Winter's snows bring weather woes, cheers

Carson City was a relatively safe haven during a flurry of snow-related accidents Thursday morning that stopped traffic on Highway 395 north of Washoe Valley.

Trooper Mark Zacha, a Nevada Highway Patrol officer in Carson City, said a dozen accidents following more than 3 inches of overnight snow showers were recorded between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. on the hill south of Cattleman's restaurant. A 1/2 inch-thick sheet of ice was the culprit.

"We even had to close it for awhile and try to redirect traffic," he said. "But the plows were working really good this morning. It could have been worse."

Zacha said another hot spot was on Highway 395 and Clear Creek Road. Several cars were stuck in the snow and abandoned in the travel lanes even before the commute started.

Between North Washoe Valley and Douglas County there were approximately 25 accidents, one with minor injuries. Dayton Hill had several fender-benders as drivers slid on the ice. Surprisingly, the Carson City Sheriff's Department recorded no major accidents on the city's side streets.

Zacha blames driver inattention for most of the problems.

"It always happens with the first snow of the season," he said. "People tailgate and don't have time to stop. People were even tailgating me."

A rear-end accident can result in a citation for failure to show due care, a penalty that can add six points to a driver's record.

In Carson's side streets, Carson City Chief Sheriff's Deputy Scott Burau said people who come across extreme ice should call the city's street department. Patrolling deputies are also on alert, looking for areas that have the potential for disaster.

"People need to pay extra attention, especially when the sun goes down," he said. "The streets start to ice up in the shady areas."

The Nevada Department of Transportation was on extra alert on Wednesday and Thursday, said Spokesman Scott Magruder. The state department is responsible for road clearing on highways 395 and 50 and Stewart Street.

In Northern Nevada 20 crews and about 200 workers were out clearing roads. One-hundred pieces of road-clearing equipment are currently in use.

On Thursday afternoon, as snow-accumulations started to wane crews were on the highways laying sand, salt and brine, an antifreeze mixture. The idea, Magruder said, is to get it on the road before the water freezes when the temperatures drop.

"We want to prevent freezing and get some traction," he said. "If we don't get it down fast enough, it can blow right off the top of the ice."

The NDOT crews also had the first mishap of the winter season at 10 a.m. Thursday, when a department vehicle plowed into a fence that borders the Carson Airport. According to reports, 130 feet of fence was destroyed when the truck lost control. A power box was also disabled, temporarily cutting off power to four houses.

The department is in the process of hiring 20 seasonal workers to help as conditions worsen.

As the winter driving season starts, officials remind drivers to be prepared. Always carry tire chains, blankets, gloves and a flashlight. If possible, snow and mud tires are a big advantage for winter driving.