California Snow Forecast: Up to 9 Inches Expected at High Elevations
Mother Nature is experiencing a bit of seasonal confusion following Memorial Day Weekend. Forecasts are calling for a wintry storm to hit Northern California, Oregon, and Nevada this week.
A low-pressure system is expected to move into the Sierra Nevada from Tuesday, May 26, through Thursday, May 28, 2026, bringing chilly temperatures and unseasonal precipitation. In the Lake Tahoe area, temperatures are expected to hover in the mid-40s through Thursday, with lows dropping to the mid-30s. Temperatures should warm back up on Friday and into the weekend.
South of Highway 50, there is a higher chance of snow accumulation, with snow levels expected to drop from 5,500-6,000 ft. by Wednesday morning before rising again later in the day. The highest peaks in the Tahoe area could see 1-3 inches of snow. Some passes and summits along Highway 50 could see snow over the next few days, potentially impacting travel in some areas.
The storm is also expected to hit Mono County and the Mammoth Lakes area. While Mammoth is forecasted to be a bit warmer than Tahoe with temperatures in the mid-50s, the area is expected to see rainfall Tuesday night, throughout Wednesday and Thursday, and into Friday. Higher elevations in Mono County could get 6-9 inches of snow by Thursday afternoon.
The heaviest snowfall is expected mid-day Wednesday through early Thursday morning. Mammoth Mountain is open until Sunday, June 7, so there's one last chance to enjoy whatever snow does fall in the Sierra this week by lift access.
The storm could also hit as far north as Oregon and the Cascades. Forecasts show snow levels dropping to 4,500-5,000 feet on Tuesday night, bringing a few flakes here and there. Radars show that up to six inches could fall at the highest elevations. As the storm moves southeast, Oregon should clear up by Thursday.
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This story was originally published May 26, 2026 at 11:42 AM.