Withering winter weather is playing havoc with Union Pacific trains from Nevada up through the Pacific Northwest.
The railroad on Thursday said a broken dam in northeast Nevada flooded its tracks and halted operations between Montello, Nev., and Ogden, Utah.
“Trains approaching the flood-impacted area are being rerouted between Wells, Nevada and Salt Lake City, Utah to minimize delays,” UP said in a statement to customers.
Crews are waiting for water from the 21 Mile Dam to recede on the section of track near Montello before repairs can be made. “We have ballast trains and construction crews positioned to begin repairs as soon as we can safely access the impacted area. At this time, customer shipments may experience delays between 24-48 hours.”
Also, UP said it was experiencing network delays between Seattle and Portland; Portland and Pocatello, Idaho and Hinkle, Ore. and Eastport, Idaho due to snow and ice storms that have triggered rockslides and falling trees around its tracks. It added shipments in these areas may be delayed 24 to 48 hours.