Washoe County, NV

Alerts

Watch Area
Advisory Area
County Line

Alerts are listed in order of start time and level of severity. Click on the alert title to read details for each alert.

In effect from Monday 04/20 11:00 AM PDT – Monday 04/20 10:00 PM PDT

Issued by NWS Reno NV

What

Southwest winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph on northeast California and eastern Sierra lakes, including Lake Tahoe where wave heights of 1 to 3 feet are expected.

Where

Greater Lake Tahoe Area, Lassen-Eastern Plumas-Eastern Sierra Counties, and Mono County. Impacted lakes include Eagle Lake, Lake Davis, Frenchman Lake, Stampede and Boca reservoirs, Donner Lake, Lake Tahoe, Bridgeport Reservoir, Topaz Lake, Mono Lake, and Crowley Lake.

When

From 11 AM this morning to 10 PM PDT this evening.

Impacts

Small boats, kayaks and paddle boards will be prone to capsizing and should remain off lake waters until conditions improve.

What to do

Check lake conditions before heading out and be prepared for a sudden increase in winds and wave heights. Consider postponing boating activities on the lake until a day with less wind.


Areas impacted

  • Lassen-Eastern Plumas-Eastern Sierra Counties
  • Greater Lake Tahoe Area
  • Mono
  • Greater Lake Tahoe Area

Tips to stay safe

A Lake Wind Advisory means that strong winds are happening now or soon, and will cause rough waters on area lakes. 

Boaters should use extra caution.

In effect from Monday 04/20 1:00 PM PDT – Monday 04/20 10:00 PM PDT

Issued by NWS Reno NV

What

Southwest winds 20 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph.

Where

Greater Reno-Carson City-Minden Area and Mineral and Southern Lyon Counties. Impacted lakes include Washoe and Walker lakes.

When

From 1 PM this afternoon to 10 PM PDT this evening.

Impacts

Small boats, kayaks and paddle boards will be prone to capsizing and should remain off lake waters until conditions improve.

What to do

Check lake conditions before heading out and be prepared for a sudden increase in winds and wave heights. Consider postponing boating activities on the lake until a day with less wind.


Areas impacted

  • Mineral and Southern Lyon Counties
  • Greater Reno-Carson City-Minden Area

Tips to stay safe

A Lake Wind Advisory means that strong winds are happening now or soon, and will cause rough waters on area lakes. 

Boaters should use extra caution.

In effect from Monday 04/20 1:00 PM PDT – Monday 04/20 10:00 PM PDT

Issued by NWS Reno NV

What

Southwest winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph and waves up to 3 feet.

Where

Western Nevada Basin and Range. Impacted lakes include Pyramid Lake, Rye Patch and Lahontan reservoirs.

When

From 1 PM this afternoon to 10 PM PDT this evening.

Impacts

Small boats, kayaks and paddle boards will be prone to capsizing and should remain off lake waters until conditions improve.

What to do

Check lake conditions before heading out and be prepared for a sudden increase in winds and wave heights. Consider postponing boating activities on the lake until a day with less wind.


Areas impacted

  • Western Nevada Basin and Range including Pyramid Lake

Tips to stay safe

A Lake Wind Advisory means that strong winds are happening now or soon, and will cause rough waters on area lakes. 

Boaters should use extra caution.

In effect from Tuesday 04/21 5:00 AM PDT – Wednesday 04/22 5:00 PM PDT

Issued by NWS Reno NV

What

Heavy snow above 6500 feet. Snow accumulations of 4 to 10 inches above 6500 feet with 12 to 18 inches along highest mountain peaks. 1 to 4 inches of snow possible at lake level, especially on the western shores. Wind gusts of 30 to 35 mph across lower elevations, including Lake Tahoe where wave heights reach 1 to 3 feet. Ridgetop winds gusting up to 90 mph at times.

Where

Greater Lake Tahoe Area.

When

From Tuesday morning through Wednesday afternoon.

Impacts

Travel could be very difficult through Sierra passes. The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday and Wednesday commutes. Strong winds could cause damage to trees and power lines.

Additional Details

Heaviest snowfall expected late Tuesday morning through Tuesday afternoon. Heavier snow showers could result in locally greater snow totals. Isolated lightning is also possible along the Sierra crest Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons.

What to do

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.


Areas impacted

  • Greater Lake Tahoe Area
  • Greater Lake Tahoe Area

Tips to stay safe

A Winter Storm Watch means that the area could see a significant winter storm, including sleet, heavy snow, ice, or some combination. Take action now to prepare your home, vehicle and family. 

  • Make sure you have an emergency kit in your car, and emergency supplies in your home. These should include food, water, essential medications, and spare phone chargers.  
  • Try to avoid travel when winter weather is expected. If you must drive in the snow, make sure you have a full tank of gas and/or a fully charged battery. Go slowly and keep your distance from other vehicles. 
  • Make sure that pets and other animals have plenty of food and water, and access to a warm shelter.
  • Stay tuned for updates here or through local radio and news. 

From the forecaster

Winter Storm Watch

Created by the NWS Reno WFO

A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for the Greater Lake Tahoe region and Mono County as a spring storm brings heavy snow and strong/gusty winds Tuesday morning through Wednesday.

Seven-day weather risk overview

Daily weather risk summary

risk level
out of 10
out of 10
out of 10
out of 10
out of 10
out of 10
No risk
Low risk
High risk

Weather forecasting office

Reno Forecast Office

Find a forecast