Cottonwood Lakes California Weather Forecast Discussion

075
FXUS65 KVEF 142258
AFDVEF
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Las Vegas NV
358 PM PDT Tue Oct 14 2025
.KEY MESSAGES...
* A potent, early-season storm system brings gusty winds and
  precipitation to the region today, including accumulating snow
  above 7000-8000 feet.
* Temperatures will be well below normal most of the week, with
  freezing morning low temperatures across the Owens Valley and
  Southern Great Basin Wednesday morning.
* Pleasant conditions for the remainder of the week with a gradual
  warming trend by the weekend.
&&
.DISCUSSION...through Sunday.
Our well-advertised Pacific low has arrived. Widespread 30-45 mph
wind gusts are begin reported across the area, and will continue
through the evening hours. Wind Advisories remain in effect for most
of southeastern Nevada, northwestern Arizona, and the Mojave
Preserve until 9PM tonight. Farther west, precipitation has been
spilling over the Sierra into western Inyo County all morning, but
has been slow to progress eastward. Rainfall amounts in the Owens
Valley are 0.10" - 0.75" as of 1PM, greatest in central and southern
portions of the valley. Higher up, sensors in the eastern Sierra
suggest the snow level is currently around 7500-8000 feet, though
these should decrease to ~6500` by early evening. Sierra SNOTEL
sites have picked up ~6" thus far, with more on the way. Models
show the main band of precipitation sliding eastward this
afternoon and evening, bringing rain/snow to primarily areas along
and north of I-15. For the Owens Valley and southern Great Basin
valleys, amounts generally 0.25"-0.75" with localized areas around
1". For the Mojave Desert valleys, 0.25" or less, decreasing with
southward extent. On the wintry side, minor to moderate snow
impacts continue to be expected in the Sierra, White, and Spring
mountains where winter headlines remain in effect through tonight.
In the Sierra and White mountains, impacts should largely be
above 7000 feet, while in the Spring Mountains they`re more likely
above 8000 feet.
Precipitation chances exit the area tomorrow morning, leaving light
breezes and notably cooler temperatures to dominate the weather.
Wednesday morning lows in the Owens Valley are likely (75%) to be
below freezing, prompting the Freeze Warning for this area.
Additionally, it looks like the valleys of Lincoln County could see
their first freeze Thursday morning. If trends continue, a Freeze
Warning will likely be needed. Highs on Wednesday are forecast to be
~15 degrees below normal for mid-October, with Vegas likely (75%)
not breaking out of the 60s. Temperatures will then gradually
moderate back to seasonable values by the weekend.
&&
.AVIATION...For Harry Reid...For the 00Z Forecast Package...Vicinity
showers and gusty south-southwest winds continue through 05-06z,
though winds may begin to taper off before precipitation chances do.
CIGs around 8kft, but may drop to ~6kft if a shower moves over (30%
chance). Sky conditions improve overnight as precipitation pushes
off to the east. Southwest breezes continue until a northerly wind
shift arrives midday Wednesday.
For the rest of southern Nevada, northwest Arizona and southeast
California...For the 00Z Forecast Package...Gusty conditions
continue today as a band of precipitation moves through. South-
southeasterly winds ahead of the rain and more southwesterly behind
it. Gusts generally 20-35 knots. Within precipitation, expect
lowered CIGs and reduced visibilities, especially in the southern
Great Basin and Owens Valley where chances of MVFR conditions are
~50% and IFR conditions are 10-20%. As precipitation pushes eastward
overnight, sky conditions will gradually improve in its wake. By
sunrise Wednesday, any lingering precipitation should be confined to
the southern Great Basin. Lighter southwest breezes on Wednesday,
eventually turning to the northwest.
&&
.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...Spotters are encouraged to report
any significant weather or impacts according to standard operating
procedures.
&&
$$
DISCUSSION/AVIATION...Woods
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NWS VEF Office Area Forecast Discussion