The last significant snowfall in the Reno region was last October. The mountains were white and it looked like we were going to have another good snow pack, bringing skiers joy, another winter season of robust economic activity, and storing plenty of water for next summer. Such has not been the case. This is mid-January, 2012 - there hasn't been any measurable precipitation in Reno for over a month and a half and the mountains still look like it's fall.

So, just how dry is it? Real dry, and here are numbers from the National Weather Service to illustrate where the snow pack is at so far in the 2012 water year. The numbers are percent of average for this time of year, followed by where we were at in 2011. It's a rather startling contrast.

• Truckee River drainage - 15% (203% in 2011).
• Lake Tahoe Basin - 9% (227% in 2011)
• Carson River drainage - 8% (224% in 2011)
• Walker River drainage - 11% (210% in 2011)

According to recent weather reports, relief may be on the way. We actually got an overnight dusting of snow in Reno Sunday night/Monday morning and a bit more up around Lake Tahoe. Winter storms may finally start to arrive in our area by mid-week, bringing more rain and snow to mountains and valleys. The best chance for some water from the sky is going to start Wednesday night and continue into the weekend. If you plan on heading to the mountains, be prepared for winter conditions and check road conditions before leaving town. Since our weather is always fickle at best, we'll have to wait and see just what materializes.

Meanwhile, for the outdoorsy types who don't miss the skiing (and even if you do), relatively mild temperatures (some record highs have been set) present a unique opportunity to enjoy activities normally reserved for the warmer months. If you want to go hiking or biking, many trails are snow-free and open. I've even heard that some hardy folks are out in kayaks and other small craft on Lake Tahoe. Definitely weird, but we get what we get and may as well enjoy it while it lasts.

Source: National Weather Service.

Get more Reno / Tahoe information:

- Receive the Reno / Tahoe Newsletter.
- Speak up on the Reno / Tahoe Discussion Forum.
- Follow me on Twitter.

If you like Reno's Artown in July, you'll probably like that the art festival has expanded to present a series of performances during other times of the year. For the first part of 2012, the Artown Encore series is bringing some remarkable performers and shows to town.

The first Artown Encore show of the year is presented by Imago Theatre's Zoo Zoo. This unique show will be at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno on Wednesday, January 18. Check my Artown Encore article for information about getting tickets and show times. There are three more shows coming up this winter and spring, including the incomparable Yo-Yo Ma in April. These shows have proven to be quite popular and some have been sell-outs. If you want to go, I'd get tickets in advance.

Discount tickets for ZooZoo - Members and friends of The Discovery can purchase discounted tickets for the January 18 show - $10 kids, $20 adults - at the Grand Sierra box office, or by calling (775) 789-2000. Just mention the code DISCOVERYZooZoo. The Grand Sierra is at 2500 East 2nd Street in Reno.

Get more Reno / Tahoe information:

- Receive the Reno / Tahoe Newsletter.
- Speak up on the Reno / Tahoe Discussion Forum.
- Follow me on Twitter.

Animal Ark Wildlife Sanctuary & Nature Center is normally closed during winter, but these two weekends give visitors an opportunity to enjoy visiting with the animals during the frosty and snowy season. According to Animal Ark, "Reno's icy weather is perfectly comfortable for our lynx, bobcats, cougars, the Arctic wolf and Arctic fox, and several of our other wild residents. The black bears and tortoises will be hibernating, but all the rest of our wild guests will welcome your visit."

There will be two Wild Winter weekends - January 14-15 and February 18-19. Both events will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for children and seniors, free for kids 2 and under. To get to Animal Ark from Reno, take Highway 395 north to Stead, exit and turn right on Red Rock Road, go 11.5 miles and then right onto Deerlodge Road to 1265. For more information, call (775) 970-3111 (area code required when dialing from Reno).

Be sure to dress warmly - Animal Ark is at 6,000 feet elevation. If the weather is questionable, call ahead to confirm that the event will be taking place.

Source: Animal Ark press release.

Get more Reno / Tahoe information:

- Receive the Reno / Tahoe Newsletter.
- Speak up on the Reno / Tahoe Discussion Forum.
- Follow me on Twitter.

Local, state, and federal government offices will be closed on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Monday, January 16. It's also a holiday for Washoe County Schools. In the Reno area, a number of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day events and celebrations are planned. On Sunday the 15th at 3 p.m., there will be an interfaith memorial service at the First United Methodist Church in downtown Reno. The Food Bank of Northern Nevada is providing volunteer opportunities at its facility east of Sparks on Monday. The annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dinner Celebration will start at 5:30 p.m. on Monday evening at the Peppermill Hotel Casino in Reno. The Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows will be sponsoring a program of activities and volunteer service for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Get more Reno / Tahoe information:

- Receive the Reno / Tahoe Newsletter.
- Speak up on the Reno / Tahoe Discussion Forum.
- Follow me on Twitter.