Nevada
Nevada men face trial for allegedly damaging ancient rock formations at Lake Mead recreation area
LAS VEGAS — An Oct. 8 trial date has been set for two Nevada men accused of damaging rock formations estimated to be 140 million years old at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
A federal indictment charged Wyatt Clifford Fain, 37, and Payden David Guy Cosper, 31, with one count of injury and depredation of government property and one count of aiding and abetting. The U.S. Department of Justice said the men could each face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
The two Henderson residents were arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service and made their first court appearance Friday, at which they both pleaded innocent and were released on a personal recognizance bod, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported.
Authorities said Fain and Cosper allegedly pushed rock formations over a cliff edge around Redstone Dunes Trail at Lake Mead on April 7, resulting in damages of more than $1,000.
The Lake Mead National Recreation Area just outside of Las Vegas draws around 6 million visitors every year and spans 2,344 square miles (6,071 square kilometers) of mountains and desert canyons.
Authorities said staffing levels mean park officials often rely on the public to also keep watch over resources within park boundaries.
LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Fierce widespread winds return to Southern Nevada on Tuesday!
TODAY
Wind alerts are in place across the Silver State, including HIGH WIND WARNINGS for Esmeralda and Nye County for wind gusts up to 60 mph.
Locally, a WIND ADVISORY will be in effect from 2:00 pm to 11:00 pm today in Clark County for sustained south winds 20-30 mph and wind gusts around 45 mph. Higher wind speeds 50-60 mph will be possible in the mountains. Similar gusty winds will occur across Lincoln County as well.
Rain/snow showers will be possible mainly across northern and central Nevada as this storm passes with the snow level dropping to 5,000-6,000 ft. Around a foot of snow is forecast in parts of the Sierra above 10,000 ft in elevation.
Meanwhile, we’ll see lots of sunshine in Las Vegas with “cooler” high temperatures reaching 86 degrees. That’s down from yesterday’s high of 90 degrees officially at the airport. Winds will start off light, increasing to 15-25 mph sustained winds this afternoon with wind gusts 35-45 mph.
Air quality is ranked ‘good’ to ‘moderate’ for ozone and blowing dust. Pollen levels are ‘low.’
TONIGHT
We’ll see mostly clear skies, gusty winds and colder valley low temperatures dropping to the mid 50s.
Winds will continue out of the southwest, 20-30 mph.
WHAT’S NEXT
Temperatures will drop around 10 degrees by Wednesday with valley highs in the mid 70s. Breezes will linger with west/southwest winds 10-15 mph with gusts around 25 mph.
We have a brief warm-up Thursday and Friday, ahead of another weather maker moving in this weekend. As of right now, weather models indicate breezes picking up Saturday and Sunday (SW winds 10-15 mph with gusts to 25 mph). A slight chance of mountain showers will be possible (20% odds Saturday & 30% odds Sunday on Mt. Charleston).
Temperatures will start warming up again beyond the 7-day with valley highs back in the low 80s NEXT Tuesday through Thursday.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the western slope of the northern Sierra Nevada above 5,000 feet and Yosemite National Park, above the Valley floor, from late tonight until Wednesday afternoon.
Heavy snow is forecast.
The snow levels will initially start out between 6,000 to 7,000 feet tonight, before lowering to 5,500 to 6,500 feet on Tuesday, and then down to 4,500 to 5,500 feet on Wednesday.
The heaviest snowfall is expected Tuesday afternoon and evening.
Minor accumulations of up to two inches is possible down to 4500 feet. The total snow accumulations above the 7,000 foot elevation, will range from three inches to as much as two feet.
Southwest winds could gust as high as fifty to seventy-five mph along the highest peaks. Such strong winds could cause tree damage.
Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Persons should delay all travel if possible. Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Visibilities may drop below a quarter of a mile due to falling and blowing snow. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on hills or when making turns. Make sure your car is winterized and in good working order.
Persons in the Watch Zone are urged to stay indoors until conditions improve. If you must go outside, dress in layers. Several layers of clothes will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Cover exposed skin to reduce your risk of frostbite or hypothermia. Gloves, a scarf, and a hat will keep you from losing your body heat.
Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.
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