Monday night's "biggest storm of the last 50 years," as it was being billed by meteorologists across the country, dropped 12 to 15 inches of snow on parts of the Amherst area but, by many people's accounts, failed to live up to expectations.

Early Monday, College administrators made the decision to close all offices at the College at noon and all day Tuesday, but let classes continue as scheduled. According to the College's emergency weather phone line, faculty were free to use their judgment in deciding whether or not to cancel classes.

"I canceled because I couldn't get out of my driveway," said Professor of Music and Asian Languages and Civilizations David Reck, who canceled his one music class yesterday. "I had a choice of cross-country skiing or walking six miles to class."

Other professors decided to go ahead with class as scheduled.

"I was able to get there," said Professor of Mathematics Daniel Velleman. "I don't think classes have eever been canceled in all the time I've been at Amherst."

Essential staff of the College was invited to spend the night at the Lord Jeffery Inn, which is owned by the College, on Monday to ensure that they could make it to work the following morning.

On Monday, the University of Massachusetts and Mt. Holyoke and Hampshire Colleges canceled classes and yesterday all of the five colleges, except for Amherst, canceled.