A slow start to Sierra snowfall is putting early-season pressure on Truckee businesses that rely on winter tourism, even as ski resorts race to open using man-made snow.

Truckee is usually buzzing by early December, with skiers and snowboarders filling hotels, restaurants, and shops. But this year, businesses say the warmer-than-normal start has kept crowds lighter and created uncertainty about when the winter rush will truly begin.

The UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab reports a strange start to winter: 151% of median precipitation, but just 88% of median snowfall.

The mix of rain and light snow has left resorts like Northstar heavily dependent on snowmaking and left Truckee businesses in a holding pattern.

Inside Truckee shops, owners say the lack of snow hasn't halted business com

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