Sun Valley, Nevada 7 Day Weather Forecast

Wx Forecast - Wx Discussion - Wx Aviation

927
FXUS65 KREV 302132
AFDREV

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Reno NV
232 PM PDT Sun Mar 30 2025

.KEY MESSAGES...

* Periods of moderate to heavy mountain snow will result in
  difficult travel in the Sierra through Tuesday.

* Gusty winds continue through the early evening with another
  afternoon of increased winds on Monday.

* Daily chances of showers expected during the latter half of the
  week with a drier pattern favored next weekend and beyond.

&&

.DISCUSSION...

Today begins our multi-day period of stormy, windy weather that will
result in travel and recreation impacts across the region. 17Z radar
and satellite data reveal that the warm side of our ongoing storm
has arrived, leading to gloomy and showery conditions this morning.
Snow levels have risen to near 7000 feet in response to the arrival
of the warmer air, confining snow to the higher Sierra terrain with
rain elsewhere.

Spotty rain and high elevation snow showers will continue through
much of the day before shower intensity/coverage increases overnight
along and ahead of a cold front. Snow levels also fall below 6000
feet Monday morning for NE California and the Tahoe Basin, then in
Mono County Monday afternoon. Rain will switch to snow for lower
elevation Sierra communities during these respective periods,
likely making for a messy Monday AM and PM commute. Heaviest
snowfall rates of 1-2"/hr on Monday are expected from mid to late
morning with another burst of heavier snow in the late afternoon.
Shower activity tapers off Monday night, leaving 1-3 feet of snow
along the Sierra crest and 5-12" at lower Sierra communities
(e.g., Truckee, South Lake, Mammoth Lakes) when all is said and
done.

Periods of spillover showers into western Nevada begin Monday
morning and continue through the afternoon. Falling snow levels
approach valley floors Monday morning, allowing for snow across
foothills/Virginia City, where up to a couple inches are
possible. A few snowflakes may be able to reach valley floors, but
snowfall rates won`t be nearly sufficient to overcome a higher
sun angle. Yet, roads will likely be wet and slick during the
Monday commutes. In true spring fashion, there is also a 10-20%
chance of thunderstorms this afternoon and again Monday afternoon
in the Sierra and far western Nevada.

The potential for stronger downslope winds has increased this
afternoon for the Surprise Valley and far western Nevada where W/SW
gusts of 45-50 mph are conceivable. Locally higher gusts up to 55
mph are possible for wind prone areas. Another windy day is in store
Monday, especially across western Nevada south of US-50 and lower
elevations of Mono County where afternoon gusts of 45-55 mph will be
common. Elsewhere, winds will be dampened by shower activity but may
see occasional gusts near 40 mph. Potential wind impacts include
bumpy flights into and out of regional airports, choppy lake waters
and hazardous boating conditions, difficult driving conditions for
high-profile vehicles, and blowing dust near playas and desert
sinks.

After a brief lull late Monday night, another band of rain and
snow will sweep across the region on Tuesday. This wave will be
weaker than the previous, but may provide another 8-12" to Sierra
ridges and 2- 6" of snowfall to Sierra communities by Wednesday
morning. Snow levels will fall below valley floors as the storm`s
cold core moves overhead, but snow will struggle to accumulate.
Tuesday afternoon also looks favorable for pellet showers and
thunderstorms. The remainder of the week will feature chances of
showers each day, but we look to dry out heading into the weekend.

-Salas

&&

.AVIATION...

Periods of rain and snow showers will lower CIGS/VIS to MVFR/IFR
conditions at Sierra terminals through Monday with heaviest snowfall
Monday morning and afternoon. Expect runway accumulation of 6-10" at
KTRK and KTVL through Monday with 1-4" at KMMH. A few light showers
may reach Sierra Front terminals through the rest of today, but
there`s better potential for spillover showers Monday morning when
MVFR or occasional IFR conditions are most likely for
KRNO/KCXP/KMEV. There is also a 10-20% chance of thunderstorms
within 10 miles of all regional terminals today and Monday
afternoon.

LLWS and mountain wave turbulence will also remain a concern through
Monday as FL100 winds strengthen to 45-55 kts by Monday morning.
Surface gusts up to 40 kts are expected this afternoon and again
Monday afternoon for Sierra Front terminals.

-Salas

&&

.AVALANCHE...

Aside from a few minor tweaks, the forecast remains largely on
track. Refer to the previous discussion below for more details:

* SWE and SLRs: Up to 1.25" of SWE along the highest peaks in the
  Tahoe Basin today, otherwise 0.25-0.5". Locally lower in Mono
  County, with SWE up to 0.5" along the highest peaks. The second
  wave Monday brings 1.5-2.5" SWE for the Tahoe Basin and 1-2" for
  Mono County (highest in northern Mono County). SLRs for both waves
  will range from 9-12:1 with the lowest SLRs late this afternoon.

* Snow levels, totals, and rates: Snow totals today have up to 12
  inches for the Tahoe Basin, and locally lower for Mono with less
  than 8 inches. Monday will bring up to 3 feet of snow for the
  Tahoe Basin, with 12-24" for northern Mono County and up to 18
  inches near Mammoth Lakes. The heaviest snowfall rates will take
  place Monday between 5am and 5pm with 1-2"/hr expected.

* Ridgetop winds: Winds will remain elevated through this storm
  system, with westerly wind gusts up to 100 mph along ridgetops.

* Lightning: There is a 10-15% chance for lightning today (primarily
  for the Tahoe Basin) with a 10-20% chance Monday and Tuesday.

-Giralte/Salas

&&

.REV Watches/Warnings/Advisories...
NV...Wind Advisory until 8 PM PDT this evening NVZ003-005.

     Winter Storm Warning from 5 PM this afternoon to 11 PM PDT
     Monday NVZ002.

 Winter Weather Advisory from 5 AM to 11 PM PDT Tuesday NVZ002.

     Lake Wind Advisory until 5 PM PDT this afternoon NVZ002.

     Lake Wind Advisory until 11 PM PDT this evening NVZ004.

CA...Wind Advisory until 8 PM PDT this evening CAZ070.

     Winter Storm Warning from 5 PM this afternoon to 11 PM PDT
     Monday CAZ071-072.

 Winter Weather Advisory from 5 AM to 11 PM PDT Tuesday CAZ071-
     072.

     Lake Wind Advisory until 5 PM PDT this afternoon CAZ072.

     Winter Weather Advisory from 11 PM this evening to 11 PM PDT
     Monday CAZ073.

&&

$$