639
FXUS65 KREV 302040
AFDREV

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Reno NV
140 PM PDT Fri Oct 30 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

* Periods of mountain snow will create travel disruptions in and
  across the Sierra through the weekend.

* Rain and a chance of thunderstorms expected this weekend, with
  light snow falling near valley floors early Sunday morning.

* Warmer and drier weather prevails early next week, with another
  Pacific storm possible around midweek.

&&

.DISCUSSION...

A Pacific storm will continue to deliver periods of rain and
mountain snow between today and early Sunday morning. Spotty, light
showers today will become more widespread on Saturday ahead of an
impinging cold front, increasing chances of rain and mountain snow
to 70% or higher from midday Saturday to early Sunday morning. A few
lightning strikes will also be possible (10-20%) Saturday afternoon
as daytime heating couples with deep-layer moisture and strong
synoptic lift.

Heaviest Sierra snow is expected above 8000 feet Saturday afternoon
into the overnight hours when snowfall rates approach 1"/hour.
Highest peaks may see snowfall rates exceed 1"/hour at times. By
Sunday afternoon, there is high probability (60%+) of 6" or more of
fresh snow along the Sierra (above 8000 ft) with as much as 12-15"
along highest peaks (30-50% chance). Pockets of greater snowfall
totals may accompany heavier showers or thunderstorms that develop
Saturday afternoon. Meanwhile, rain (or a rain-snow mix) will switch
to all snow Saturday night for lower Sierra passes and roadways
above 6000 feet where there is 30-40% chance of 1"+ of snowfall. As
such, be prepared for slick roads and reduced visibilities when
traveling in and across the Sierra this weekend.

Snow levels lower further early Sunday morning as the cold front
progresses, falling as low as 4500-5000 ft in the Sierra and Sierra
Front. This will allow for light snow down to valley floors
-- including the Greater Reno-Carson-Minden area -- around or just
before sunrise, although no accumulation is expected. However, those
in Virgina City may wake up to a dusting of snow Sunday morning.

A brief warming and drying trend is expected early next week, then
ensembles hint at another Pacific storm arriving around the middle
of next week.

-Salas

&&

.AVIATION...

Isolated showers and low clouds will produce brief periods of MVFR
conditions and mountain obscuration into Saturday morning at Sierra
terminals. A few showers may spill into W Nevada terminals, although
low clouds and mountain obscuration will be the primary issue.

Showers increase in coverage and likelihood Saturday afternoon,
resulting in more prolonged periods of MVFR conditions for all
terminals. Moreover, there is a low 10-20% chance of thunderstorms
Saturday afternoon, which may briefly reduce CIGS/VIS to IFR
conditions if storms drift over airfields.

-Salas

&&

.REV Watches/Warnings/Advisories...
NV...Winter Weather Advisory from 8 AM Saturday to 7 AM PDT Sunday
     NVZ002.

CA...Winter Weather Advisory from 8 AM Saturday to 7 AM PDT Sunday
     CAZ072-073.

&&

$$