Highway in northeastern Nevada closed after dam failure
ELKO — Authorities say a state road remains closed and impassible after an earthen dam failed in a rural area of northeastern Nevada, releasing fast-moving water that covered low-lying roads and forced the rerouting of trains.
The National Weather Service said Thursday that flash-flood warnings have expired, but flood warnings remain in effect near the unincorporated community of Montello. Meteorologist Brian Boyd says most of the water that’s built up behind the dam after heavy snow and runoff has now been released.
The Nevada Department of Transportation says State Route 233 remains closed to the Utah border.
A spokesman for Union Pacific Railroad says the waters forced delays or rerouting for more than a dozen freight and passenger trains.
Justin E. Jacobs says crews are assessing washed out and damaged areas. It’s unknown when service will be restored.
