November 19, 2016 – Rain and mountain snow this weekend and early next week. A brief break Tuesday then another round of precipitation possible just prior to and including the Thanksgiving Day holiday.
Winter Weather Advisory until 4 PM Sunday for West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada-Western Plumas County/Lassen Park.
Discussion
Storm system is moving through the region and encroaching upon Sacramento and places to the east and south. The front is moving very slowly so expect an extended period of steady rain once it arrives. 1 to 2 inches of rainfall for the valley can be expected from this system through Sunday. The mountains will fair pretty well with snow currently near 3500 ft over Shasta County to around 4000 ft over Plumas County and above 5000 feet further south.
Substantial amounts of snow can be expected over the higher elevations from this system with a lot of travel difficulty this weekend. At around the 8000 ft level 2 to 3 feet of snow will be possible. Some urban flooding will be possible with this slow moving system. Creeks should be fine but poorly drained areas and clogged drains from leaves may create some water issues.
Extended discussion (Wednesday through Saturday)
Weak system forecast to move through West Coast ridge Wednesday continuing a chance of light precipitation across the far northern portion of the forecast area. Stronger system approaches later Thanksgiving into Friday bringing potential for more significant winter weather impacts over the mountains as snow levels lower. Another brief break possible later Friday into early Saturday before another system moves into the region. Temperatures close to average for late November.