...COLD THROUGH THIS WEEKEND WITH A STRONGER WINTER STORM
LIKELY TUESDAY-WEDNESDAY...
* Cold temperatures will linger through this weekend with highs
only in the 30s to low 40s for western Nevada and 20s to mid 30s
for Sierra valleys. Additional spotty, light snow showers will
be possible mainly during the afternoon and evening hours,
which may produce brief minor accumulations on Sierra roadways.
* A stronger winter storm is likely to impact the region late
Monday night through Wednesday, with the best chances for heavy
Sierra snowfall from late Monday night through Tuesday evening.
This will be a cold storm with snow levels close to the lower
valley floors. Precipitation will be showery into western
Nevada with best chances for spillover Tuesday.
* Snow totals in the High Sierra could reach 2 to 3 feet, with
10-20 inches for the Tahoe Basin, around Mammoth Lakes, and
mountainous areas of northeast CA west of US-395. Snow totals on
valley floors of western Nevada could reach up to 2 inches, with
2 to 6 inches possible for foothill locations and Virginia City.
However, the late March sun angle will limit accumulations on
most road surfaces in lower elevations.
* For Monday night through Tuesday evening: Gusty south to
southwest winds will accompany the main cold front. This will
bring areas of blowing and drifting snow, further reducing
visibility and bringing significant travel disruptions in the
Sierra. Wind gusts to 40-50 mph in valley locations and over 100
mph along Sierra ridges may also bring difficulties for high
profile vehicles, aviation interests, and backcountry
recreation.
