Weather
Northern California Snow Alert: 4–6 Inches Possible October 11–13
Sacramento, CA – California's Sierra Nevada is facing its first measurable snowfall of the season beginning Sunday, October 11, with accumulating mountain snow, slick roads and isolated thunderstorms
By Nolan Pierce · 2026-10-11T18:32:29.518Z
Sacramento, CA – California's Sierra Nevada is facing its first measurable snowfall of the season beginning Sunday, October 11, with accumulating mountain snow, slick roads and isolated thunderstorms possible through Tuesday, October 13.
According to the National Weather Service in Sacramento, snow is expected to develop Sunday evening and continue into Monday, potentially creating hazardous driving conditions across higher elevations of Northern California.
Forecasters indicate snow levels will initially remain above 6,500 feet Sunday night before lowering to approximately 6,000 feet Monday as colder air moves across the mountains.
Higher elevations near major Sierra Nevada mountain passes, including Echo Summit, Ebbetts Pass and Sonora Pass, could experience accumulating snowfall.
The agency's forecast graphic indicates approximately 3–4 inches of snow near Echo Summit and Ebbetts Pass, with localized totals reaching 4–6 inches around Sonora Pass.
Although the overall winter weather impact is classified as minor, motorists should prepare for slick roads, reduced visibility and potential travel delays, especially along exposed mountain routes.
Rain and Thunderstorm Chances Continue
The approaching weather system will also bring scattered rain showers and isolated thunderstorms across portions of the Sacramento forecast region Sunday and Monday.
The National Weather Service estimates thunderstorm probabilities of 5% to 15%, with the greatest chances concentrated over the Sierra Nevada.
Brief periods of heavy rainfall may accompany stronger showers or isolated thunderstorms.
Monday, October 12, is expected to bring the greatest opportunity for shower and thunderstorm activity, although unsettled conditions could continue into Tuesday, October 13.
What Travelers Should Know
Drivers planning trips through Sierra mountain passes should check current road conditions before departing and prepare for rapidly changing visibility and pavement conditions.
Travelers can monitor highway restrictions and conditions through Caltrans QuickMap.
While this is not forecast to be a major winter storm, the arrival of the season's first measurable Sierra snowfall marks a notable change in California's mountain weather.
Additional forecast updates may refine snowfall totals and travel impacts through Tuesday.