Winter Weather Advisories issued as Sierra Nevada prepares for heavy snow
A strengthening low-pressure system offshore is forecast to spread heavy precipitation and mountain snow across the Sierra Nevada from Thursday, November 13 through November 15, 2025. Winter Weather Advisories are in effect for the Eastern Sierra Slopes, Greater Lake Tahoe Area and the West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada, with snow levels forecast to drop into November 14 and accumulations reaching 30–60 cm (12–18 inches) at the highest peaks.
Winter Storm Severity Index for November 13-16, 2025. Credit: NWS
A strong Pacific storm system approaching the California coast is forecast to bring heavy snow, strong winds and hazardous travel conditions across the Sierra Nevada from Thursday evening through Saturday.
The upper-low associated with this system is expected to amplify today as it reaches the West Coast, spreading heavy precipitation across the California coastline and into the Sierra Nevada.
Forecast guidance from the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) shows continued heavy mountain snow, lowering snow levels, and an elevated risk of excessive rainfall along upslope terrain.
The National Weather Service (NWS) office in Las Vegas issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the Eastern Sierra Slopes from 19:00 PST on Thursday to 10:00 PST on Friday.
Snow accumulations are forecast to reach up to 10 cm (4 inches) between 2 600 and 2 900 m (8 500–9 500 feet), with 10–30 cm (4–12 inches) possible above 2 900 m (9500 feet). However, forecasters noted uncertainty in snow levels and total accumulations as the system approaches.
Wind gusts may reach 80 km/h (50 mph), producing periods of reduced visibility and difficult travel near Aspendell along Highway 168.
North of this area, the NWS Reno office issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the Greater Lake Tahoe Area from 22:00 PST on Thursday to 12:00 PST on Friday for elevations above 2 400 m (8 000 feet).
Expected accumulations include up to 10 cm (4 inches) above 2 400 m (8 000 feet) and up to 5 cm (2 inches) between 2 300 and 2 400 m (7 500–80 00 feet).
Sierra Ridge wind gusts may reach 95 km/h (60 mph) before 04:00 PST, and wave heights on Lake Tahoe may rise to 0.6 m (2 feet). The advisory notes potential impacts to the Friday morning commute and the possibility of tree and power line damage.
The NWS Sacramento office issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada above 2 100 m (7 000 feet) from 16:00 PST on Thursday to 07:00 PST on Friday.
Forecast calls for 7–20 cm (3–8 inches) of snow south of Highway 50 and 30–45 cm (12–18 inches) on the highest peaks. Snow levels are expected to remain above 2 400 m (8000 feet) through Thursday evening before lowering to 2 000–2 300 m (6500–7500 feet) late Thursday night through Friday.
In addition, wind gusts up to 80 km/h (50 mph) are forecast, which will contribute to hazardous conditions in higher passes.
The WPC expects widespread coastal rainfall and heavy mountain snow today as the storm spreads inland. A slight risk of excessive rainfall, representing at least a 15 percent chance, is in effect for the Bay Area and Sierra upslope regions where localized flash flooding may occur.
On Friday, scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to shift south into southern California, with a slight risk of excessive rainfall in northern Los Angeles County and the Transverse Ranges.
Heavy snow remains possible for southern portions of the Sierra Nevada through Saturday morning, where accumulations of 30–60 cm (1–2 feet) may occur depending on elevation and precipitation intensity.
High Wind Warnings and Wind Advisories are in effect across portions of northern and central California and western Nevada ahead of the approaching low-pressure system. Strong winds, combined with periods of heavy snow at higher elevations, may lead to intermittent travel disruptions and delays across major mountain corridors.
References:
1 Short Range Forecast Discussion – NWS/WPC – November 13, 2025
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