More rain, snow, and possible thunderstorms expected in Las Vegas valley

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A powerful winter storm that dumped more than 2 feet of snow within 24 hours in the mountains surrounding the Las Vegas valley created some dangerous conditions, including an avalanche at Lee Canyon.

Lee Canyon is reporting blizzard conditions for Tuesday and Wednesday and be closed through Wednesday. Another foot of snow is expected to fall. The county is advising the public to not travel to the Mt. Charleston area.

Both State Route 156 (Lee Canyon Road) and State Route 158 (Deer Creek Road) are closed to all traffic, for snow operations, according to Nevada State Police. State Route 157 (Kyle Canyon Road) is closed past the SR 158 junction, except to residents, and chains or snow tires are required.

Also closed, due to flash flooding at Oak Creek, is the Red Rock Scenic Loop Drive but the Visitor Center remains open. The video below was shot around 10 a.m. by Roy Tabucanon at First Creek Trailhead, just south of the Scenic Loop Road.

More than 460 NV Energy customers on the mountain have been without power since around 10:30 p.m. Monday. NV Energy is working to assess the damage and make repairs. Crews are also working to set up generators to provide power at the Retreat at Charleston Peak for a warming center. The power company estimates the power will be restored around 4 p.m. Tuesday.

The avalanche occurred around 1:20 p.m. at Lee Canyon Ski Area above the Sherwood chairlift, affecting the Black Jack, High Roller, and Keno trails. Four hikers reported missing after the avalanche were found safe. However, Nevada Task Force 1 search and rescue teams plan to use dogs Tuesday as a precaution to ensure no unreported person is missing.

Brenda Talley who is on the Mt. Charleston Advisory Board told 8 News Now anchor John Langeler that avalanches are not uncommon, especially after a day of wet snow that freezes overnight.

“We frequently hear smaller avalanches in the upper areas of Kyle Canyon, as well, that don’t do real damage or a threat to our homes. The one in Lee at the ski area was in higher elevations,” Talley said. “We try to be prepared for the snow but I think most of us weren’t prepared for as much as we got in a short period of time.”

The winter storm warning remains in effect for the Spring Mountains and Sheep Mountains until 10 p.m. Tuesday.

The humidity level in the Las Vegas valley is at 93%. According to the National Weather Service, that moisture is fueling more rain and snow through Tuesday evening. “These showers will bring an increased risk for flooding and possibly even a rumble of thunder,” the weather service reported.

The rain total set a daily record on Monday at .37″ but northwest Las Vegas near Skye Canyon received .83″. The normal annual rainfall for Las Vegas is 4.19″.

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