Heavy snow and strong winds are forecast to impact the Sierra Nevada, California, from April 21 to April 22, 2026, as a Pacific storm system moves inland, bringing significant snowfall to elevations above 2 100 m (7 000 feet). Authorities warn that travel through major mountain passes could become very difficult to impossible due to snow-covered roads and reduced visibility.
Multiple storms are forecast to bring heavy snowfall to California through February 18, 2026, with snowfall rates exceeding 76 mm (3 inches) per hour in parts of the Sierra Nevada. Extreme impacts are possible across higher elevations, with travel conditions dangerous to impossible, and 1.2–2.4 m (4–8 feet) of snow forecast above pass level.
A short-duration atmospheric river is forecast to impact California from Tuesday, February 10, through Thursday, February 12, 2026, bringing low-elevation rainfall and significant snowfall at higher elevations, particularly across the Sierra Nevada. Forecast guidance indicates the event will be short-lived, with impacts expected to be largely beneficial for regional snowpack rather than flood-producing.
An atmospheric river made landfall over California during the afternoon of January 2, 2026. Heavy precipitation and mountain snow are forecast through early next week across central and northern California.
Heavy rain and snow are forecast across California and Sierra Nevada through January 4, 2026. The first wave will target southern California with subtropical moisture, followed by a stronger system forecast to bring heavy rain and snowfall across central and northern regions of the state.
Winter Storm Warnings are in effect across parts of California from late December 23 through December 27, 2025, as a strong atmospheric river moves inland, bringing heavy mountain snowfall and high winds.
A strong atmospheric river is forecast to impact California from December 23 to 27, 2025, bringing widespread heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and high-elevation snow. The system is expected to produce 250 to 500 mm (10–20 inches) of precipitation in parts of the Sierra Nevada and 150 to 300 mm (6–12 inches) in the Coast and Transverse Ranges. The National Weather Service has issued high-risk alerts for flash flooding across southern California and moderate winter storm impacts over the Sierra Nevada.
Three atmospheric rivers are expected to impact California between December 20 and 25, 2025, producing 250–500 mm (10–20 inches) of rain over the Sierra Nevada and 75–180 mm (3–7 inches) over southern coastal ranges. The strongest system is forecast to peak on December 23–25 with IVT values surpassing 750 kg m⁻¹ s⁻¹ and AR3–AR4 intensity.
Heavy snow and gusts to about 65 km/h (40 mph) are forecast for the West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County/Lassen Park in California on Monday, November 17, 2025, with a Winter Weather Advisory in effect until 16:00 PST. A brief break is forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday, followed by increased chances for rain and snow showers on Thursday, November 20.
A strengthening low-pressure system offshore is forecast to spread heavy precipitation and mountain snow across the Sierra Nevada from Thursday, November 13 through November 15, 2025. Winter Weather Advisories are in effect for the Eastern Sierra Slopes, Greater Lake Tahoe Area and the West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada, with snow levels forecast to drop into November 14 and accumulations reaching 30–60 cm (12–18 inches) at the highest peaks.
