Heavy Snow in Western Nevada Basin and Range, Nevada

A trained spotter located 1.0 mi SSW of Fernley, NV, reported a storm total snowfall of 5.5 inches.

This AR fed winter system shaped up to be a major heavy snow event for Mono, Mineral, and Southern Lyon Counties, that extended south into Inyo and Esmeralda Counties. A deformation axis wrapped into the region with moist subtropical air transported by a moderate to strong AR that was directed into central and southern California. A strong southeast to east-southeast upper flow also aided in setting up the convergence zone in addition to upslope flow into the eastern Sierra. Impacts were considerable for routes between western and southern NV, that included closures of US-395, US-95, and Hwy-6 due to heavy snow in addition to strong south-southeast winds creating blowing and drifting snow and periods as well as near zero visibility. Dangerous wind chills occurred across the High Sierra with additional impacts for more vulnerable populations.