Sacramento, California – An increasingly active winter pattern is expected to impact Northern California as the New Year approaches, with strong signals for heavy mountain snow, valley rain, and significant travel disruptions from Dec 27 through Jan 9.
Large-scale atmospheric patterns favor repeated Pacific storm systems pushing into the West Coast during this period. According to the National Weather Service, colder air filtering in behind several systems is likely to lower snow levels at times, particularly during overnight and early morning hours. The Sierra Nevada currently shows the strongest signal for accumulating and potentially heavy snowfall, with impacts expected at higher elevations and mountain passes.
Travel along I-80 over Donner Pass, US-50 near Echo Summit, and Highway 88 through Carson Pass may be affected by snow-covered roads, chain controls, and temporary closures during stronger storms. Gusty winds and blowing snow could further reduce visibility in mountain areas, compounding travel hazards during peak holiday periods.
Lower elevations, including Sacramento, the Central Valley, and foothill communities, are expected to see mostly rain. However, brief rain-snow mixes cannot be ruled out in foothill locations if colder air pushes farther south. Repeated rounds of rain may also raise concerns for localized flooding in poor-drainage areas, particularly where soils become saturated.
The California Department of Transportation urges travelers heading into the Sierra to monitor road conditions closely, carry chains, and plan for delays. Residents should prepare for rapidly changing conditions, secure outdoor items ahead of windy periods, and remain weather-aware.
While breaks between storms are possible, the overall setup supports a stormy and wintry start to 2026 across Northern California, with persistent Sierra snow and ongoing travel impacts into early January.
