Weather
California-Nevada Winter Storm Watch: 12 Inches of Snow, 80 MPH Winds
Reno, NV – A powerful winter storm could bring up to a foot of heavy, wet snow and wind gusts reaching 80 mph across parts of the Sierra Nevada beginning Friday, November 13, threatening mountain trav
By Wesley Grant · 2026-11-10T21:12:11.875Z
Reno, NV – A powerful winter storm could bring up to a foot of heavy, wet snow and wind gusts reaching 80 mph across parts of the Sierra Nevada beginning Friday, November 13, threatening mountain travel, power lines and communities surrounding Lake Tahoe.
According to the National Weather Service in Reno, Winter Storm Watches have been issued for the Greater Lake Tahoe area and Mono County, with hazardous conditions expected from Friday into Saturday morning.
The Lake Tahoe watch begins Friday morning, while Mono County's watch starts Friday afternoon. Both remain in effect until Saturday morning.
Heavy Snow and Damaging Winds Expected Forecasters anticipate snowfall approaching 12 inches at elevations above 7,000 to 7,500 feet. Lower elevations around Lake Tahoe and Truckee could receive up to 6 inches, depending on snow levels.
In Mono County, up to 6 inches is possible between 6,000 and 7,500 feet, with little or no accumulation expected below 6,000 feet.
Ridge top wind gusts could reach 60 to 80 mph, while communities around Lake Tahoe and Truckee could experience gusts of 35 to 45 mph.
Along Highway 395 in Mono County, winds could reach 40 to 55 mph.
Friday Evening Travel Could Become Dangerous The most intense snowfall is expected late Friday afternoon through Friday evening around Lake Tahoe, continuing into early Saturday in Mono County.
Snow levels could drop to approximately 6,000 feet, creating difficult driving conditions near South Lake Tahoe, Tahoe City, Incline Village, Truckee, Mammoth Lakes and Bridgeport.
Heavy, moisture laden snow, often called "Sierra cement," combined with strong winds could damage trees and power lines.
Strong winds and rough waves could also create dangerous conditions for small boats on Lake Tahoe.
Residents and travelers should monitor updated forecasts and check road conditions before traveling.
A Winter Storm Watch means significant winter weather is possible, but exact impacts remain uncertain.