Two Storm Systems Will Impact California, West This Weekend

Linda Lam
Published: February 23,2017
The exceptionally wet pattern that has brought devastating floods to parts of California will bring more rain and snow to the region this weekend and early next week.
(MORE: Late-February Storms Brought Flooding, Landslides to California)
A cold, upper-level area of low pressure is expected to slide southward from the Gulf of Alaska Friday into Saturday as another low-pressure system approaches from the west. This first system will spread light to moderate rain and snow along the West Coast.

Current Satellite and Moisture

Then, a second similar system will dive southward along the West Coast Sunday into Monday.
The good news is that both systems won't be as strong or have as much moisture as some recent storms. It will also be colder, which will allow snow instead of rain to fall in some lower elevations that picked up rain recently.
(MORE: Northern California Communities Brace for More Flooding)

Forecast Details

Most of California will enjoy dry conditions through early Saturday. However, cloud cover will increase, and a few rain and snow showers are possible in northern California Friday night into Saturday.
Saturday Night

• Showers are expected to develop across much of coastal California and in the higher elevations.
• Snow will fall in the Sierra Nevada mountains, generally above 6,000 feet.
• FORECAST: San Francisco | Fresno | Seattle

Saturday Night's Forecast

Sunday

• Rainfall will become more widespread over northern California to western Washington as the second system moves in.
• Some showers may linger in Southern California from the first system.
• Snow is expected in the Sierra and Cascades above 5,000 feet. Snow may accumulate as low as 1,000 feet in Washington and Oregon, with some snowflakes in the valleys as well.
• FORECAST: Los Angeles | Sacramento | Portland

Sunday's Forecast

Monday

• Some showers may linger in Southern California and the Desert Southwest.
• The Sierra will continue to receive snow above 4,000 feet.
• Strong and gusty winds are likely from Southern California into the Southwest and Great Basin.
• FORECAST: San Diego | South Lake Tahoe | San Jose

Monday's Forecast

Current expectations are for most areas to receive less than 1 inch of rainfall through Monday. The Sierra, Siskyous and Cascades will likely pick up another foot of snow.
Snow will likely fall above 5,000 feet, which could minimize flood risks. Given the saturated soil and swollen creeks and rivers, however, flooding and mudslides will remain a big concern.
(MAPS: Weekly Planner)

Rain and Snow Forecast

The upper-level trough, or southward dip in the jet stream, will move eastward early next week, allowing an upper-level ridge of high pressure to slowly build into the West coast midweek. This will bring a much-needed return for dry weather.
MORE: Storms Hit California