Up to 7 feet of snow hits parts of the Sierra with more to come

Heavy snow that brought road closures and disastrous driving conditions to the Sierra appeared to wane before another storm approaches that could bring at least another foot of powder this weekend, forecasters said Thursday.

The brief respite comes after an already considerable amount snow blanketed the Sierra. From Sunday to Thursday morning, almost seven feet of snow fell at Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows, while more than six feet hit Soda Springs Resort, according to the National Weather Service in Sacramento.

The conditions at Squaw Valley base on January 5, 2017. The conditions at Squaw Valley base on January 5, 2017. Photo: Tahoetopia.com Photo: Tahoetopia.com Image 1 of / 49 Caption Close Up to 7 feet of snow hits parts of the Sierra with more to come 1 / 49 Back to Gallery

Road closures hit both Highway 50 and Interstate 80 intermittently on Wednesday before authorities reopened the major thoroughfares Thursday morning with chain requirements.

The lull in the snowfall should last through Friday before another storm moves in bringing up to a foot of snow at elevations above 7,000 feet, according to Jim Mathews, a meteorologist with the weather service.

Isolated snow showers could hit spots in the Sierra on Thursday, bringing another inch or 2 of accumulation, according to the weather service.

Snow levels should tick up by Sunday to the higher peaks, he said.

Hamed Aleaziz is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: haleaziz@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @haleaziz