Freezing temperatures could be a problem for residents of the Las Vegas Valley, but the weekend cold snap is welcome news for skiers and snowboarders.
Temperatures below 30 are expected on Saturday mornings in several parts of the valley – especially the outskirts and higher elevations, the National Weather Service says.
“McCarran (international airport) is projected to drop to 35, so places like Southern Highlands, Mountain’s Edge and Summerlin are likely to be in their top 20s in the morning,” said meteorologist Andy Gorelow. “We’re pretty sure the foothills and outskirts will be below freezing.”
Local residents are advised to protect plants, pipes and people, Gorelov said.
“Take measures now to protect delicate plants from the cold. To prevent freezing and the possible rupture of outdoor water pipes, they should be wrapped, drained, or slowly drained. Those who have sprinkler systems sunk in the ground should empty them and cover above-ground pipes to protect them from freezing, ”said the weather service’s frost warning.
❄️ Winter weather will allow for a return to the area early next week, with heavy snowfall in the Sierra & White Mountains of California as well as the Spring & Sheep Ranges in Southern NV! Stay tuned! #cawx #nvwx 🏔️ pic.twitter.com/TsQhZNhkNO
– NWS Las Vegas (@NWSVegas) December 10, 2021
After the morning cold, the highs are expected for the weekend in the mid-50s with sunny skies in the valley. The overnight lows should be in the mid-30s. The high for Monday is forecast at 61.
Cold is warm news for Lee Canyon
For lovers of relaxation in the mountains, the cold weather is very warm. Lee Canyon is not open for winter recreation, but that could change in the coming days depending on conditions.
“You (Lee Canyon) can’t make snow unless it’s below freezing and you have started making snow,” said Stephanie Forte, Lee Canyon representative. “Ideally, a lot of natural snow is best, but right now it looks like it will be cold all weekend to make snow.”
The weather service’s forecast calls for a storm on Tuesday that could bring a foot of snow into Lee Canyon.
“It’s a pretty large system with a lot of moisture,” Gorelow said of a prediction calling for 4 to 20 inches over 5,000 feet and one foot over 8,000 feet. The base lodge at Lee Canyon is at 8,594 feet.
Forte said an opening date announcement could come on the cold weekend and expected storm on Tuesday.
“If those factors – the cold weekend and the expected snowfall – stay in place, it’s safe to say that this is a good scenario for skiers and snowboarders,” said Forte.
Snowmaking began Thursday evening and continues at Lee Canyon over the weekend if conditions allow artificial snow to stick and not melt.
“The snowmaking team has to assess whether there is a night low (cold enough) and an afternoon high that won’t melt,” said Forte.
Lee Canyon said there was no rush to open the roof, said Jim Seely, director of marketing, noting that the snowmaking stopped on Friday later in the day. Most of the snowmaking takes place at night, when the temperatures are coldest.
“We like to take our time and make sure that people can enjoy the trails when we open,” said Seely. “We will assess the conditions after the expected storm and make a decision (about the opening).”
Day passes can be purchased online and start in the mid-range of $ 60. The pricing is dynamic, depending on the day of the week and the volume of business, said Seely.
More rain on the way
The system, which is expected to arrive on Tuesday, could bring widespread rain to the valley, Gorelov said.
The current forecast is for showers mainly from Tuesday 10 a.m., with showers until the evening hours.
“We were mostly able to see a quarter to a half inch on Tuesday and until Tuesday night before he left the area,” said Gorelov.
Lack of precipitation
The year will likely end as one of the four driest in 20 years, Gorelov said.
By Friday, McCarran had gotten 1.6 inches, with the norm being 3.83 inches.
In the past 20 years, according to weather service records, only three years have been under 2 inches (1.81 in 2014, 1.59 in 2009 and 1.44 in 2004).
Up to 100 inches near Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada are expected to see heavy snowfall when a “significant” winter storm sweeps over the mountain range, the weather service said.
A winter storm watch was issued and was scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. Saturday through 4 p.m. Tuesday. The storm is expected to affect travel along the US Highway 50 corridor beginning Sunday, when conditions worsen with high winds and whiteout conditions. Fallen trees and power outages are possible.
Contact Marvin Clemons at mclemons@reviewjournal.com. Follow @Marv_in_Vegas on Twitter.
