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6h ago

Winter Storm Watches Posted for Northern and Central California Ahead of Monday Pacific System

Early-season moisture threatens feet of Sierra snow, with valley rain likely to ease fire risk.

Sunny and pleasant conditions are forecast for the weekend, but rain and Sierra snow arrive Monday.
Looking downhill at wet mountain road with forest backdrop and snow during winter storm.
A car drives amid snowy conditions on Highway 50 at Echo Pass near Meyers (El Dorado County) in the Sierra Nevada in March. The Sierra’s first winter storm watch of the season takes effect Monday, with the highest snow totals south of Highway 50.

Overview

  • Forecasts call for rain to begin Monday, intensify Monday night into early Tuesday, and taper through Wednesday.
  • NWS guidance points to heavy high-elevation snow with roughly 1–2+ feet along the Sierra Crest above about 6,500–7,000 feet.
  • An NWS Sacramento watch outlines 2–12 inches north of Highway 50 and 1–2 feet south of Highway 50, with gusts up to 35 mph.
  • Lower elevations could see around 1 inch of rain in the Valley and up to 2 inches in the Foothills, with isolated downpours causing localized ponding.
  • Travel impacts are expected, with likely chain controls on I-80 and Highway 50, planned closures at Monitor, Ebbetts and Sonora passes, and NWS Hanford urging drivers to delay trips if possible.