Winter Storm to Bring Snow, Winds This Weekend

Tom Darby

RENO, Nev. — A moderate winter storm will impact the Sierra Nevada this weekend, bringing heavy snow to higher elevations, powerful winds across the region, and limited precipitation in the Reno area due to rain shadowing.

Cold air and moisture are setting the stage for a significant snow event in the Sierra, with feet of snow expected. A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for the Tahoe Basin and parts of northeast California from 12 a.m. Saturday through 10 a.m. Monday.

Forecasters warn of heavy snowfall, poor visibility, and strong winds throughout the storm.

Wind gusts will exceed 30 mph in the Reno-Sparks valley, while winds near the Sierra crest could approach 100 mph. Reno should see more wind than rain or snow, as a southerly flow pattern increases downslope shadowing on the eastern side of the Sierra.

Snow levels on Saturday may fluctuate, falling to around 5,500 feet by Monday morning. Cooler nighttime temperatures could allow for light snow in the foothills Saturday night through Monday morning, with accumulations limited due to continued shadowing.

The storm is a high-end moderate atmospheric river, with moisture moving north from the south-southwest and gradually shifting southeast through the weekend. While Reno will largely miss out on heavy precipitation, northeast California remains at risk for flooding.

A Flood Watch is in effect for the Susan and Feather river basins from 10 a.m. Saturday through 4 p.m. Monday.

Snow will fall continuously at Donner Pass. In the high Sierra above 7,000 feet, snowfall totals will range from 1 to 3 feet.

Lake-level communities around Tahoe could see 6 to 10 inches, while Mono County above 8,000 feet may receive up to 4 feet of snow, including at the crest of Mammoth Mountain.

Thunderstorms are possible across Northern California through Sunday, indicating a convective component to the storm. As a result, snowfall on Saturday will be showery, with bursts of heavy snow separated by brief breaks.

Snow will become more persistent late Saturday night into Sunday morning as another wave moves into the Sierra and the jet stream strengthens, enhancing lift and snowfall rates. The heaviest snowfall is expected during this period, particularly at higher elevations, as the jet stream remains tilted from the southwest, supporting steadier snowfall early Saturday and again late Saturday night into Sunday.

By Monday, the atmospheric river will begin to weaken. As snow levels drop, moisture will be more limited, leading to slick conditions in the Reno area during the Monday morning commute. Any snowfall in the valley should be light, but even minor accumulations could create travel hazards.