Winter Storm Warning 3, NWS Las Vegas, NV

083 
WWUS45 KVEF 120800
WSWVEF

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Las Vegas NV
1200 AM PST Wed Feb 12 2025

CAZ519-521-130000-
/O.CON.KVEF.WS.W.0003.250213T0600Z-250215T0000Z/
Eastern Sierra Slopes-White Mountains of Inyo County-
Including the cities of Whitney Portal, Bristlecone Pine,
Westgard Pass, and Aspendell
1200 AM PST Wed Feb 12 2025

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM WEDNESDAY TO 4 
PM PST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow is possible in the higher elevations of the 
  Eastern Sierra and White Mountains. 2 to 4 feet of snow is 
  possible for elevations above 7000 feet, with locally higher 
  amounts on the peaks. Winds could gust as high as 60 mph along the 
  Sierra crest.

* WHERE...White and Inyo Mountains, and Eastern Sierra Slopes.

* WHEN...From 10 PM Wednesday to 4 PM PST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Strong 
  winds could cause tree damage.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in 
your vehicle in case of an emergency. Call 1-800-427-7623 for road 
information.

&&

$$

NVZ018-019-130000-
/O.CON.KVEF.WS.W.0003.250213T0600Z-250215T0000Z/
Sheep Range-Spring Mountains-Red Rock Canyon-
Including the cities of Mt Charleston, Red Rock Canyon, and
Hayford Pk
1200 AM PST Wed Feb 12 2025

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM WEDNESDAY TO 4 
PM PST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow is possible in the Spring Mountains and Sheep 
  Range. 12 to 24 inches of snow possible for elevations above 7000 
  feet, with locally higher amounts on the peaks. Winds could gust 
  as high as 50 mph.

* WHERE...Sheep Range and Spring Mountains-Red Rock Canyon.

* WHEN...From 10 PM Wednesday to 4 PM PST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Gusty 
  winds could bring down tree branches.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in 
your vehicle in case of an emergency. Call 5 1 1 for road 
information.

&&

$$

For more information from the National Weather Service visit 
http://weather.gov/lasvegas

JCS

278 
WWUS45 KVEF 122045
WSWVEF

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Las Vegas NV
1245 PM PST Wed Feb 12 2025

CAZ519-521-130615-
/O.CON.KVEF.WS.W.0003.250213T0600Z-250215T0000Z/
Eastern Sierra Slopes-White Mountains of Inyo County-
Including the cities of Westgard Pass, Bristlecone Pine, Whitney
Portal, and Aspendell
1245 PM PST Wed Feb 12 2025

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 
4 PM PST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow is possible in the higher elevations of the 
  Eastern Sierra and White Mountains. 2 to 4 feet of snow is 
  possible for elevations above 7000 feet, with locally higher 
  amounts on the peaks. Winds could gust as high as 60 mph along the 
  Sierra crest.

* WHERE...White and Inyo Mountains, and Eastern Sierra Slopes.

* WHEN...From 10 PM this evening to 4 PM PST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Very 
  strong winds could cause extensive tree damage.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in 
your vehicle in case of an emergency. Call 1-800-427-7623 for road 
information.

&&

$$

NVZ018-019-130615-
/O.CON.KVEF.WS.W.0003.250213T0600Z-250215T0000Z/
Sheep Range-Spring Mountains-Red Rock Canyon-
Including the cities of Mt Charleston, Red Rock Canyon, and
Hayford Pk
1245 PM PST Wed Feb 12 2025

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 
4 PM PST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow is possible in the Spring Mountains and Sheep 
  Range. 12 to 24 inches of snow possible for elevations above 7000 
  feet, with locally higher amounts on the peaks. Winds could gust 
  as high as 50 mph.

* WHERE...Sheep Range and Spring Mountains-Red Rock Canyon.

* WHEN...From 10 PM this evening to 4 PM PST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Gusty 
  winds could bring down tree branches.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in 
your vehicle in case of an emergency. Call 5 1 1 for road 
information.

&&

$$

For more information from the National Weather Service visit 
http://weather.gov/lasvegas

SM

207 
WWUS45 KVEF 130536
WSWVEF

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Las Vegas NV
936 PM PST Wed Feb 12 2025

CAZ519-521-131830-
/O.CON.KVEF.WS.W.0003.250213T0600Z-250215T0000Z/
Eastern Sierra Slopes-White Mountains of Inyo County-
Including the cities of Aspendell, Westgard Pass, Bristlecone
Pine, and Whitney Portal
936 PM PST Wed Feb 12 2025

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM PST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow is possible in the higher elevations of the 
  Eastern Sierra and White Mountains. 2 to 4 feet of snow is 
  possible for elevations above 7000 feet, with locally higher 
  amounts on the peaks. Winds could gust as high as 60 mph along the 
  Sierra crest.

* WHERE...White and Inyo Mountains, and Eastern Sierra Slopes.

* WHEN...Until 4 PM PST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Very 
  strong winds could cause extensive tree damage.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in 
your vehicle in case of an emergency. Call 1-800-427-7623 for road 
information.

&&

$$

NVZ018-019-131830-
/O.CON.KVEF.WS.W.0003.250213T0600Z-250215T0000Z/
Sheep Range-Spring Mountains-Red Rock Canyon-
Including the cities of Red Rock Canyon, Mt Charleston, and
Hayford Pk
936 PM PST Wed Feb 12 2025

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM PST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow is possible in the Spring Mountains and Sheep 
  Range. 12 to 24 inches of snow possible for elevations above 7000 
  feet, with locally higher amounts on the peaks. Snowfall rates 
  will be as high as 2 to 3 inches per hour at times. Winds could 
  gust as high as 50 mph.

* WHERE...Sheep Range and Spring Mountains-Red Rock Canyon.

* WHEN...Until 4 PM PST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Gusty 
  winds could bring down tree branches.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in 
your vehicle in case of an emergency. Call 5 1 1 for road 
information.

&&

$$

For more information from the National Weather Service visit 
http://weather.gov/lasvegas

SC

204 
WWUS45 KVEF 131006
WSWVEF

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Las Vegas NV
206 AM PST Thu Feb 13 2025

CAZ519-521-140000-
/O.CON.KVEF.WS.W.0003.000000T0000Z-250215T0000Z/
Eastern Sierra Slopes-White Mountains of Inyo County-
Including the cities of Aspendell, Bristlecone Pine, Westgard
Pass, and Whitney Portal
206 AM PST Thu Feb 13 2025

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM PST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow is possible in the higher elevations of the 
  Eastern Sierra and White Mountains. 2 to 4 feet of snow is 
  possible for elevations above 7000 feet; 3 to 5 feet of snow for 
  elevations above 9000 feet, with locally higher amounts on the 
  peaks. Winds could gust as high as 65 mph along the Sierra crest.

* WHERE...White and Inyo Mountains, and Eastern Sierra Slopes.

* WHEN...Until 4 PM PST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Very 
  strong winds could cause extensive tree damage.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in 
your vehicle in case of an emergency. Call 1-800-427-7623 for road 
information.

&&

$$

NVZ018-019-140000-
/O.CON.KVEF.WS.W.0003.000000T0000Z-250215T0000Z/
Sheep Range-Spring Mountains-Red Rock Canyon-
Including the cities of Red Rock Canyon, Mt Charleston, and
Hayford Pk
206 AM PST Thu Feb 13 2025

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM PST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow is possible in the Spring Mountains and Sheep 
  Range. 12 to 24 inches of snow possible for elevations above 6500 
  feet; 18 to 36 inches above 8000 feet; higher amounts on the 
  peaks. Snowfall rates will be as high as 2 to 3 inches per hour at 
  times. Winds could gust as high as 50 mph.

* WHERE...Sheep Range and Spring Mountains-Red Rock Canyon.

* WHEN...Until 4 PM PST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Strong 
  winds could cause tree damage.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in 
your vehicle in case of an emergency. Call 5 1 1 for road 
information.

&&

$$

For more information from the National Weather Service visit 
http://weather.gov/lasvegas

JCS

672 
WWUS45 KVEF 131638
WSWVEF

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Las Vegas NV
838 AM PST Thu Feb 13 2025

CAZ519-521-132300-
/O.CON.KVEF.WS.W.0003.000000T0000Z-250215T0000Z/
Eastern Sierra Slopes-White Mountains of Inyo County-
Including the cities of Whitney Portal, Westgard Pass, Aspendell,
and Bristlecone Pine
838 AM PST Thu Feb 13 2025

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM PST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow is possible in the higher elevations of the 
  Eastern Sierra and White Mountains. 2 to 4 feet of snow is 
  possible for elevations above 7000 feet; 3 to 5 feet of snow for 
  elevations above 9000 feet, with locally higher amounts on the 
  peaks. Winds could gust as high as 65 mph along the Sierra crest.

* WHERE...White and Inyo Mountains, and Eastern Sierra Slopes.

* WHEN...Until 4 PM PST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Very 
  strong winds could cause extensive tree damage.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in 
your vehicle in case of an emergency. Call 1-800-427-7623 for road 
information.

&&

$$

NVZ018-019-132300-
/O.CON.KVEF.WS.W.0003.000000T0000Z-250215T0000Z/
Sheep Range-Spring Mountains-Red Rock Canyon-
Including the cities of Mt Charleston, Red Rock Canyon, and
Hayford Pk
838 AM PST Thu Feb 13 2025

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM PST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow is possible in the Spring Mountains and Sheep 
  Range. 12 to 24 inches of snow possible for elevations above 6500 
  feet; 18 to 36 inches above 8000 feet; higher amounts on the 
  peaks. Snowfall rates will be as high as 2 to 3 inches per hour at 
  times. Winds could gust as high as 50 mph.

* WHERE...Sheep Range and Spring Mountains-Red Rock Canyon.

* WHEN...Until 4 PM PST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Strong 
  winds could cause tree damage.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in 
your vehicle in case of an emergency. Call 5 1 1 for road 
information.

&&

$$

NVZ015-132300-
/O.NEW.KVEF.WW.Y.0002.250213T1638Z-250214T0600Z/
Lincoln County-
Including the cities of Panaca, Alamo, Hiko, Rachel, Pioche, and
Caliente
838 AM PST Thu Feb 13 2025

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM PST THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Snow accumulations of 6 to 8 inches, with the greatest 
  accumulations above 6000 feet. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph.

* WHERE...Lincoln County including Highway 93. 

* WHEN...Until 10 PM PST this evening.

* IMPACTS...Travel could become very difficult. Gusty winds could 
  bring down tree branches.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. Call 5 1 1 for road 
information.

Be prepared for slippery roads. Slow down and use caution while 
driving. If you are going outside, watch your first few steps taken 
on stairs, sidewalks, and driveways. These surfaces could be icy and 
slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury.

&&

$$

For more information from the National Weather Service visit 
http://weather.gov/lasvegas

SM

320 
WWUS45 KVEF 132138
WSWVEF

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Las Vegas NV
138 PM PST Thu Feb 13 2025

CAZ519-521-140600-
/O.CON.KVEF.WS.W.0003.000000T0000Z-250215T0000Z/
Eastern Sierra Slopes-White Mountains of Inyo County-
Including the cities of Whitney Portal, Westgard Pass, Aspendell,
and Bristlecone Pine
138 PM PST Thu Feb 13 2025

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM PST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow is possible in the higher elevations of the 
  Eastern Sierra and White Mountains. 2 to 4 feet of snow is 
  possible for elevations above 7000 feet; 3 to 5 feet of snow for 
  elevations above 9000 feet, with locally higher amounts on the 
  peaks. Winds could gust as high as 65 mph out of the southwest 
  along the Sierra crest.

* WHERE...White and Inyo Mountains, and Eastern Sierra Slopes.

* WHEN...Until 4 PM PST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Very 
  strong winds could cause extensive tree damage.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in 
your vehicle in case of an emergency. Call 1-800-427-7623 for road 
information.

&&

$$

NVZ018-019-140600-
/O.CON.KVEF.WS.W.0003.000000T0000Z-250215T0000Z/
Sheep Range-Spring Mountains-Red Rock Canyon-
Including the cities of Mt Charleston, Red Rock Canyon, and
Hayford Pk
138 PM PST Thu Feb 13 2025

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM PST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow is possible in the Spring Mountains and Sheep 
  Range. 12 to 24 inches of snow possible for elevations above 6500 
  feet; 18 to 36 inches above 8000 feet; higher amounts on the 
  peaks. Snowfall rates will be as high as 2 to 3 inches per hour at 
  times. Winds could gust as high as 50 mph out of the southwest.

* WHERE...Sheep Range and Spring Mountains-Red Rock Canyon.

* WHEN...Until 4 PM PST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Strong 
  winds could cause tree damage.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in 
your vehicle in case of an emergency. Call 5 1 1 for road 
information.

&&

$$

NVZ015-140600-
/O.CON.KVEF.WW.Y.0002.000000T0000Z-250214T0600Z/
Lincoln County-
Including the cities of Panaca, Alamo, Hiko, Rachel, Pioche, and
Caliente
138 PM PST Thu Feb 13 2025

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM PST THIS 
EVENING...

* WHAT...Snow accumulations of 6 to 8 inches, with the greatest 
  accumulations above 6000 feet. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph out 
  of the south.

* WHERE...Lincoln County.

* WHEN...Until 10 PM PST this evening.

* IMPACTS...Travel could become very difficult. Gusty winds could 
  bring down tree branches.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. Call 5 1 1 for road 
information.

Be prepared for slippery roads. Slow down and use caution while 
driving. If you are going outside, watch your first few steps taken 
on stairs, sidewalks, and driveways. These surfaces could be icy and 
slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury.

&&

$$

For more information from the National Weather Service visit 
http://weather.gov/lasvegas

SM

371 
WWUS45 KVEF 140538
WSWVEF

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Las Vegas NV
938 PM PST Thu Feb 13 2025

NVZ015-140645-
/O.EXP.KVEF.WW.Y.0002.000000T0000Z-250214T0600Z/
Lincoln County-
Including the cities of Panaca, Alamo, Hiko, Rachel, Caliente,
and Pioche
938 PM PST Thu Feb 13 2025

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY WILL EXPIRE AT 10 PM PST THIS EVENING...

Impactful snow has moved out of the area. Therefore, the Winter 
Weather Advisory will be allowed to expire on time at 10:00 pm PST 
this evening.

$$

CAZ519-521-142100-
/O.CON.KVEF.WS.W.0003.000000T0000Z-250215T0000Z/
Eastern Sierra Slopes-White Mountains of Inyo County-
Including the cities of Westgard Pass, Bristlecone Pine,
Aspendell, and Whitney Portal
938 PM PST Thu Feb 13 2025

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM PST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Additional snow accumulations up to 6 inches. Winds gusting 
  as high as 50 mph.

* WHERE...White and Inyo Mountains, and Eastern Sierra Slopes.

* WHEN...Until 4 PM PST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions Gusty winds could bring 
  down tree branches.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in 
your vehicle in case of an emergency. Call 1-800-427-7623 for road 
information.

&&

$$

NVZ018-019-142100-
/O.CON.KVEF.WS.W.0003.000000T0000Z-250215T0000Z/
Sheep Range-Spring Mountains-Red Rock Canyon-
Including the cities of Hayford Pk, Red Rock Canyon, and Mt
Charleston
938 PM PST Thu Feb 13 2025

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM PST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Additional snow accumulations up to 3 inches. Winds gusting 
  as high as 55 mph.

* WHERE...Sheep Range and Spring Mountains-Red Rock Canyon.

* WHEN...Until 4 PM PST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Strong winds could 
  cause tree damage.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in 
your vehicle in case of an emergency. Call 5 1 1 for road 
information.

&&

$$

For more information from the National Weather Service visit 
http://weather.gov/lasvegas

MS

677 
WWUS45 KVEF 141119
WSWVEF

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Las Vegas NV
319 AM PST Fri Feb 14 2025

CAZ519-521-NVZ018-019-141230-
/O.CAN.KVEF.WS.W.0003.000000T0000Z-250215T0000Z/
Eastern Sierra Slopes-White Mountains of Inyo County-Sheep Range-
Spring Mountains-Red Rock Canyon-
Including the cities of Aspendell, Red Rock Canyon, Bristlecone
Pine, Mt Charleston, Whitney Portal, Hayford Pk, and Westgard
Pass
319 AM PST Fri Feb 14 2025

...WINTER STORM WARNING IS CANCELLED...

The Winter Storm Warning has been allowed to expire. Occasional 
light snow is possible, but additional significant accumulations or 
impacts are not expected.

$$

For more information from the National Weather Service visit 
http://weather.gov/lasvegas

JCS

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Las Vegas NV
941 AM PST Tue Feb 11 2025

.SYNOPSIS...Gusty west-northwest winds expected across the region
today, with strongest winds in the western Mojave Desert and Morongo
Basin. Light shower activity moves into the Desert Southwest on
Wednesday, becoming more widespread through the day on Thursday, and
peaking Thursday night with valley rain and mountain snow.
Temperatures increase through the weekend with dry conditions
expected.

&&

.UPDATE...A look at regional observations this morning shows winds
have begun to increase across the western Mojave Desert.  Gusts of
30 to 35 mph have been noted near Barstow and 25 to 30 mph in the
higher elevations near Yucca Valley and Twentynine Palms.  These
gusts should continue to increase through the morning, topping out
in the 35 to 45 mph range this afternoon.  It is also not out of the
question that we could see a few wind gusts in excess of 40 mph
along US 395 near and south of Independence this afternoon.  The
wind trajectory is not ideal for downslope winds, so any that do
occur are expected to be short-lived.  However, if the winds
overperform, a short fuse wind advisory may need to be issued for
this area. Elsewhere across the region, another pleasant but breezy
day is in store, with temperatures climbing close to seasonable
norms. No changes to the forecast grids or headlines are planned
this morning.

&&

.SHORT TERM...Today.

A shortwave trough will push through the southern Great Basin today
as it rides along the broad upper-level trough across the western
CONUS. This shortwave will have an associated +70kt 500mb jet as it
pushes through western Inyo and western San Bernardino counties
today. As such, these locations are where wind gusts will be the
strongest. A Wind Advisory goes into effect for the western Mojave
Desert and Morongo Basin in San Bernardino County today at 10am
through 10pm, with gusts to 50 mph possible. Considered issuing a
Wind Advisory for the Owens Valley as well, but the trajectory of
the jet is not particularly conducive for strong downslope winds.
High resolution models show the potential for isolated gusts at or
above 40 mph reaching parts of Highway 395 around Independence, but
impacts are not expected to be widespread enough to warrant a
product issuance. That said, as the day progresses, if wind readings
are over-achieving, a short-fused headline may be needed. Meanwhile,
expect peak wind gusts between 25 and 35 mph across the remainder of
the forecast area today with near-normal temperatures and otherwise
quiet weather conditions.

.LONG TERM...Wednesday through Monday.

Weak trailing shortwave embedded within a northwesterly flow aloft
will move through the region on Wednesday. While lacking much
dynamic support, it will begin to usher in some richer Pacific
moisture to the area, with Precipitable Water climbing to 100-150%
of normal across our far western and southern zones by Wednesday
morning. This moisture, coupled with a 120kt northwesterly upper
level jet will promote some very light shower activity across the
Sierra and Owens Valley Wednesday morning, with some additional
light sprinkles or perhaps a few hundredths across the I-40 corridor
through the day. Snow levels will start out fairly low, so can't
rule out some snowflakes along the US-395 corridor in the Bishop
area, but not expecting any snowfall accumulations.

Bigger story continues to be the primary trough that will move
through the region on Thursday into Friday.  Flow aloft will turn
broadly southwesterly Thursday morning, with increasing Pacific
moisture streaming in through the day. Large scale divergence and
warm air advection ahead of the trough axis will promote a fairly
broad area of light precipitation that will overspread the region.
Precipitation rates through the day Thursday should be fairly light
and intermittent across the deserts, but orographic forcing will
squeeze out heavier precipitation rates near the higher terrain.
Heavier rainfall is mainly expected in the Owens Valley, while heavy
mountain snow above 7000 feet can be expected in the Sierra, White
Mountains, Spring Mountains, and Sheep Range. As the trough axis
moves through overnight into Friday morning, it will drag a sharp
cold front and the primary atmospheric river, across the deserts and
into northwestern Arizona. This front will feature the heaviest
precipitation rates across the lower elevations and will also see
some of the peak snowfall intensities in the higher terrain.

With forecast snow totals of 1-3 feet in the Sierra, and potentially
1-2 feet in the Spring Mountains, have expanded the Winter Storm
Watch to include the Spring Mountains and the Sheep Range. Snow
levels will peak near 7000 feet in these mountain zones, but will
crash closer to 6000 feet on the back of the precipitation axis.
Across the lower elevations, widespread wetting rain continues to be
expected. NBM probabilities remain quite promising for the most
substancial widespread rainfall in recent memory. Primary concerns
for achieving the heavier totals would be lingering dry air that
will take its time to moisten on Thursday, especially with northward
extent, as well as downslope (rain shadow) influences near terrain
features, which often gets the best of us in Las Vegas. After going
more than 6 months without rain in parts of the area, regional roads
will be quite slick with grime and oil buildup, so plan for some
extra time if venturing out.

The trough axis will move through on Friday with a cold pool aloft
of -25C promoting lingering shower activity, especially across
southern Nevada and northwestern Arizona. Even a few lightning
strikes will be possible with the more robust showers. Thereafter, a
ridge will build in over the weekend with drier conditions and
warming temps.

&&

.AVIATION...For Harry Reid...For the 18Z Forecast Package...Winds
today are going to be a headache. The wind shift has slowed down, so
the current expectation is for south to southwest winds around 10
knots through noon or so, with a sporadic gust or two possible.
Delayed the shift to northwest winds until noon, and the gusts until
2 PM, although confidence is poor in the timing. The gusty northwest
winds could last well into the evening before subsiding close to
midnight. Winds are likely to veer to northeasterly Wednesday, with
about a 40% chance of speeds high enough to cause runway
configuration concerns. No operationally significant clouds or
weather expected through this TAF period, although conditions could
start to deteriorate as early as Wednesday night.

For the rest of southern Nevada, northwest Arizona and southeast
California...For the 18Z Forecast Package...Westerly winds in the
Barstow area will continue gusting around 40 knots before decreasing
this evening. Northwest winds around 30 knots will also spread into
the Morongo Basin. Farther north, expect westerly winds gusting
around 40 knots over the Sierra crest, with northwest winds gusting
20 to 30 knots in the southern Great Basin, possibly spreading as
far south as Las Vegas and the Colorado River Valley later this
afternoon and evening. Winds will decrease tonight, and lighter
winds are expected Wednesday. VFR conditions are expected through
tonight, before lower ceilings, mountain obscuration, and chances
for rain and mountain snow begin spreading into Inyo and San
Bernardino counties Wednesday.
&&

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...Spotters are encouraged to report
any significant weather or impacts according to standard operating
procedures.

&&

UPDATE...Planz
SHORT TERM...Soulat
LONG TERM...Outler
AVIATION...Morgan

For more forecast information...see us on our webpage:
https://weather.gov/lasvegas or follow us on Facebook and Twitter