This forecast was created at noon PST on Monday, February 3
A series of energetic storms will continue to bring heavy mountain snow, gusty winds, and fluctuating snow levels across California through the end of the workweek. Overall, Monday night through Wednesday will see prolonged periods of snowfall at higher elevations with a brief lull midweek, followed by another stronger system Thursday into Friday. Snow levels will vary but often favor mostly snow at mid to high elevations. Conditions trend drier by the weekend, though lingering light snow showers may persist along the crest.
Monday NightโEarly Wednesday Storm: Snow will expand rapidly by Monday night, focusing on mid and upper elevations, with snow levels generally fluctuating between 6,000 feet and 7,500 feet. Winds will be strong, especially in exposed terrain, potentially creating periods of reduced visibility at higher elevations. By Tuesday and into early Wednesday, additional pulses of moisture will keep snowfall going in the mountains, accompanied by breezy conditions that may impact lift operations at times.
Midweek Lull: A brief break in widespread precipitation is anticipated later on Wednesday, though scattered mountain snow showers could persist at times. Snow levels may drop slightly during this window, but any additional accumulations appear modest. Temperatures should remain cool enough that higher elevations remain firmly in snow, with only minor accumulations expected during the midday lull.
ThursdayโFriday Storm: Another colder system is on track to dive in from the northwest, bringing significant new snowfall to mid and high elevations beginning Thursday. Snow levels will start near 4000โ5000 feet in some northern areas, with slightly higher thresholds farther south, before lowering further by Thursday night. This round appears capable of producing substantial new snow amounts, plus gusty winds that will once again hinder upper-mountain visibility and exposure.
Weekend Outlook: By Saturday, most model guidance points to a quieter pattern settling in. Some lingering snow showers may continue in the high country, but overall snowfall intensity and coverage should diminish. Temperatures look to remain seasonably cool, setting up a more tranquil period for late weekend turns after back-to-back storms.
Resort Forecast Totals (through Friday night)
- Sugar Bowl โ 33″โ57โ
- Kirkwood โ 31″โ53โ
- Palisades Tahoe โ 30″โ52โ
- Mammoth โ 28″โ49โ
- Northstar โ 19″โ34โ
- Mt Rose โ 13″โ25โ
- Heavenly โ 13″โ24โ