The Western United States is set to experience a series of major storms, bringing both heavy mountain snowfall and significant rainfall to regions suffering from historically low snow levels. The Upper Colorado Basin currently records a record low for snow at this time of year, with Salt Lake City, Utah, going 330 days without at least one inch of snow and Grand Junction, Colorado, at 442 days.

A pronounced dip in the jet stream beginning Sunday is expected to trigger multiple storm waves. Higher elevations in the Sierra Nevada, Rocky Mountains, Colorado Basins, and Wasatch Range could accumulate several feet of snow, providing long-awaited relief to drought-stricken regions.

California is likely to experience intense low-pressure systems, generating consecutive storms that will funnel heavy rainfall into much of the state. Southern California cities including Los Angeles and San Diego could see up to five inches of rain, heightening the risk of flash flooding, especially in areas still recovering from destructive wildfires in 2025. A low-level flash flood threat is already in effect.

Forecasts from NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center indicate high confidence that above-average precipitation will continue across much of the West for the remainder of February, prolonging the period of active weather and offering critical replenishment to snowpack and water supplies.