Multiple waves of mountain snow and heavy rainfall are set to impact the West, delivering much-needed relief to several states suffering through a terrible snow drought not seen in decades.
For this particular time of the year, the Upper Colorado Basin currently stands at a record low for snow all-time.
It’s been a total of 330 days since Salt Lake City, Utah last measured at least 1 inch of snowfall. That streak stretches to 442 days for Grand Junction, Colorado. (RELATED: 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season To Potentially Be Suppressed As El Niño Expected To Arrive In Summer)
A huge dip in the jet stream is forecast to settle across the West beginning Sunday, setting the stage for a pattern of active weather.
This pattern will allow a series of storms to deliver abundant snowfall to higher elevations, while the lower elevations will see rain.
In California, the system will arrive as a potent low-pressure center is expected to blast the state. This disturbance will pave the way for consecutive storms that will continue funneling heavy rain into the area.
WINTER STORM HQ ❄️: After weeks of drought conditions, the West will experience significant mountain snow and rain in the lowlands. A large dip in the jet stream is expected to park itself over the West which will open the door for much-welcome active weather. Stay with FOX… pic.twitter.com/ocdo0xQxlq
— FOX Weather (@foxweather) February 12, 2026
It’s anticipated that there will be multiple waves of snowfall into the conclusion of next week, with some mountain locations — particularly in the Sierra, Rockies, Colorado Basins and Wasatch ranges — potentially accumulating double-digit feet of snow, according to the FOX Forecast Center.
These heavy snows will offer much-needed replenishment to regions that are snow-starved throughout the West.
Shifting to regions such as Southern California, lower-elevation areas will see heavy rainfall that is forecast to begin early next week. (RELATED: Flood Threat Grows For South As Cross-Country Storm Set To Unleash On Millions)
Major cities Los Angeles and San Diego could receive 5 inches of rain, raising the risk of flash flooding, with a special focus on areas scarred by 2025’s destructive wildfires.
At present, a low-level (¼) flash flood threat is in effect, per the FOX Forecast Center.
After this active period ends, NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center shows high confidence in their outlook that a strong portion of the West will keep experiencing above-average precipitation for the rest of February.