Weather
Northern California Winter Storm Watch: Up to 2 Feet of Snow Nov 13-16
Sacramento, CA – A powerful winter weather system could bring up to 2 feet of snow, damaging wind gusts and dangerous mountain travel conditions to parts of Northern California beginning Friday, Novem
By Audrey Sloan · 2026-11-10T21:11:36.385Z
Sacramento, CA – A powerful winter weather system could bring up to 2 feet of snow, damaging wind gusts and dangerous mountain travel conditions to parts of Northern California beginning Friday, November 13. Drivers heading into the Sierra Nevada this weekend could face significant disruptions.
According to the National Weather Service in Sacramento, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Friday morning through Monday afternoon, November 16, covering higher elevations of the northern Sierra Nevada and southern Cascades, including Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Forecasters expect snow accumulations of up to 12 inches above 6,000 feet, with as much as 24 inches possible at the highest peaks. Wind gusts could reach 60 mph, creating hazardous driving conditions and potentially causing downed tree branches and localized power outages.
Major Mountain Highways Could Face Difficult Travel The storm could affect several important California travel corridors, including Interstate 80, Highway 50, State Route 4 and State Route 108.
Communities and mountain destinations near Donner Peak, Kingvale, Blue Canyon, Carson Pass, Arnold and Twain Harte could experience changing road conditions throughout the extended weekend.
The heaviest snowfall is expected Friday night into Saturday morning, when snow levels could fall from 7,000 8,000 feet to approximately 6,500 feet.
A temporary break is possible Saturday before another round of snow develops Saturday night and continues into Monday.
By Monday morning, snow levels could drop to around 5,000 feet, although measurable accumulations are expected primarily above 6,000 feet.
Friday Evening and Monday Morning Travel at Risk The National Weather Service warns that hazardous conditions could affect both the Friday evening and Monday morning commutes.
Travelers should monitor changing forecasts, prepare for possible chain controls and check highway conditions before entering mountain areas.
Current road information is available through Caltrans QuickMap or by dialing 511.
A Winter Storm Watch means significant winter weather is possible, but snowfall totals and impacts remain uncertain.