715
FXUS65 KVEF 032030
AFDVEF

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Las Vegas NV
1230 PM PST Sat Jan 3 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

* Heavy snow will return to the Sierra Saturday and Sunday with
  moderate to major impacts above 7000 feet.

* Unsettled weather persists through the week with periods of breezy
  winds, light rain, and mountain snow.

&&

.DISCUSSION...through Friday.

Latest radar and satellite imagery shows a solid plume of moisture
and precipitation streaming into the southern Sierra this morning
and afternoon. Automated snow sites in our portion of the Eastern
Sierra have measured up to 6" of new snow as of 10AM PST.
Accumulations will continue to pile up, and slowly begin at lower
elevations as snow levels fall to ~6500 feet. Total accumulations of
5-15" likely between 8-10kft, with up to 6" between 7-8kft. A Winter
Storm Warning remains in effect until 4AM Monday.

Anomalous moisture remains in place (as evidenced by the abundant
low clouds) thanks to a large trough off the West Coast. Shortwaves
embedded in the southwesterly flow will spark periods of
precipitation across the rest of the area. Outside of western Inyo
County, this precipitation will be light (chances for 0.25"+ in any
24-hr window is less than 25%). Combined with snow levels generally
6-8kft, the potential for winter impacts outside of the Sierra is
low (under 30%). Best chances for precipitation are today through
Monday, mainly in areas along and north of Interstate 15. In terms
of winds, periods of gusts between 20-35 mph are likely (70%) across
the area, but chances for impactful gusts over 40 mph are generally
below 30%.

&&

.AVIATION...For Harry Reid...For the 18Z Forecast Package...No
impactful winds anticipated until Sunday afternoon when the chance
for 10+ knot southwest winds increases to 70%. Otherwise, the main
concern will be the low clouds. CIGs will generally be 3-5kft most
of the period, though there is a window from 02z - 09z where clouds
may scatter out enough to remove the CIG. Sunday morning
precipitation chances have dwindled (now 10%), and thus the VCSH has
been removed. However, clouds should still lower during this time,
with a ~40% chance of CIGs below 2kft.

For the rest of southern Nevada, northwestern Arizona and
southeastern California...For the 18Z Forecast Package...Northwest
of Interstate 15, expecting southerly breezes of 15-25 knots and 40-
80% precipitation chances. Southeast of I-15, winds should remain
light and rain chances stay below 20%. Low clouds and terrain
obscuration prevail across the region with CIGs generally 3-5kft.
CIGs down to 2kft are possible (30%) where steady precipitation can
develop in our northwestern zones.

&&

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

&&

$$

DISCUSSION/AVIATION...Woods


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