textproduct: Elko

KEY MESSAGES

1237 PM PST Mon Feb 16 2026

* Strong southwest winds in Central NV continue through this evening.

* Another weather system immediately impacts the region with snow showers and winds for Thursday.

* A quiet weekend leads into another busy winter weather week next week.

* Winter driving conditions will be present.

DISCUSSION

(This evening through next Tuesday)

WEATHER PATTERN OVERVIEW: The final in a series of shortwaves impacting central and northern NV will make its way into the region tonight and early Thursday AM. These waves are riding the axis of a larger parent trough over the northern Rockies. Embedded in the axis is notable jet streak in response to the tight gradient of the trough which is helping keep windy conditions over central NV Wednesday afternoon and evening. Blowing snow is a risk for locations in central NV through the evening where lower visibilities are possible. Cautious winter driving should be exercised.

Snow showers return to the region Thursday as the final shortwave pushes through the area. Expected accumulations through Friday morning with this wave are as follows:

Elko...1" Spring Creek...1" Winnemucca...1" Tonopah...2" Austin...2" Eureka...1" Ely...1" Wells...1" Wendover...T"

Higher elevations and mountain passes in northern NV are forecast to see 4-6 inches of additional snowpack, whereas central NV peaks and ridges will see more of 6-9 inch range.

Beyond Thursday a ridge sets up over the Intermountain West for the weekend between the departing ULT and another LPC and associated trough setting up off the PNW coast. Another series of shortwaves associated with this parent system is expected to impact the region next week. Current model guidance is void of run to run continuity. The first system to impact the region has been pushed from Monday into early Tuesday. Moisture availability is also a growing concern with next weeks forecast. Future model runs will need to be scrutinized to better determine timing, impacts, and potential precipitation accumulations.

FORECAST CONFIDENCE & DEVIATIONS: High confidence continues for strong southwesterly flow through this evening and precipitation across the area on Thursday. Low confidence exists in timing and precipitation amounts associated with next weeks system(s). No wholesale changes needed for grids at this time.

AVIATION

Strong winds gusting up to 35KT continue at all sites through the early evening. Ceilings have lifted across the area but snow showers still persist and may impact all sites at times today. Visibilities below 2SM are possible with the strongest snow showers but prevailing conditions will be well above VFR thresholds.

LKN Watches/Warnings/Advisories

Winter Weather Advisory until 10 PM PST this evening NVZ030-031-035>041.

Winter Storm Warning until 10 PM PST this evening NVZ034.