Overnight snow brings out driving controls in western Nevada

Thursday, Nov. 9, 2000 | 10:29 a.m.

A mid-autumn snowstorm slowed traffic in the Reno-Carson City area early Thursday, dumping up to 6 inches in the valleys south of Carson City and briefly closing commuters' link between Reno and the state capital.

In a reverse of normal snow patterns, areas in the Sierra around Lake Tahoe picked up only an inch or two and there were no driving controls on Interstate-80.

Chains or snow tires were required on almost other mountain highways and on U.S. 395 from Washoe Valley north of Carson City all the way south to the California state line.

Gusty winds whipped snow in Washoe Valley, producing whiteout conditions that shut down the highway. Temperatures hovered just below freezing as crews sanded the icy road.

Reno's snow was fairly light with the heavier amounts falling to the south, from Carson City through Minden-Gardnerville to Yerington.

The Reno-Sparks area got 1-3 inches to slow the commute. No serious accidents were despite snow which continued falling after daybreak.

In the eastern part of the state, a heavy snow warning was in effect for a foot or more of snow around the Ely area. Snow was possible around Elko as well and it also was foggy in that area today.

The forecast called for snow or snow showers to continue into the weekend.