Storm snarls traffic across northern Nevada, more snow en route

Monday, Jan. 28, 2002 | 6:58 a.m.

Driving was a challenge across northern Nevada on Monday from the Sierra to Utah as the weekend storm that clogged the Sierra moved east and another one pushed in, followed by bitter cold.

Much of Elko County was under a snow advisory while a winter storm warning was posted for White Pine County and northern Eureka and Lander counties. Travel was not recommended in many spots, including Interstate-80 east of Wells, because of poor visibility in blizzard-like conditions.

Chains or snow tires were required on I-80 both east of Elko, to 12 miles from the Utah line; on U.S. 93 and 93A from Jackpot on the Idaho line south to Ely, and on U.S. 50 and U.S. 6 around Ely. Chains or snow tires were required on all other highways in the area.

In the western part of the state, the remains of the weekend storm continued to cause problems. Chains or snows were required on I-80 from 17 miles east of Reno to Fernley, on U.S. 50 from Fallon to Frenchman, on U.S. 95A from Fernley to Silver Springs and on U.S. 95 from Fallon to Schurz.

In the Sierra, chains sere mandatory on I-80 over Donner Summit. Chains or snow tires were needed on U.S. 50 in California from Riverton to 4 miles east of Placerville and on U.S. 395 in California and on California 88.

All other Sierra roads had some kind of driving restrictions and the Emerald Bay highway was closed at Bliss State Park for avalanche control.

No avalanche warnings were in effect for the Sierra.

The storm left 19 inches behind at Alpine Meadows and 14-20 inches at Kirkwood.

Elko County reported 5 inches of snow overnight; Eureka County, 6 inches and White Pine County, 8-12 inches.

While western Nevada and the Sierra were getting a break between storms early Monday, it will be short-lived, with forecasters predicting another disturbance by afternoon.

A snow advisory was up for the Sierra, where 4-8 inches were expected by morning above 7,000 feet. The valleys of western Nevada were likely to see 1-3 inches above 5,000 feet.

Snow will taper off on Tuesday, but bitter cold will move in. Lows will be in the pipe-popping single digits Wednesday morning in parts of western Nevada and well below zero in the eastern part of the state. Reno didn't fall below 10 degrees all last year.

Highs won't be above freezing before Wednesday in western Nevada. The east won't see readings in the 30s before the weekend.