Reno, Nevada, situated in Northern Nevada, does receive snow, though the experience differs significantly from the heavy snowfall seen in the nearby mountains. The city occupies a high desert climate at an elevation of approximately 4,500 feet above sea level, nestled on the eastern edge of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. This geographical placement fundamentally shapes its winter weather patterns, making the presence of snow a regular occurrence during the colder months.
Annual Snowfall Averages
Reno’s valley floor typically receives a moderate amount of snow each year, with the average annual total falling between 20 and 26 inches. This accumulation is significantly less than the several hundred inches that accumulate in the Sierra Nevada crest just a short distance to the west. While the annual total may seem substantial, the snow often does not remain on the ground for extended periods. The snowpack on the valley floor is usually negligible, melting quickly due to the high desert sun and generally mild daytime temperatures. On average, the city experiences about six days per year where at least one inch of new snow is recorded, and major snowstorms depositing over ten inches in a single event are rare.
Monthly Timing of Snow Events
The snowy period for Reno generally spans about four to five months, beginning in November and usually concluding by late March. The peak of the snow season occurs in the middle of winter, with January and February typically recording the highest monthly totals. These two months often account for the majority of the annual accumulation, averaging frequently around 3.5 to 5.2 inches each. December is also a reliably snowy month, experiencing similar average totals. Snowfall in the shoulder months of November and March is less consistent, but measurable snow events are still a regular part of the seasonal pattern, and light snow flurries can occur as early as October or as late as April.
The Influence of Elevation and Geography
Reno’s high elevation, sitting at roughly 4,500 feet, is a significant factor in allowing precipitation to fall as snow rather than rain during the winter. The most defining geographical feature is the massive Sierra Nevada range directly to the west, which creates the pronounced rain shadow effect. As moisture-laden air masses from the Pacific Ocean move eastward, they are forced upward by the mountains, dropping most of their moisture on the western slopes. By the time the air descends into the Truckee River Valley, where Reno is located, it is considerably drier and warmer. The western edges of Reno, which are slightly higher in elevation and closer to the mountains, tend to see greater precipitation totals than the eastern parts of the city.