Latest storm packs wind with snow in the mountains, rain in the valleys

Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2000 | 8:33 a.m.

A potent winter storm swept across the Sierra and through northern Nevada on Monday, packing winds to 100 mph and highway-clogging snow in the mountains with wind-whipped rain in the valleys.

It was the latest in a series of storms this year that all but ended the specter of a dry winter and a gloomy ski season.

Forecasters were calling for a daily chance of snow through the end of the week, letting ski resort operators predict huge crowds for the traditionally busy Presidents' Day weekend.

On Monday, the storm was too much of a good thing for many resorts which shut down or curtailed operations because of the wind. Squaw Valley recorded a 93 mph gust at the 8,000 foot level, Alpine Meadows topped 100 mph and gusts to 50 mph were common in the Reno-Carson City area.

The winds toppled power poles around Lake Tahoe, cutting off power to some 24,000 customers. Most had their lights back on by nightfall.

Reaching any open resorts also was challenging. Chains were mandatory Monday over Donner Summit and chains or snow tires were required throughout the Sierra. Some roadways were closed on and off for avalanche control.

The U.S. Forest Service said the avalanche danger was high along the Sierra crest from Yuba Pass to Sonora Pass and back country travel was not advised outside developed ski areas.

Caltrans spokesman Mark Dinger said there were no major closures or accidents on I-80 despite the storm.

In Truckee, rain began falling late Sunday on some 8 inches of snow, threatening to create what locals call "Sierra cement." Resident Brad Haglund managed to shovel the snow before it hardened.

"It's nice to get it before it turns to something heavier," he said.

In the eastern part of the state, Wendover recorded a gust of 65 mph and sustained winds of 25-35 mph were common across Elko County.