National Weather Service predicts area’s first winter system of year

Snow in forecast for higher elevations

The National Weather Service has forecast a weather pattern change that is in store this week as a series of “Pacific disturbances evolve through the week and bring the potential for high elevation snow and valley rainfall to the region.

At this time, at least a minor risk for snow and/ or rain impacts will come with these systems, especially for the latter half of the week, but this may change with later forecasts, according to the weather service.

Key points in the forecast include

• Sierra snow chances increased Monday and linger through the week, impacts are forecast to be minor below 9,000 feet.

• Spring Mountains above 7,000 feet may see first significant snow of the winter season this week.

• Low elevation rainfall chances increase through Friday but details in the system’s movement may raise or lower chances.

The National Weather Service is predicting potential snow today at elevations of 8,000 feet and above with rain forecast for areas below that elevation.

The elevation level that potentially could see snow drops to 7,000 feet for the rest of the week with rainfall predicted for lower elevations.

According to the agency, travelers should be advised that several inches of snowfall resulting in minor to moderate accumulation impacts are predicted for high-elevation roadways.

Chain restrictions may be required above 7,000 to 9,000 feet.

Those behind the wheel must stop and put on chains when highway signs indicate chains are required, according to Cal Trans. Those who ignore the requirement can be cited by the California Highway Patrol and fined. There usually is about a mile between “Chains Required” signs and the checkpoint to install chains.

Precipitation chances are highest for Inyo

County through Wednesday.

Travelers at lower elevations are advised that road conditions could be slick due to first rainfall the area has seen in several weeks.

For the latest forecast updates, visit weather.gov/ lasvegas.