Las Vegas, NV – Mountain travel across southern Nevada and eastern California could become impossible by midday Monday as multiple rounds of heavy snow and 70 mph wind gusts slam elevations above 5,000 feet.
According to the National Weather Service in Las Vegas, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect from 10 a.m. Monday until 10 p.m. Wednesday for the Spring Mountains, Sheep Range, and high terrain of Esmeralda and Nye counties. In California, the Eastern Sierra Slopes and White Mountains are under warning from 4 a.m. Monday through Wednesday night. Snow totals will exceed 3 feet above 8,000 feet along the Sierra crest, with 1 to 2 feet common above 7,000 feet and 6 to 12 inches down to 5,000 feet. Wind gusts could reach 70 mph along the highest ridges.
Mt. Charleston, Red Rock Canyon, and Hayford Peak will see snow arrive Monday afternoon, briefly ease late Monday night into Tuesday morning, then intensify again Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday. Highway 266 over Lida Summit and Highway 95 in Nye County may turn snow-covered during the second wave, while Highway 168 through Westgard Pass faces periods of near-zero visibility.
Whiteout conditions will drop visibility below a quarter mile at times. Officials urge residents and visitors to delay travel, carry emergency supplies and check road conditions by calling 511 before heading into the mountains. Warnings remain in effect through Wednesday night, and additional restrictions or closures are possible as snowfall intensifies.
