Colder air will move in Monday night dropping snow levels and combining with moisture to produce feet of snowfall in the high Sierra this week. An atmospheric river is the source of moisture and an upper level low to our northwest will help shove the atmospheric river south towards I-80 Monday. Cold air will then wrap in behind the atmospheric river giving the Sierra a good chance for snow. The Sierra will get some much needed fresh powder this week, with a lot of water content. This will be heavy, wet, snow, something locals call Sierra cement. Great news for our water supply.
Click on the video below for an in depth update, blog continues after the video.
Before the snow, comes the wind. Just like this weekend, winds will be strong on Monday with a High Wind Warning up through 10pm Monday for the Truckee Meadows and down through Mono County. Wind gusts could reach 70mph, especially in wind prone areas, such as Washoe Valley.
Not only do atmospheric rivers produce lots of rain and snow, but they are typically wind makers too. Tuesday won’t be quite as windy, allowing for more rain to spill over to Reno. Wind speeds will be strong enough Monday for flight delays and cancellations, as well as power outages and down tree limbs.Â
Nevada Highway Patrol: Feeling stumped on your Monday? So are we…
— Nevada State Police (@NVStatePolice) February 3, 2025
Wind advisories are still posted for several Nevada highways. Use caution while traveling and be prepared for strong crosswinds and blowing debris. Always check current road conditions before you travel.… pic.twitter.com/tCLJMK1SYD
The snow level will be around 7000’ on Monday before dropping to 6000’ Tuesday morning. I-80 at Donner will be slick with snow coming down by 6pm Monday. Highs on Monday will be in the upper 50’s to 60 degrees in the valley on Monday, before dropping into the 40’s by the end of the week.
We’re also still watching northeast California for high water flows. The Pit River is forecasted to cause major flooding near and below Canby. The Susan River is expected to peak near moderate flood stage Monday morning.
We’ll also be watching our burn scars.
This weekend will be a great time to enjoy all the new snow we get this week. Snow totals will range from six to twelve inches below 7000’ in the Tahoe Basin, to one to three feet in the high Sierra by Wednesday morning. Snow totals will be less in northeast California, but still a good amount. Feet of additional snow will fall in the high Sierra on Thursday.
Rain totals in the valley will be less than an inch on Tuesday, but the rain itself will be moderate to heavy in nature.
Stay tuned for more weather updates.
