SnowBrains Forecast: Snow Finally Returns to CA, Up to 10 inches Expected

A cold, unsettled pattern arrives this weekend and brings a round of fresh snowfall to the Sierra Nevada, with snow levels down to mid-mountain elevations and gusty winds at times. Otherwise, look for calmer and drier conditions to emerge by mid-next week.

A deepening low will move into the region Saturday through Sunday, spreading snow across the mountains. Snow will begin by midday Saturday, with rates picking up late in the day as colder air lowers snow levels to around 3,500-4,500 feet. Higher elevations can expect moderate to locally heavy accumulations through Sunday morning. Temperatures in the mountains will trend colder through the weekend, favoring predominantly snow at ski areas. Winds will increase out of the northeast Saturday night, creating periods of blowing snow and reduced visibility at upper elevations.

Sunday into Monday, the storm lingers with continued mountain snow showers. Though snow rates may vary in intensity, additional light to moderate accumulations are possible, especially in the southern and eastern Sierra locations through Monday. Gusty winds should gradually ease on Monday, but breezes may still be notable in upper-elevation terrain. Snow levels could flirt with lower foothill elevations at times, especially overnight. Daytime highs remain below average for late January, and overnight lows will be quite chilly.

Looking ahead to midweek, high pressure builds in and brings a drying trend with seasonable temperatures. Skies gradually clear Tuesday into Wednesday, though mornings will be cold with the possibility of freezing overnight lows across the mountains and nearby valleys. Current outlooks suggest drier conditions through late next week, with a modest warming trend overall. Some longer-range guidance hints at another disturbance toward next weekend, but confidence in meaningful additional snowfall remains low for now.

Resort Forecast Totals

• Heavenly – 5″–10” Sat Day (01/25) – Sun Night (01/26)
• Mammoth – 5″–9” Sat Day (01/25) – Sun Night (01/26)
• Mt Rose – 4″–8” Sat Day (01/25) – Sun Night (01/26)
• Kirkwood – 2″–6” total (2–5” Sat Day (01/25) – Sat Night (01/25) + 0″–1” Sun Night (01/26))
• Palisades Tahoe – 0″–2” Sat Day (01/25) – Sat Night (01/25)
• Northstar – 0″–2” Sat Day (01/25) – Sat Night (01/25)
• Sugar Bowl – 0″–1” Sat Day (01/25)