Nevada Briefly Feb. 7

Rain in the valley, snow in mountains

A band of moisture from the southeast brought mixed rain and snow to the area Saturday, with the possibility of the same today.

Jessica Kielhorn, meteorologist technician for the National Weather Service in Reno said another round of showers was likely to move into the area today.

"It's wet and heavy snow at levels above 5,000 feet which could lower to 4,500 feet by late afternoon or evening," she said.

Snow accumulations of 2-5 inches were likely at lake level, she said, and the forecast calls for unsettled weather throughout the week.

A number of weather-related accidents were reported, including one involving multiple vehicles in the westbound lane of Highway 50 near the Spooner Summit.

For a complete forecast, see Page A19.

Motocross track limited to one year

Nevada Motocross Park developers received just one more year from Douglas County commissioners in a 4-1 vote held Thursday.

Ruhenstroth resident Doug Johnson voted against extending the park's license on county property.

The meeting lasted 2 hours and 20 minutes, with about an hour for public input. The crowd was split evenly in their opinion of the track. In addition, track operators must increase their liability insurance from $2 million to $5 million and pay $5,000 to vegetate the property.

Operators were seeking a two-year contract with the county, saying it would take that long to find a new site for their events.

They agreed not to seek another permit after the two years was up at a Jan. 21 Parks & Recreation meeting.

Water outlook improves after storms

RENO (AP) - Federal officials say January storms have improved the water supply outlook for most sections of Nevada.

The January storms pushed the snowpack in the Truckee, Carson and Walker river basins of western Nevada up to about average for the date.

Despite the wet January, officials say it appears "Nevada will limp through another year with tight water supply conditions."