textproduct: Elko

KEY MESSAGES

1237 PM PST Mon Feb 16 2026

* Strong southwest winds in Central NV continue today.

* A series of winter storm systems will continue to impact Northern and Central Nevada thru the week.

* Winter driving conditions will be present.

DISCUSSION

(This evening through next Monday)

WEATHER PATTERN OVERVIEW: Active weather over northern and central NV continues today thanks to a large ULT to the north dragging its axis through the Great Basin. A tightened pressure gradient in the trough axis is keeping west-southwesterly flow brisk over central NV. A Wind Advisory continues for southern CWA locations in Nye, Lander, Eureka, and White Pine Counties. The first of many shortwaves riding the axis' flow will bring another round of snow showers to the region Tuesday evening and overnight. Expected additional accumulations by Wednesday morning around the region are as such:

Elko: 1" Spring Creek: 1" Winnemucca: 1" Ely: 5" Eureka: 3" Tonopah: 2" Wendover: T"

Central NV will enjoy better moisture availability and temperatures will be less of a limiting factor tonight compared to Monday evening. Better frontogenesis and enough CAPE to mention this evening may cause higher amounts than what is forecasted in isolated locations for central and east-central NV. As the initial shortwave pushes to the northeast on Wednesday a second shortwave will begin to encroach on the region from the northwest. A more traditional storm track will push precipitation into the area from west to east beginning Thursday AM. Snow showers over the area Thursday will bring an additional 1-2 inches of valley snow will higher peaks and elevations will see another 4-8 inches of snowfall on top of what the first wave has deposited.

As the second wave departs the area it will take adequate moisture with it as brief ridging builds over the western CONUS late Friday and Saturday. By Sunday though, another large ULT sets up off the PNW coast. A shortwave riding the ULTs axis will impact northern CA Sunday PM and begin to initiate shower activity over northern NV by Monday AM as it carries sufficient moisture with it into the Great Basin. This next set of waves will have a colder atmosphere to interact with setting up potential for another snowy week next week.

FORECAST CONFIDENCE & DEVIATIONS: High confidence remains in strong southwesterly flow across the area through Wednesday. Moderate confidence exists in precipitation continuing across the area though amounts and totals have fluctuated over the last few model runs. High confidence exists in winter wx driving conditions through the weekend. Winds were increased using 90% NBM for first 18 hours. No major changes needed to short term grids.

AVIATION

Periods of MVFR and IFR conditions are possible at all terminals due to low CIGS, low VIS, and precipitation in the area this evening and Wednesday. CIGs will lower this afternoon and evening at all terminals from west to east as another round of -SHSN and -SN moves through the region tonight and Wednesday. Wind gusts of 30-35KTs is possible for northern NV terminals while KTPH and KELY will see gusts closer to 40KTs through the evening and into Wednesday morning. Gusty winds will cause BLSN that will help reduce VIS. -SHSN and -SN will impact VIS at all terminals this evening and Wednesday as well. A brief lull in winds Wednesday morning will occur before Wednesday afternoon southwesterly flow ramps back up to 30-35KTs.

LKN Watches/Warnings/Advisories

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

Winter Storm Warning until 10 PM PST Wednesday NVZ034.

Wind Advisory until 10 PM PST this evening NVZ035-037-040-041.