Rain and snow forecast for Presidents Day in Sacramento and the Sierra. How much?
A weather system was predicted to move into Northern California over the holiday weekend, according to the National Weather Service.
Light rain was predicted for the Sacramento region starting Sunday morning ahead of a low pressure system coming ashore in the evening that was expected to bring heavier rain, isolated thunderstorms, wind and heavy snow.
The precipitation, including snow at higher elevations, was expected to continue into Wednesday, according to the weather service. Total rainfall was estimated to be 1-3 inches for the northern San Joaquin Valley and into the Sacramento Valley. A maximum of 4 inches, with some isolated spots of 5 inches, was predicted for the northern Sacramento Valley and the foothills
Snow was expected to start at higher elevations (4,500-5,500 feet) Sunday night and fall at elevations as low as 1,500 feet by Tuesday.
Snow in the mountains
Snow was predicted to fall in South Lake Tahoe starting around 1 a.m. Monday and accumulate 1-2 inches, according to the weather service.
Several inches of snow were expected to fall over the following day with the heaviest prediction of 8-12 inches falling on Tuesday. Overnight to Wednesday there was another 7-11 inches predicted.
Sierra-at-Tahoe predicted heavy snow on Monday and Tuesday, according to the ski resort’s five-day forecast. Skiers who were travelling Sunday night through Wednesday were reminded to be prepared for snowy road.
The weather service advised that people who want to head to the mountains for Monday’s holiday, Washington’s Birthday also known as Presidents Day, should travel Sunday ahead of poor driving conditions. Starting Sunday night heavy snow was predicted to be coupled with winds of 45-55 mph., creating whiteout conditions.
This story was originally published February 15, 2026 at 10:45 AM.
