USA National Forecast

Heavy Rain, Snow Pounded West In Early February

At a Glance

Multiple low-pressure systems brought more rain and snow to the West.
An upcoming pattern change will bring an end to the parade of storms in the West.

The last in a series of fairly warm and wet low-pressure system brought heavy rain and snow to the West, renewing the threat for flooding and landslides in California.

An atmospheric river event brought a prolonged period of moderate to heavy rain to portions of northern California on Tuesday. That rain, combined with snowmelt in some areas, brought flooding and several mudslides to parts of California and Nevada.

(MORE: Heavy Rain and Snowmelt Causes Flooding in California and Nevada)

This latest system in the parade of storms pushed into the West and impacted the region with rain, snow, ice and gusty winds through Friday.

(MORE: California's Snowpack Surges to Levels That Might Eliminate Long-Term Drought)

If you are hoping for a break from the rain, there is good news. Beginning this weekend, a pattern change is expected as an upper-level ridge will build into the West Coast.

Drier weather will begin on Saturday and will continue into at least mid-next week.

(MAPS: Weekly Planner)

The dry weather may not last, however, as forecast guidance is suggesting another wet weather pattern will take shape mid-to-late February.

Storm Reports

Late Week Reports

Numerous mudslides and flooded roads were reported on Thursday in northern and central California.

Heavy rain fell in Oregon Wednesday into Thursday with 7.82 inches measured near Gold Beach and 5.59 inches in Langlois. On Friday morning, 3.24 inches of rain was reported near Heavenly Valley, Nevada and 4.84 inches fell at Plumas Eureka State Park in California.

On Thursday morning, around an inch of ice was reported in Grass Valley, Oregon and half an inch of ice accumulated in Appleton, Washington. Plain, Washington reported heavy snow with 10.5 inches as of Thursday morning and up to 32 inches was measured at the Mount Rose ski area in Nevada and near Alpine Meadows, California Friday morning.

A wind gust of 86 mph was recorded Thursday near Ruch, Oregon and a gust of 83 mph occurred near Independence, California.

(MORE: California Reservoirs Pictured Before and After the Wettest Winter in Five Years)

Early Week Recap

Between Monday and Tuesday, 4.43 inches of rain fell near Redding, California, and 2.06 inches was measured near Soda Springs. Tuolumne Meadows, California, reported 15.0 inches of snow, as of Tuesday morning.

Early Tuesday morning, several mudslides were reported. Numerous streets flooded in northern California and 40 homes were affected by flooding in Marin County.

Heavy rain combined with snowmelt led to significant flooding in the South Lake Tahoe area as well.

Winds were strong with this midweek system. A 40-mph gust was measured near San Francisco, and near Palmdale, in southern California, a gust of 69 mph was recorded.

Warmer subtropical moisture moved in, changing snow over to rain at elevations below 8,000 feet. This transition to heavy rain increases the risk of flooding in the mountains and foothills, especially when combined with any melting snow.

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