Loyalton, CA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Loyalton, Sierra County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Loyalton?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged heavy snow or a winter storm on 193 days in the Lassen-Eastern Plumas-Eastern Sierra Counties forecast zone and Sierra County — the most common reported hazard around Loyalton, mostly in December and January. Next come high winds (92 days) and flooding (4 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 193 | Feb 2026 | Jan 22, 1997 · $200,000 damage |
| High winds | 92 | Apr 2026 | Dec 14, 2002 · $220,000 damage |
| Flooding | 4 | Mar 2023 | Feb 9, 2017 · $6.8 million damage |
| Debris flows | 4 | Oct 2021 | Jan 11, 2017 · $1.6 million damage |
| Wildfires | 3 | Sep 2019 | Jun 23, 2007 · $75,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 2 | Dec 2013 | — |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 1 | Jan 1997 | — |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 1 | Jul 2003 | — |
Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, 1996–2026 (the latest year is partial). A "day" is a date with at least one report in the Lassen-Eastern Plumas-Eastern Sierra Counties forecast zone and Sierra County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Loyalton get?
A normal year brings about 38 inches of snow to Loyalton, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Vinton weather station 9.4 miles away. The snowiest month is usually December (8.5 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.2 | 2.9 | 8.5 | 8.2 | 7.6 | 6.9 | 2.8 | 0.3 |
Normal snowfall in inches. TALON Pro compares this season's snow at your location with these normals as winter goes on.
Which radars cover Loyalton?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KRGX (Reno, NV), about 42 miles east. Radar beams climb as they travel, so the height of the lowest scan over town decides how low in a storm the radar can see.
| Radar | Distance | Lowest beam over Loyalton | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KRGX Reno, NV | 42 mi east | 2,800 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KBBX Beale AFB, CA | 75 mi west | 6,300 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KDAX Sacramento, CA | 112 mi southwest | 11,400 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
Beam height is the center of the 0.5° scan above the radar, with standard refraction. Mountains near a radar can block it further.
Tornado & hail history near Loyalton
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 8 tornadoes within 25 miles of Loyalton. Most came in August and July. The strongest was an EF1 on August 15, 2020, which touched down about 7 miles east-northeast of town.
Hail: 24 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955; the largest was 1.75-inch hail on July 23, 2003.
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center — tornadoes 1950–2025, hail 1955–2025. Distances are to each tornado's track; ratings before February 2007 use the original Fujita scale.
On TALON you get Loyalton's live radar loop, rain/snow/ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks with arrival times and NWS warnings free; close-up radar and rotation detection are part of TALON Pro.
Loyalton radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Loyalton, CA?
KRGX (Reno, NV), about 42 miles east. KBBX (Beale AFB, CA) is 75 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Loyalton?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Loyalton the lowest scan from KRGX is about 2,800 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Loyalton free?
Yes — the US radar loop, rain/snow/ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and NWS warnings are free in any browser. Close-up radar, rotation detection and longer forecasts are part of TALON Pro.
Should I rely on radar for my safety?
No app replaces official warnings. When the National Weather Service issues a warning for Loyalton, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Portola, CA radar 16 mi
- Truckee, CA radar 23 mi
- Nevada City, CA radar 51 mi
- Grass Valley, CA radar 53 mi
- South Lake Tahoe, CA radar 54 mi
- Colfax, CA radar 55 mi
- Susanville, CA radar 56 mi