Weather
Sacramento, CA Snow Alert: 12+ Inches Possible Nov. 15-16
Sacramento, CA – A new storm system is expected to bring widespread rain, mountain snowfall and breezy southerly winds to Northern California from Sunday, Nov. 15, through Monday, Nov. 16, raising con
By Mara Ellison · 2026-11-14T17:41:51.335Z
Sacramento, CA – A new storm system is expected to bring widespread rain, mountain snowfall and breezy southerly winds to Northern California from Sunday, Nov. 15, through Monday, Nov. 16, raising concerns about travel delays across the Sierra Nevada and surrounding mountain communities.
According to the National Weather Service in Sacramento, the approaching system carries a moderate snowfall impact rating for higher elevations, with mountain travel delays and possible chain controls expected.
Forecasters indicate that the heaviest snowfall accumulations will occur south of U.S. Highway 50 and near Lassen Peak, where localized mountain areas could receive substantial snow.
The agency's snowfall forecast map shows pockets of accumulation reaching the 12 inch range or higher in some elevated terrain, although amounts will vary considerably by location.
Snow levels are expected to begin around 6,500 to 7,000 feet Sunday before dropping to approximately 5,000 to 6,000 feet by Monday.
That lowering snow level could increase travel concerns along mountain highways, particularly routes connecting Sacramento with the Lake Tahoe region.
Meanwhile, lower elevations, including Sacramento, Stockton, Chico and surrounding communities, are expected to experience primarily rainfall rather than accumulating snow.
The National Weather Service has assigned a minor impact rating to the rainfall portion of the storm, citing slick roads, longer commutes and possible ponding of water.
Some areas could receive between one half inch and 1.5 inches of rain, with locally higher amounts indicated in the forecast.
Drivers planning mountain trips Sunday or Monday should prepare for changing conditions, possible chain requirements and slower travel.
Residents can check updated forecasts at weather.gov/sto and monitor California highway conditions through Caltrans QuickMap .