Snow in Las Vegas: Betting Against the Odds

Snow storm at the welcome to las vegas sign — Credit: u/kg_drip Reddit - More than 7 inches of snow fell in Las Vegas in December 2008.

Introduction

In this post I’ll explore that rarest of Las Vegas events - snow! Yes, it does happen but certainly not every year. The elevation of Las Vegas at around 2000 feet makes this a possibility but what makes this rare is the combination of moisture, which is difficult to get out of any weather system in southern Nevada, and cold enough temperatures to produce snow.

Quick Stats

It has snowed 35 times since 1939. 23 of which were 1 inch or more.
Most times in a year - 6 in 1949
It has not snowed since 2019.
Last 1 inch or more snowfall - December 17th 2008 (3.6”).
Most snow in one day - 7.4” 1979
Greatest snowstorm - 9.7” five days from Jan 9-13, 1949

How does it happen?

To get big snow in Las Vegas two things have to happen. The first is to have air cold enough to produce snow. Usually you need a strong cold front to come down from the north. Cold fronts happen many times every winter but sometimes they are just not quite cold enough. The ones that are cold enough are often dry, meaning all you get is wind and some clouds. But occasionally, like in 2008, you get the combination of cold air over southern Nevada and sub-tropical moisture coming in from the Pacific over the top of the cold air. Even in this scenario, the relatively warmer sub-tropical moisture often overpowers the cold air and it warms above freezing quickly. In 2008 though, the cold air stayed in place due to strong north winds continually pulling in more cold air. And the precipitation came down heavily which can often lower the temperatures further. This storm produced more than 7 inches of snow in the end.

Snow Outside Of Las Vegas

All of this information is based on the weather near the Las Vegas airport or at the National Weather Service offince, both of which are near the 2000 foot elevation. As the city’s growth has exploded, so did has the boundary. Now, the western side of the city is close to 3000 feet. Snow is more common in Summerlin and parts of Henderson due to that few extra degrees of cold air at that elevation. If you continue west to Red Rock Canyon, the elevation even nears 4000 feet and snow is actually fairly common there, especially on the mountain faces.

If you’ve ever driven from Southern California to Las Vegas you know there are some pretty good mountains just before you get to the Nevada border. The highest is called Mountain Pass (aptly named) at an elevation of over 4,700 feet. This is high enough to cause significant travel issues during winter storms. Often there will be rain from LA to Barstow, then suddenly snow in the mountains catching California drivers off guard. Check out the video below which gives you a good idea of what drivers can face.

Often after you pass the mountains it will go back to rain again as you near Las Vegas. But occasionally it gets so bad, compounded by weekend visitors, that I-15 will close completely. Sometimes road closures last 12 hours!

Travelers coming to Las Vegas from Arizona sometimes see snow as well. Kingman, Arizona, which is on route to Vegas via highway 93, has an elevation of about 3,300 feet. High enough to sometimes cause trouble. And some travelers using I-40 don’t understand the significant mountains near Flagstaff (over 7,000 feet).

Travelers coming from Utah also have to be mindful of snow. I-15 has some high passes over 6,000 feet north of St. George. Between St. George and Mesquite, Nevada is a very tricky road called the Virgin River Gorge. This section is actually in the corner of Arizona and it’s not necessarily the elevation that make it difficult, its the curves.

Mt Charleston/Lee Canyon

Just 45 minutes drive from the activity of the Las Vegas Strip lies a winter playground – Mt. Charleston and Lee Canyon.

At 11,900 feet, Mt. Charleston is the highest peak in the Spring Mountain Range. Driving up from Las Vegas it’s amazing to see the stark contrast between the snow-covered landscapes and the arid desert environment below.

A winter scene on Mt. Charleston near Las Vegas — Mt. Charleston

For snow enthusiasts and those seeking an outdoor escape from the craziness in Vegas, Mt. Charleston/Lee Canyon offers a snowy break. With an average annual snowfall of well over 100 inches, this alpine oasis offers lots of opportunities for winter recreation. From skiing and snowboarding to snowshoeing and sledding, there are lots of winter activities to enjoy. Many tours are available to book from Las Vegas.

Visitors to Mt Charleston can find a range of services and amenities. The Lee Canyon Ski Resort offers ski and snowboard rentals, as well as lessons for those eager to hit the slopes for the first time. Additionally, the resort features a cozy lodge where guests can warm up with hot cocoa or have a good meal after a day of outdoor fun.

For those looking to extend their stay in this mountain paradise, Mt. Charleston/Lee Canyon offers camping facilities and cabin rentals. If you're seeking a weekend getaway or a week-long retreat, there's no shortage of accommodations.

Keep an eye out for wildlife on Mt. Charleston. You may see deer, elk, bighorn sheep, and other native inhabitants. Bird watchers will find more than 130 species in the area. Elk were introduced from Yellowstone National Park into the Spring Mountains in the 1930s. Other wildlife you may spot include: coyote, bobcat, grey fox, mountain lion, badger, western spotted skunk, ring-tail cat, long-tailed weasel, and the tiny dwarf shrew.

Snowfall records have been kept on Mt. Charleston since the early 1980s. On average, the weather observing site there gets more than 90 inches of snow annually. But you can see in the chart below the incredible range, not only by month but annually. Only 23 inches in 2014 to 189 inches just four years prior. February is of course the snowiest month because it’s the wettest month in the region.

Conclusion

While snow on the Las Vegas Strip is pretty rare, outside of the city it’s pretty common. If you’re driving to Las Vegas in the winter, be sure to check the latest weather forecast along your route because the surrounding mountains may provide a surprise snow storm. If you enjoy winter recreation, head to Mt. Charleston while you’re in town for a day away from the busy Strip. Plus you can tell people you went skiing in Las Vegas.