot of snow to higher elevations around Lake Tahoe primarily on Monday night.

© Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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