Low Snow Catches Motorists Off-Guard

Mother Lode CHP officers had their hands full with a flurry of minor accidents during the peak of wet weather this afternoon. Several motorists got their vehicles stuck in low falling snow at and around Soulsbyville. CHP spokesman Tom Wills says anyone that resides in the area needs to be self reliant and well prepared for rapidly changing weather. Snow mixed with rain fell in Sonora and Columbia shortly after 11 a.m. Five separate vehicles without chains became stuck in the snow at Lyons Bald Mountain Road during the noon hour today. Traffic on Highway 108 also became backed up when two SUVs collided on Highway 108 at Sierra Village earlier in the day. Snow levels are expected to remain low this evening and drivers are urged to carry chains. The National Weather Service is forecasting clear skies and dry weather for the duration of the week.