Mountain Pass, California 7 Day Weather Forecast

Wx Forecast - Wx Discussion - Wx Aviation

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FXUS65 KVEF 170552
AFDVEF

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Las Vegas NV
1052 PM PST Mon Feb 16 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

* A strong weather system will bring widespread precipitation, heavy
  mountain snow, and gusty winds to the region today.

* The weather pattern will remain active with a second, colder
  system moving through the region Tuesday into Wednesday, bringing
  additional rain and snow chances.

* Drier conditions will return over the weekend with temperatures
  trending closer to normal by Sunday.

&&

.DISCUSSION...Today through Sunday.

A closed area of low pressure just off the central California Coast
will glide southward and weaken into an open wave as it pushes
inland through the day today. This system will increase PWATs across
the region to over 200 percent of normal, bringing along with it
very high precipitation chances for the entire forecast area.
Rainfall has begun in our western zones this afternoon and will
continue to creep eastward through the day. Greatest rainfall rates
will occur across the area between 12pm and 9pm PST, with snow
levels starting out around 7000 feet and falling through the day
(winter-related headlines for the eastern Sierra slopes, White
Mountains, Spring Mountains, Sheep Range, and the southern Great
Basin above 5000 feet). This evening between 5pm and 8pm PST, the
greatest precipitation rates are expected in the Spring Mountains as
a result of south-southwesterly winds providing productive
orographic enhancement. Kyle and Lee Canyons can expect between 8
and 14 inches of snow in a 12-hour period. These heavy rain rates
will combine with strong gusty winds, which would reduce
visibilities. Additionally, 1-3 inches are possible along Highway
160 through Mountain Springs. Finally, cannot rule out a dusting on
Interstate 15 at Mountain Pass. In addition to precipitation, this
system will bring with it strong, gusty south winds. Wind Advisories
are in effect for many locations across the Mojave Desert and
southwestern Great Basin today, with south-southwest wind gusts
between 40 and 50 mph (greater speeds in the higher terrain). Both
precipitation and wind speeds will subside overnight tonight.

Another cooler closed low will glide along the northern California
coast Tuesday into Wednesday, which will bring another round of
precipitation and gusty south winds to the region - but with lower
snow levels. Rainfall amounts Tuesday night through Wednesday will
be similar as expected today (0.15-0.25" in the valleys). Snow
levels will start out around 4500 feet and will rapidly drop to 1500
feet across the southwestern Great Basin and to 2500-3000 feet
across the Mojave Desert. This will bring another round of snowfall
to Inyo, Esmeralda, central Nye, Lincoln, and Clark county
mountains. Mountainous areas can expect similar accumulations as
today (measured in feet in the Sierra, and 8-14 inches in the Spring
Mountains), with lower elevation accumulations in locations such as
Interstate 15 through Mountain Pass (2-3 inches), Interstate 40
through Fort Rock (1-2 inches), and Red Rock Scenic Loop (1-2
inches). Wind speeds will be similar as today, if not slightly
higher Tuesday night and Wednesday, with south-southwest wind gusts
between 45 and 55 mph (greater speeds in the higher terrain). Cannot
rule out the sight of flurries across portions of the Las Vegas
Valley Wednesday morning, with best chances in higher elevations of
Centennial Hills and Summerlin.

A final shortwave pushes through the southern Great Basin on
Thursday, returning moderate (40-50%) chances of another round of
precipitation across the region (snow levels 3000-4000 feet). Skies
clear and temperatures warm up through the weekend.
&&

.AVIATION...For Harry Reid...For the 06Z Forecast Package...The
first wave of precipitation has moved east of the Las Vegas Valley
and rapidly improving sky conditions are expected through 08Z. Winds
will remain gusty overnight, though gusts should diminish to 20 to
25 knots. A period of gusty southerly winds is likely again Tuesday
afternoon; however, the latest guidance shows a downward trend in
the wind forecast, and maximum gusts have been adjusted accordingly.
Additional precipitation is likely after 03Z Wednesday, bringing
another period of reduced CIGs overnight Tuesday night.

For the rest of southern Nevada, northwest Arizona and southeast
California...For the 06Z Forecast Package...A band of showers
continues to move east across southeast Nevada and northwest Arizona
this evening. As the band passes, sky conditions should rapidly
improve, with bases lifting to 10kft AGL or greater. Winds will
diminish overnight, though intermittent gusts of 20 to 30 knots will
still be possible in some locations. Conditions will begin to
deteriorate by Tuesday afternoon in the Owens Valley as moisture
from the next system begins to spill over the Sierra. A mixture of
rain and snow is possible at KBIH after 20Z, before changing over to
mainly snow by early evening. Gusty southerly winds over 30 knots
are likely again Tuesday afternoon across most areas, and rain
showers will begin to overspread the remainder of the area after 00Z
Wednesday.

&&

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

&&

$$

DISCUSSION...Soulat
AVIATION...Phillipson

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