A Union Pacific train derailed and became stuck at Soda Springs today while attempting to clear the tracks of snow.
 
"It looks like just part of the wheels actually pushed off the track, which is actually the more common type of derailment. That's one of their bigger plow trains, and they were basically trying to clear the tracks with that so they can get trains running over. The railway has really been at a standstill the last day or so. The rotary plows are firing up tomorrow and they'll be coming up," said California Highway Patrol Officer Pete Mann.
 
The latest storm to hit the region has blanketed the Sierra Nevada with heavy, wet, snow, resulting in travel delays, avalanches, and a lengthy closure of Interstate 80 in both directions from Colfax to the Nevada state line.
 
As of noon Wednesday, there is no estimated time of reopening for Interstate 80.
 
"What's happening is the snow walls are so tall, they're having to throw the snow across the freeway, and then that's triggering a bunch of avalanches. And so, they have to come back through and cut them again. It's a big mess, even though it doesn't feel like it in town, it is absolutely buried up top. We want to advise everybody to be patient and we'll get the freeway open as soon as we can. Heading toward the weekend we are expecting more snow. Have patience and be ready for controls and winter drivers," said Mann.
 
A winter storm warning remains in effect for Truckee and the greater Lake Tahoe area, according to the National Weather Service Office in Reno, until 04:00, Thursday.
 
"A lull in heavier snowfall is expected from late Wednesday morning into Wednesday evening before heavier snow develops again Wednesday night," the weather service posted in its storm warning.
 
An additional 3-8 inches of snow is forecast for elevations below 7,000 feet, and 8-16 inches is expected at higher elevations in the Sierra.
 
Wind gusts of up to 45 mph are forecast, and gusts of around 100 mph are expected along Sierra ridges.
 
Justin Scacco.