A fresh NOAA map flags a burst of heavy snow for three western states next week, raising expectations for early‑season powder in the mountains.
Key points
- NOAA’s heavy‑snow definition requires 4+ inches in 12 hours or 6+ inches in 24 hours.
- Moderate risk of heavy snow is limited to high elevations in the Klamath and Sierra Nevada on Nov 14‑15.
- Slight risk spreads to the Cascades, Northern Intermountain, Great Basin and Rockies through Nov 17.
- The forecast covers parts of California, Oregon and Nevada and could benefit early‑season ski areas.
On November 6, 2026 the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center released its U.S. Hazards Outlook map for November 14‑20, highlighting a pink‑shaded area where "heavy snow" is expected. The zone stretches across eastern and northern California, a slice of southern Oregon and western Nevada.
The agency’s accompanying description assigns a "moderate risk" of heavy snow to high‑elevation spots in the Klamath Mountains and the Sierra Nevada on November 14‑15, while a "slight risk" extends to the Cascades and portions of the Northern Intermountain, Great Basin, and the central and northern Rockies from November 14‑17.
Map shows pink‑zone heavy snow outlook
NOAA defines "heavy snow" as a snowfall of at least four inches within 12 hours or six inches within 24 hours, according to its official criteria. The map does not specify exact snowfall totals for the outlined region.
Ski resorts in the Klamath and Sierra Nevada ranges are likely to welcome the added snowpack, a development that typically draws attention from resort operators and winter sports enthusiasts alike.
Risk levels vary by region
The forecast was first reported by Men’s Journal on November 7, 2026 and later republished by Yahoo News. As with all short‑range outlooks, actual conditions may shift, and readers are encouraged to monitor updates from NOAA.
Reader questions
What does NOAA consider "heavy snow"?
According to NOAA, heavy snow means at least four inches falling in a 12‑hour period or six inches in a 24‑hour period.
Which areas have a moderate risk of heavy snow?
High‑elevation zones in the Klamath Mountains and the Sierra Nevada are listed with a moderate risk for November 14‑15.
When is the heavy‑snow outlook expected to occur?
The NOAA map forecasts heavy snow on November 14‑15 for the moderate‑risk zones and a slight risk extending through November 17 for surrounding mountain regions.
Source: yahoo.com
