Sierra's first winter storm forecast Sunday-Monday

Jim Smith-Daily DemocratA rose glistens from recent rain as a bee seeks shelter - or pollen - on Sunday afternoon following a light sprinkle. The Valley will between a quarter and three-quarters of an inch of rain from showers throughout the day, but more if a thunderstorm moves through.

Rain is expected to arrive early Sunday evening with a chance of snow arriving for the first time of the season on Monday evening.

A cool storm system will spread precipitation across the area late tonight with potentially the first significant snowfall of the season.

Further south, a winter storm watch takes effect for the southern Sierra from Yosemite National Park through Kings Canyon on Sunday night. "The heaviest snow is expected Monday morning". High temperatures will be in the mid-60s.

All mountain passes in Southwest Montana and along the Continental Divide will see 4 to 8 inches of snow accumulation.

Confidence: High confidence snow will occur above 7000 feet.

According to NWS, it's possible the High Sierra passes of Tioga and Sonora will close with the storm.

Tahoe-are ski resorts, including Kirkwood Mountain and Sugar Bowl Resort, announced snowfall Sunday afternoon via social media.

Snow-covered roads and winter driving conditions should be expected, the forecasters say, with possible road closures, blowing and drifting snow, accompanied by wind chill temperatures as low as the teens by Monday evening.

The storm likely began to abate by Monday night.