Las Vegas NowSnow Storm Slams Mount Charleston

Snow Storm Slams Mount Charleston

Heavy rain in Las Vegas equals heavy snow in the mountains. The Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort and the Mount Charleston lodge got nearly a foot of fresh powder overnight. However both state routes to get up there were temporarily closed because of the heavy snow.

The sign along US-95 said only vehicles with chains or four-wheel-drive were allowed up State Route 157. Heavy snow in the morning forced the Nevada Department of Transportation to close down the roads so crews could clear and sand them. They were finally opened to all vehicles late Monday.

The Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort and the Mount Charleston Lodge got about a foot of new snow overnight. That's a total of three feet of snow at the ski resort in just three days.

Even with the road restrictions, that did not stop people from heading up and playing in the snow or grabbing a bite to eat at the lodge. Just after noon, there were already dozens of people taking the day off to enjoy the new fresh powder outside the windows of the lodge.

"This is awesome. Where I come from in Tampa, we have no snow. This is the bomb," said Mark Perkins.

Mount Charleston Lodge Manager Thomas Schneekloth says anytime the snow falls business picks up 20 to 30-percent. He says he has to double his staff and rearrange the schedule when forecasters predict snow to accommodate the increase in customers.

Roads are open to the all cars. There are no restrictions on SR-157 or SR-156 at this time. However, NDOT crews are expecting black ice to form on the roads. Call 511 to get an update on any road restrictions before you venture up to the mountain.