Early Winter Blast Dumps 3 Feet of Snow in California Mountains

A powerful early-season winter storm is expected to hit California's Sierra Nevada mountains this week, dumping up to 3 feet of snow in the high-elevation areas. The heavy snowfall will help supplement the water levels of many reservoirs in the region, which are currently performing above average for this time of year.

As of October 14, 2025, most major reservoirs in California, including Lake Shasta, New Bullards Bar Reservoir, and Lake Oroville, are over 100% of their average capacity for this period. The incoming snowstorm will add to the overall Sierra Nevada snowpack, and the runoff from the melting snow in the spring will further increase the reservoir levels.

However, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) has warned that the state must be prepared for extreme weather events of all kinds, as the past decade has demonstrated the need to prepare for both droughts and floods. The state climatologist, Dr. Michael Anderson, emphasized that while the water supplies are in a good position heading into the new water year, California will be closely monitoring for dry and wet extreme conditions that can pose hazards statewide.

The biggest immediate concern with the incoming storm is the impact on travel, as the heavy snowfall and blowing snow will limit visibility and make roads slippery. The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings across central California, urging residents to delay all travel if possible and exercise caution if travel is necessary.