Weather
A prolonged active pattern is on tap across much of California, with relatively mild conditions holding through midweek before wet weather returns Friday into the weekend and persists into early next week. Confidence is growing for multiple waves of precipitation, though snow levels will generally be on the higher side for the first round. By late in the period, colder air may allow snow levels to drop slightly, bringing better coverage of snowfall to more resorts.
High pressure holds through Thursday, yielding dry conditions and cool mornings. Skies remain mostly clear with light winds and generally mild daytime temperatures. Overnight lows linger near or below freezing in some interior valleys, but mountain zones will see slightly warmer afternoons under the ridge.
Friday-Saturday brings the initial warm storm, favoring northern and central mountains. Precipitation arrives from the north on Friday, initially hitting the Shasta region and northern Sierra before spreading farther south. Snow levels could start around 5,000–6,000 feet in far northern areas early Friday, then quickly rise to 7,000–8,000 feet, limiting snowfall to higher peaks. Although this system carries decent moisture, many lower-elevation slopes may see mostly rain or a rain-snow mix. Winds increase over ridges but primarily remain moderate in valleys. Resorts in the northern Sierra stand the best chance of meaningful new snowfall through early Saturday.
Sunday-Wednesday continues unsettled and potentially more impactful. Additional rounds of moisture will pivot onshore through early next week, with snow levels perhaps inching downward as colder air gradually nudges in. This should open the door for more widespread snow accumulations above 6,000–7,000 feet, especially later Monday into Tuesday. Gusty southwest flow may accompany these fronts, occasionally affecting lift operations at exposed peaks. Medium- and long-range outlooks hint that the region stays in an active pattern, with above-average precipitation probabilities persisting into mid-February, increasing chances for deeper snowpack buildup in the high country.
7-Day Resort Forecast Totals
- Sugar Bowl – 42″–72” Fri (01/31)–Wed night (02/05)
- Kirkwood – 41″–70” Fri (01/31)–Wed night (02/05)
- Palisades Tahoe – 38″–65” Fri (01/31)–Wed night (02/05)
- Mammoth – 21″–36” Fri night (01/31)–Wed night (02/05)
- Heavenly – 20″–35” Fri (01/31)–Wed night (02/05)
- Northstar – 15″–28” Fri (01/31)–Wed night (02/05)
- Mt Rose – 14″–24” Sat (02/01)–Wed night (02/05)
