Las Vegas breaks February daily rainfall record; more rain coming

Tuesday precipitation across the Las Vegas Valley and surrounding mountains might back off a bit from Monday’s level, says the National Weather Service.

“We will get about a third of an inch across the valley in more like showery events or isolated showers,” meteorologist Andy Gorelow said. “The mountains are expected to get 1 to 2 feet of snow.”

Precipitation is expected to decline after Tuesday, but remain in the daily forecast through Friday.

Last week’s warm and sunny weather made way for record-breaking rain and chill in the valley. And the week is far from over.

Harry Reid International Airport recorded 0.37 inches of rain Monday, breaking the Feb. 5 record of 0.33 inches set in 1948, the National Weather Service reported.

Just a week ago, the airport saw 72 degrees, breaking a record for the date.

Several automated measuring devices in the Spring Mountains recorded 1 to 2 feet of snow Monday.

Lee Canyon reported 11.5 inches in the past 24 hours with 31.5 inches in the past seven days, bringing the season total to 74.5 inches.

An avalanche at Lee Canyon on Monday sent a police search and rescue team to the ski area outside Las Vegas after initial reports of people missing. Ultimately, the avalanche left no one missing, said Jim Seely, Lee Canyon’s marketing and sales director.

The resort will be closed Tuesday and possibly Wednesday, officials said.

Routes 156, 157 closed briefly

State Route 157, also known as Kyle Canyon Road, was only open to residents of the mountain communities, while State Route 156, also known as Lee Canyon Road, was closed to everybody, NDOT posted on X just after 5 p.m. Monday.

An NDOT spokesperson, said in text messages Monday night that 156 had been reopened to all, but that tire chains or snow tires were required, and that 157 had also been reopened to all.

The “Pineapple Express” that drew heavy moisture from south of the Equator, was responsible for the conditions.

Monday rainfall across the valley ranged from 1.34 inches at Harris Springs (from midnight to 9:30 p.m.) just east of Mount Charleston to nothing in Boulder City gauges. Generally, the heavier rainfall was on the west and south sides with less amounts to the east.

Red Rock Canyon Visitors Center received 1.18 inches with .98 of an inch at the Summerlin gauge a few miles to the northeast. Several gauges on the west side outside of the 215 Beltway logged more than half an inch.

On what was expected to be one of its busiest days ever because of Super Bowl arrivals, the airport had 12 cancelled flights into or out of the airport and 586 delayed flights.

Contact Marvin Clemons at mclemons@reviewjournal.com. Follow @VegasMarvRJ on X.