West Otago Community Board chairwoman Barbara Hanna said she first noticed it snowing about 6am in Tapanui and it quickly settled on the ground.
"There was a good covering by the time I got up."
The snow was a few inches thick and meant local school pupils had the day off as it was too risky to drive on the roads.
"The kids have had a great day."
The snow began to melt in the town about mid-afternoon but it remained on the nearby Blue Mountains.
Mrs Hanna believed there was more snow closer to Raes Junction and Crookston.
The Clutha District Council issued a statement yesterday afternoon which said the snow in the West Otago area had started to clear and there were minimal amounts on the road.
Roads in Waipori were clear and there were no issues reported north of Balclutha.
The roads were expected to remain driveable but motorists needed to care.
However, there was a risk of black ice if temperatures dropped last night.
Drivers were advised to use caution this morning. There was about 20cm of snow at the top of Dunrobin hill and it was continuing to fall.
Moa Flat Rd and Wilden Rd were believed to be in the same condition, however they had not been inspected for safety reasons.
Flooding signs remained on Elliotvale Rd due to surface water on the road.
The NZ Transport Agency warned of snow on State Highway 93 between Clinton and Mataura.
State Highway 90 from Raes Junction to Willowbank was also expected to have snow.
