LAKE TAHOE -- Now this is what February is supposed to look like in the Sierra Nevada.

Area ski resorts are reporting as much as 6 to 10 inches of snow as of 8 a.m. Monday, and with more in the forecast, it appears Mother Nature might start to cooperate with what has been an extremely dry winter thus far in 2011-12.

A winter weather advisory is in effect for the greater Truckee/Tahoe region until 7 p.m. Monday, according to the National Weather Service in Reno. As much as 6 to 12 additional inches of snow are expected above 7,000 feet by Monday night, with 4 to 6 inches possible at lake level.

Next, a winter storm watch is forecast from late Tuesday night into Wednesday evening. That series is expected to bring a foot or more of snow above 7,000 feet, with up to 10 inches possible below that mark.

High winds are also forecast, making travel difficult. Chain and/or snow tire restrictions currently are in effect along all major Sierra passes.