January 4, 2026 – Major mountain travel impacts above 5000 feet through Monday with white out conditions at times. Heavy rain, isolated thunderstorms, and breezy southerly winds today. Urban and small stream flooding may result from heavy rain.
Very difficult travel conditions with likely chain controls and possible road closures. Reduced visibility attimes due to the combination of gusty winds and heavy snow. Snow levels 5000 to 6000 feet today, lowering further to around 4000 to 5000 feet by early Monday morning.
Moderate to heavy rain may lead to roadway ponding, rises on mainstem rivers, and minor nuisance flooding of poor drainage areas, creating difficult commute conditions and slick roads.
No burn scar concerns at this time. Highest rainfall totals currently forecast along the Sierra and Shasta County mountains and in the northern Sacramento Valley.
Isolated thunderstorms may produce dangerous lightning, gusty winds, brief heavy rain, and small accumulating hail, impacting outdoor activities and recreationists. Breezy southerly winds today, not as strong as yesterday.
Brief period of dry conditions Tuesday, with a weak system then bringing light showers and mountain snow Wednesday.