Night Rail Duty

This powerful snow plow "spreader" pushes through heavy snowfall over Donner Summit, a rare sight only prompted by the most intense winter conditions. Under the dark night sky, the train's bright light cuts through the falling snow, illuminating the tracks as it clears a path through the wilderness. With each snowfall, these trains become the lifeline of this historic rail line, a testament to the rugged beauty and challenges of winter in the Sierra Nevada.